NEW ORLEANS, LA, May 7, 2000 — An ornate palace set against the backdrop of modern Los Angeles, the Chinese Theatre has become a part of America’s cultural landscape. Filled with the imprints of Hollywood royalty, visitors can actually follow in the footsteps of celebrities who have set their legacies in stone. On Tuesday, June 27 at 8:00 PM (ET), as part of the “Hollywood Real to Reel” series, AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSICS will premiere HOLLYWOOD AT YOUR FEET: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE THEATRE FOOTPRINTS, hosted by actress Raquel Welch. This one-hour special explores the mystique of the elaborate Chinese Theatre and the hallowed hand and foot prints that lie within its courtyard. Unveiling the story behind the landmark and its creation by the original owner Sid Grauman, HOLLYWOOD AT YOUR FEET: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE THEATRE FOOTPRINTS offers clips of the theatre’s construction and of historical footprint ceremonies as well as interviews with Hollywood insiders such as Johnny Grant and film expert Leonard Maltin. The special is based on the book “Hollywood at Your Feet” by Stacey Endres-Behlmer and Robert Cushman.
Within the famous forecourt of the Chinese Theatre, the footprints, handprints and signatures of Hollywood’s greatest legends have cemented their stardom forever. For every square there is a story, thanks to the foresight and showmanship of a film exhibitor named Sid Grauman. Since its beginning, the Chinese Theatre’s courtyard has been filled with the prints of more than 200 Hollywood legends. From Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe to Michael Douglas and Michael Keaton, HOLLYWOOD AT YOUR FEET: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE THEATRE FOOTPRINTS explores the indispensable lore of the Chinese Theatre.
As part of that night’s “Hollywood Real To Reel” presentation, AMC will follow HOLLYWOOD AT YOUR FEET: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE THEATRE FOOTPRINTS with DOWN ARGENTINE WAY (1940), a story about a woman who falls in love with a smooth Argentinian horse breeder. Airing at 9:00 PM (ET), DOWN ARGENTINE WAY features Betty Grable, the top box office star of the 1940s who American G.I.s voted their number one pin-up girl. The film elevated Grable to true Hollywood status and was a precursor for her footprint ceremony at the Chinese Theatre.
HOLLYWOOD AT YOUR FEET: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE THEATRE FOOTPRINTS is produced by Van Ness Films, Inc., in association with Foxstar Productions, Fox Television Studios and AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSICS. HOLLYWOOD AT YOUR FEET: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE THEATRE FOOTPRINTS is executive produced by Kevin Burns, written by Ed Singer and produced by Michele Farinola. Executive Producer for AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSICS is David Sehring.
AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSICS is the premiere 24-hour movie network featuring award-winning original productions about the world of American film. With one of the finest, most comprehensive libraries of classic films from the 1930s through the 1980s and a diverse blend of original series, documentaries and interstitial, the service offers in-depth information on timeless and contemporary Hollywood classics. Through the network’s multiple platforms – AMC’s website (www.amctv.com), AMC’s original broadband programming and AMC Magazine – the entertainment provider informs passionate movie fans about the history behind the films. AMC is available in 72 million homes.
Contact:
Dina White
Jaime Saberito
516-803-4350
Fenot Tekle
Lynn Weiss
310-998-9300