Overture: Songs of Long Ago
Grauman's Chinese Theatre Orchestra, David Ross, Conductor

SID GRAUMAN ATMOPHERIC PROLOGUE
with Paul Draper, Albertina Rasch Ballet, Adohr Opera of the Air Singers (augmented)

Scene 1—A New England home in 1860
a. Grandfather's Clock—Jackie Hughes
b. Then You'll Remember Me—Roy Russell and Wynne Davis
c. Love's Old Sweet Song—Jackie Hughes
d. Knitting Maids—Rausch Girls. Little Women—Dianna Douglas, Wynne Davis, Jesse Cole, Estella Veles

Scene 2—Glen
a. Song—Romany Life (the villagers greet the gypsies)
b. Call of the Woodlands—William Felix Knight and Ensemble
c. Dance of the Gypsies—Rausch Girls
d. Vilia—Francis White
e. Operatic Wrangle—Carmen and Faust—Tudor Williams, Fred Scott, arl Cowan, Emmett Casey, and the Misses White and Wynne Davis
f. Dancing Diversions—Fred Draper
g. Albertine Rausch Ballet and Ensemble
h. Finale—At the Clearing

Staged by Sid Grauman and Max Schek
Edward Lester, Voice Director

Reported Gross "Little Women" @ 55¢ - $1.65

Week Week Ending Perfs. Gross

1 Friday, December 29, 1933 14 $21,000

2 Friday, January 5, 1934 14 $22,500

3 Friday, January 12, 1934 14 $15,000

4 Friday, January 19, 1934 14 $16,500

5 Friday, January 26, 1934 14 $14,000

6 Sunday, January 28, 1934 (2 Days) 6 $6,000

Totals

37 Days Daily Average: $2,568 -- --

6 Weeks Average Performance: $1,286 70 $95,000

Source: Variety

SID GRAUMAN PROLOGUE
with Marie "Gamby" Gambarelli

"The Grasshopper and the Ants" A Silly Symphony in Technicolor / Directed by Wilfred Jackson / A Walt Disney Production / A United Artists Release

Overture: "Queen Christina" Overture, Under the Direction of Dave Ross

Scene I—Corridor of the Palace
Song—"The Queen's Guard is Marching Away"
Captain of the Guards—Tudor Williams / Officers—Fred Scott. Roy Russell, Emmett Casey, LaGrande Anderson, with Male Chorus

Scene II—Interior Palace of the Queen
The Queen—Dione Carroll, Page—Francis White, Officers of Guard and Dignitaries, The Lover—Roy Russell

Scene III—Entrance of the Maidens
America's Premiere Dancer—Marie "Gamby" Gambarelli
Musicians of Grand Opera—Company of Sixty
1. Waltz—"La Traviata", with William Felix Knight, Prussian Dancers and Ensemble
2. Drinking Song—"Cavaleria", with Tudor Williams, Fred Scott and Male Chorus
3. "Last Rose of Summer"—"Martha", with Jean Merrill, Audrey Farmcroft, Catherine Rose and Girls's Ensemble
4. "Ah! May Heav'n Forgive You Kindly"—"Martha", with Emmett Casey, Wynne Davis, Tudor Williams, Catherine Rue, LeGrande Anderson
5. Grand March from "Tannhauser" with the Ensemble

Scene de Ballet—Gambarelli and Ballet
The Royal Entertainers—Paul Remos and Company
Court dancers—Ensemble
Song—Christmas Music—Roy Russell
The Page Songs of Love—"Queen Christina"—Francis White and Entire Ensemble

Finale
At the Opera—Casey Shaw Collins—the Queen, Jackie Bingham—the Countess

Entire Prologue conceived and supervised by Sid Grauman
Staged by Max Scheck
Music and lyrics of entire Prologue by Edward Ward and George Waggner
Costumes—United Costumes, Inc.
Wigs—Elaine Loriaine, Wig Shop
--
House Manager - George Lundberg
Secretary - Gertrude Skall
Treasurer - Basil Mallicoat
Assistant Treasurer - Robert Edney
Assistant Treasurer - Floyd Beavers

"Purse Fitting Prices": Matinees: 50¢, 75¢; Evenings: 50¢, 75¢, $1:00

Premiere Tickets: $5.00 (including tax).

Stars Attending the Premiere:
Norma Shearer / Jean Harlow / Charles Chaplin / Wallace Beery / Gloria Swanson / Clark Gable / Constance Bennett / Marion Davies / Ann Harding / Alice Brady / John Barrymore / Harold Lloyd / Joan Crawford / Fredric March / Jackie Cooper / Robert Montgomery / Billie Burke / Jimmy Durante / Lewis Stone / Edmund Lowe / Lilyan Tashman / Mryna Loy / Otto Kruger / Franchot Tone / Lupe Valez / Clive Brook / Elissa Landi / Loretta Young / Cora Sue Collins / Dorthea Wieck / George O'Brien

Tuesday, February 13, 1934 Variety House Reviews - Chinese, Hollywood - Hollywood, Feb. 9. Sid Grauman's prolog for Metro's 'Queen Christina' is an elaborate spectacle, symbolic of ancient royalty, packed with 40 minutes of fast moving entertainment. It's the first Grauman prolog on record that was not overboard on opening night, and there isn't a portion of it that will require trimming. Climaxing the show is a snow ballet featuring Maria 'Gamby' Gambarelli and 16 girls, which gave the spectators a thrill seldom experienced hereabouts. It was the piece-de-resistance to an otherwise well-rounded-out program. It reflects credit on Grauman and Max Scheck. Prolog is colorful and tuneful, with a few outstanding individual voices and a male ensemble of 30, which is reminiscent of a Riff chorus of other days. There are close to 100 people in the show, with all contributing their share to the general entertainment. Overture was short, and masterfully played under the baton of Dave Ross. Opening scene starts with a semi-fairy tale idea, and then gets into stride with the male chorus, led by Tudor Williams, singing 'The Queen's Guard Is Marching Away'. Breakaway set unfolded into a lavish interior, with Queen Christina, portrayed by Dena Carroll, holding court. Miss Carroll is an excellent likeness of Garbo and surveys her subjects in regal splendor. Her only spoken line is, 'Please go! I want to be alone', which, drawled in the Garbo manner, drew a laff. Miss Gambarelli does a dance of wild abandon, her pirouettes winning rounds of applause. Next followed a bit of opera by the ensemble of 60, featuring William Felix Knight, Devona Doxie, Williams, Fred Scott and other soloists. Paul Remos and trio of midgets presented dexterous hand-balancing, climaxed by one of the pint-sized acrobats playing a xylophone while perched atop a pole, balanced on Remos' shoulder, and a partner performing acrobatic gyrations suspended by a foothold from the same bamboo. It's an act with plenty of merit, deserving everything it drew. A solo by Roy Russell, baritone, followed by a soprano rendition by Francia White, aided by the chorus, preceded the snow ballet. Spectacle has the 16 femmes on for a toe routine, with Gamby executing a series of difficult evolutions and winding up with a skating dance on her toes. Entire outfit is garbed in white, including white wigs, and presents a tableaux flash finish that is exceptionally striking. Edward Ward and George Waggner are given credit for all the music and lyrics in the prolog. A Walt Disney Silly Symphony, 'Grasshopper and the Ant', in Technicolor, also on screen. House virtually capacity at premiere, with the customers taxed $5 a throw. — Edwa.

Reported Gross "Queen Christina" @ 50¢ - $1.00

Week Week Ending Perfs. Gross

Preem Friday, February 9, 1934 ($5.00 Top) 1 $5,900

1 Thursday, February 15, 1934 14 $18,200

2 Thursday, February 22, 1934 14 $15,700

3 Thursday, March 1, 1934 14 $14,000

4 Thursday, March 8, 1934 14 $12,300

5 Thursday, March 15, 1934 14 $11,200

6 Sunday, March 18, 1934 (3 Days) 6 $2,400

Totals

38 Days Daily Average: $2,097 -- --

6 Weeks Average Performance: $1,035 77 $79,700

Source: Variety

"The Big Bad Wolf" A Silly Symphony in Technicolor / Directed by Burt Gillett / A Walt Disney Production / A United Artists Release

Overture—Orpheus. . .Offenbach - Mr. David Ross, Conducting

Set 4
"King Henry the Eighth"
with Bud Jamison as King Henry VIII

Set 5
"Love is the Theme Song"
a concept on the operetta style, featuring Francia White - prima donna and the Grauman Singing Emsemble.
Introducing solo moments in
French - John Ellis and Wynne Davis
German - Roy Russell
Italian - Fred Scott
Russian - Catherine Rue and The Moscow Quartette
Mexican - Emmet Casey
Devona Doxie
Song Birds - Audrey Farncroft

Stage 6
Maria "Gamby" Gambarelli in "The Swan"
Sound Department - Cass, Mack and Owen - International Favorites (at Premiere, this sections was performed by Cookie Bowers - "the one and only")

Stage 7
Maria "Gamby" Gambarelli and Ballet in "Sophisticated Syncopation"

Stage 8
Jack Powell "King of the Drumsticks"

Stage 9
"Drums of My Heart"

Stage 10
Tableau - Napoleon at Moscow

Conceived and Produced by Sid Grauman
Stage Direction - Max Scheck
Dance Direction - Maria "Gamby" Gambarelli
Costumes - United Costumes
Gambarelli Costumes - Corinne
Music and lyrics by Edward Ward and George Waggner
(Premiere programe states: Grauman's Chinese Theatre perfumed for this performance with "Of Thee I Sing"

Executive Staff for Mr. Grauman
General Auditor - Frank Hundley
Director, Advertising and Publicity - Harry Hammond Beall
Stage Manager - George Ormston
Company Manager - C. Colton Cronin
House Manager - George Lundberg
Secretary - Gertrude Skall
Treasurer - Basil Mallicoat
Assistant Treasurer - Robert Edney
Assistant Treasurer - Kathleen Lumpkin
Assistant Treasurer - Floyd Beavers

Premiere Tickets: $5.00

"Not to be shown in any other theatre during 1934"
("Rothschild" was playing the United Artist Theatre in downtown Los Angeles in September, 1934 - ED)

Reported Gross "The House of Rothschild" @ 50¢ - $1.50

Week Week Ending Perfs. Gross

Preem Tuesday,April 3, 1934 ($5.00 Top) 1 $6,000

1 Monday, April 9, 1934 12 $26,000

2 Monday, April 16, 1934 14 $23,000

3 Monday, April 23, 1934 14 $20,900

4 Monday, April 30, 1934 14 $18,400

5 Monday, May 7, 1934 14 $16,000

6 Monday, May 14, 1934 14 $14,100

7 Monday, May 21, 1934 14 $14,000

8 Monday, May 28, 1934 14 $13,700

9 Monday, June 4, 1934 14 $11,900

10 Monday, June 11, 1934 14 $12,000

11 Sunday, June 17, 1934 (6 Days) 12 $7,200

Return Sunday, June 24, 1934 (3 Days) 6 $5,900

Totals

79 Days Daily Average: $2,394 -- --

12 Weeks Average Performance: $1,204 157 $189,100

Source: Variety

SID GRAUMAN PROLOGUE with Raymond Paige and his California Melodies Orchestra of 40: "A Night at the Hollywood Bowl"

Tuesday, October 23, 1934 Variety House Reviews - Grauman's Chinese - Hollywood, Oct. 18. Formerly the Coast's deluxe ace two-a-day house, and dark for several months, Chinese reopened today under a three-a-day pop price policy. Intention is to run mats at 30 and 40¢ and two evening shows at 65¢, giving a somewhat less pretentious stage show than in former days, plus a first-run picture, cartoon comedy and a Universal news reel. Admitting that he's still in the experimental stage, and desirous of keeping the house open if he can hit a combo that will prove popular, Sid Grauman tried a thorough class bill for his initialer. 'Affairs of Cellini,' (UA) was the film. It is apparent that Grauman even with a popular price house, is endeavoring to keep his theatre thraditional in the minds of the hinterlanders who in the past included the Chinese as one of the show places of Hollywood. On the stage Grauman has Raymond Paige's symphony of 40 pieces from KHJ. Paige's combination is by far the outstanding radio symphony on the Coast, with his band now having something of a national reputation through regular programs going transcontinental over CBS. With Paige having the distinction—rare for an air baton wielder—of having conducted a couple of Hollywood Bowl concerts, Grauman utilizes this fact in this prolog, which is billed 'A Night at the Hollywood Bowl.' Orchestra on a mobile platform, painted to have the appearance of the Bowl, fills almost the whole stage, with the background giving an outdoor motif. Orchestra contributions are mainly of the semi-classical and popular order. Band's finale, an outstanding arrangement of 'Black Eyes,' is particularly effective. Specialty numbers are brief and in keeping with Grauman's restraining policy. Musical numbers include Jackie and Earl Hatch, of the orchestra, in a twin piano act, ranging from classical to jazz; Randall Sisters, radio harmonizers, in two numbers; Margit Hegedus, violinist, and Rose Perfect, soprano. Crane Twins (femme) do a toe-stepping routine to waltz time and as a contrast, Edith and Billie Wilshire contribute collegiate eccentric hoofing. Tops in the specilties is Paul Gerrits, with his slow tempoed roller skating and chatter routine. Opening night had house about 90% capacity and, from the reception, it appears this type show will keep the spot out of darkness. — Stan.

Reported Gross "The Affairs of Cellini" @ 30¢ - 65¢

Week Week Ending Perfs. Gross

1 Wednesday, October 24, 1934 23 $10,700

2 Wednesday, October 31, 1934 23 $8,700

Totals

14 Days Daily Average: $1,385 -- --

2 Weeks Average Performance: $422 46 $19,400

Source: Variety

SID GRAUMAN Presents

1. Raymond Paige and his California Melodies Orchestra
Offering a Medley of Current Hits as played by Raymond Paige over the air
(a) "New Moon Over My Shoulder"
(b) "Two Cigarettes in the Dark"
(c) Love in Bloom

2. Banjoist Etraordinary, Jimmy Sill

3. The Gumm Sisters

4. Jackie and Earl Hatch "Going to Heaven on a Mule"

5. Charles Beynon "Pale Moon"

6. Marget Hegedus, Hungarian Violinist in Gypsy Airs

7. Buster Shaver and His Little Stars Olive & George "A Novelty in Miniature"

8. Finale: Raymond Paige and his California Melodies Orchestra in "Mardi Gras"

November 6, 1934 Variety House Reviews - Chinese, L. A. - Hollywood, Nov. 1. Though top heavy on music, current bill has a lot of punch and entertains in full measure. Feature attraction is the Raymond Paige orchestra, coast's modern symphony combo of 45 pieces. Outside of the band, the Gumm Sisters (New Acts) and Buster Shaver with George and Olive Brasno complete the presentation. That means that outside of the band, Grauman is getting by for around $850 on the week, while considering the show, is a bargain. Band opens with a medley of pop numbers. Arrangment are slick, getting all the meat there is out of the numbers. James Sell, orchestra banjoist, follows with two numbers, both well received. Gumm Sisters next and stopped the show. NEW VAUDEVILLE ACTS GUMM SISTERS (3) Singing 7 Mins.; One Chinese, L.A. Hardly a new act, this trio of youngsters has been kicking around the coast for two years, but has just found itself. As a trio, it means nothing, but with the youngest, Francis, 13-year-old, featured, it hops into class entertainment, for, if such a thing is possible, the girl is a combination of Helen Morgan and Fuzzy Knight. Possessing a voice that, without p.a. system, is audible throughout a house as large as the Chinese, she handles ballads like a veteran, and gets every note and word over with a personality that hits audiences. For comedy, she effects a pan like Knight and delivers her stuff in the same manner as the comic. Nothing slow about her on hot stuff and to top it, she hoofs. Other two sisters merely form a background. Kid, with or without her sisters, is ready for the east. Caught on several previous shows, including the 5,000 seat Shrine Auditorium here, she has never failed to stop the show, her current engagement being no exception — Call Jackie and Earl Hatch, pianists with the band, hold the following spot. Pair have been around here for several years playing with the Al Pirce Gang, air act. They're about ready for something big. Technique is similar to that of Frey and Bragiotti. Their one number, 'Going to Heaven on a Mule' stands out as feature stuff. In modulations and breaks, their indivual style bespeaks considerable thought on arrangements. Limited out here, they should go east. A distinct novelty, Shaver and his duo of midgets mar their act with several blue gags from Olive Brasno when she is doing the Mae West bit. From normal actors it could be accepted, never excused. But with midgets it is decidedly bad tatse. Audiences always think of them as kids and resent the smut. Loaded with entertainment, the act did well but the dirt at the finish chilled the applause. Band finishes with the ultra-modern 'Mardi Gras,' a brassy hoorah which gives the closing a fast finish. 'Count of Monte Cristo' (UA) is the feature, with Universal news clips filling out. Opening day (Thursday) mat was near capacity. — Call.

Reported Gross "The Count of Monte Cristo" @ 30¢ - 65¢

Week Week Ending Perfs. Gross

1 Wednesday, November 7, 1934 23 $12,000

2 Thursday, November 15, 1934 (8 Days) 26 $12,100

Totals

14 Days Daily Average: $1,721 -- --

2 Weeks Average Performance: $491 49 $24,100

Source: Variety

1. Universal News - Graham McNamee Announcing

2. "Dognappers" Starring Mickey Mouse / Directed by David Hand / A Walt Disney Production / A United Artists Release

3. Radio's Favorite Maestro - Raymond Paige - and his augmented California Melodies Orchestra offering "March Slav" by Tschaikovsky(sic)

4. Jackie and Earl Hatch - Favorite Melodies from "The Desert Song"

5. Raymond Paige - offering his impressions of the country's popular band leaders
a: Ted Fio Rito
b: Al Fox
c: Paul Whiteman
d: Duke Ellington
e: Ray Noble

6. Marget Hegudus, violinist - playing "Caprice Viennoise"

7. Radio's Popular Artiste - Mary York, soprano offering "One Fine Day" from "Madame Butterfly"

8. Raymond Paige and his augmented California Melodies Orchestra presents the current popular hit "Love for Sale"

9. "The White Parade"

10. William Hoffman - Concert Organist

Reported Gross "The White Parade" @ 30¢ - 65¢

Week Week Ending Perfs. Gross

1 Wednesday, November 21, 1934 (6 Days) 20 $8,100

Totals

6 Days Daily Average: $1,350 -- --

1 Week Average Performance: $405 20 $8,100

Source: Variety