Game Ideas for a Hollywood Theme Party

There's no business like show business. A Hollywood-themed party can be an elegant affair, from the red carpet out front down to pint-sized chocolate Oscars as treats. An old-fashioned costume party brings old Hollywood movie stars back to life and gives guests a taste of nostalgia for the golden age of film. Having an old Bette Davis or Charlie Chaplin movie playing on a silent TV screen adds charm and Hollywood ambiance to the room.

Who Am I?

As each guest arrives at the party, pin an index card to his back with the name of a famous Hollywood movie star, past or present. The person is not allowed to see his own card and must spend the evening asking other people questions about his movie star to figure out his "identity." The partygoer must also help other people figure out who they are by reading their backs and answering the yes or no questions they ask about themselves. Typical topics include whether the star is alive or dead, an action hero or romantic lead, and in movies the other guests have seen.

Movie Charades

Split players into even teams. Each team must write down titles of famous movies or famous scenes from Hollywood movies. The teams choose from each other's piles and silently act out the famous movies or scenes. Entertaining examples include "King Kong's death" or "Jaws." If the team calls out the name of the movie, it scores a point. Players can work in pairs to act out the scenes.

Costume Party

Invite your guests to come dressed as their favorite Hollywood movie stars, past or present. When each "star" arrives, have her join you on the patio for a Grauman's Chinese Theatre moment--leaving her handprints in cement. Set out plaster-of-paris squares for each guest, and have partygoers put their handprints in the "cement" while you take their pictures. A red carpet is a nice touch, as are white twinkly lights.

Make Your Own Movie

Have your short script ready in advance, with enough parts for all your guests to play. If you are not a writer, visit the library and check out a 10-minute play from your favorite playwright, then make photocopies before your party. Part of the fun will be "auditioning" all your guests, "casting" the roles, having a rehearsal and staging the movie in your house, and then finally shooting the movie. It can be funny to cast guests who are not actor-types as inanimate objects, such as a table or a plant in the room.

To make it more difficult, try shooting the whole thing without pausing the camera.

Play the movie back while the party is still going, and then hand out awards for best performance.

References

• Party Games, Etc.: Hollywood Party Games and Ideas