Avid Stargazers Turn Out for ‘The Rocketeer’

The Scene: Wednesday night’s premiere of “The Rocketeer,” at the newly renovated El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. The picture, Walt Disney Studios’ big bid for summer movie bucks, was kicked off with an opening that closed several blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and attracted a crowd of thousands hoping to see the stars. Tickets, available to the general public, sold out early that morning, and an extra screening was added to control the overflow. Afterward, the crowd poured into the street for a full-fledged carnival, while VIPs disappeared into the Hamburger Hamlet down the street for their own celebration.

The Buzz: The El Capitan, restored to its 1920 splendor, is the linchpin of a new so-called cinema district on the boulevard, the first step in a plan to make the street look like something flourishing instead of festering.

Who Was There: “Rocketeer” stars Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly and Timothy Dalton; Disney Studios Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg; City Councilman Michael Woo; a clown; a stilt walker, and someone dressed as a gigantic M&M.;

Dress Code: The studio had someone costumed as the Rocketeer, with knee-high boots, a studded leather jacket and a helmet that covered his entire head--in other words, your basic Hollywood Boulevard look. Woo wore a sleek suit that made him look like an aspiring agent. The El Capitan ushers won the best-dressed awards for their snappy gray jackets with gold braid.

Sights: Watching the crowd behind the barricades turn from worshipful to vicious when the stars didn’t acknowledge them. Watching the sidewalk photographers throw tantrums when the stars bypassed them for the television cameras. Watching Jeffrey Katzenberg help cut a ceremonial ribbon with a pair of prop scissors almost as big as he was.

Overheard: One photographer, frustrated by a large security guard, lost all control and screamed: “This is not Nazi Germany! I am not someone you’re kicking off the weight bench at the gym! Cut the macho theatrics, go take some steroids, and leave me alone!” (The security guard remained unimpressed.)

Triumphs: The event might have been a zoo, but it was an extremely well-run zoo. And what a novel idea for a premiere: inviting the general public in addition to the usual jaded industry types.

Glitches: Low star turnout. More important, too many screening tickets were issued. Later arrivals were turned away with tickets in hand, their moods ranging from belligerence to near tears. (Disney did its best to assuage the situation, handing out souvenirs and free tickets to later showings.)

Exit: Departing guests got to see the stilt walker taking a break in the parking lot, sitting on top of a car with his boots touching the ground. Just another night in Hollywood.