When you pull off a Texas highway, bound for any small town, you often wonder how much of a town you’ll actually find. What will signal that you’ve arrived in the heart of a small community? You may pass a Dairy Queen and wonder if that’s going to be the peak of commerce and community. Spying a turn that looks promising, you might ask yourself, “Is this the main street?” Antique shops, check. A ladies’ boutique, check. Then you see it: the shining marquee, surrounded in lights, calling to you. You’ve found the old movie house and, likely, the very heart of the town.
It’s no accident this scene is fairly consistent across Texas. It was a simple strategy for the movie studios from the 1920s through the late 1940s. Find the center of town and build your theater there, ensuring that your films will strike at the hearts of the citizens and deep into their pockets. The strategy worked, until a 1948 U.S. Supreme Court antitrust ruling that made the studios sell off their theaters.
Many growing up during the golden age of cinema (roughly 1930 to 1960) defined their sense of community around the shared experiences enjoyed in these theaters. In some cases these “temples to movies” were the only air-conditioned buildings in town, making the local theater not only a place to escape into new and exciting fictional worlds, but also an escape from the scorching Texas heat that stretched across the calendar. As the movie industry declined in the 1960s and 1970s — paralleled by shrinking populations in rural Texas — many theaters were forced to close their doors. Over time, these boarded-up, dilapidated theaters would become a symbol of the loss of small-town culture not just in Texas but in the country as a whole.
In more recent times, small-town communities across Texas have realized the architectural and cultural value of these buildings and have invested significantly in efforts to restore these landmarks. Today, many of these historical theaters are again in operation, serving as a proud reminder of the never-say-die Texan spirit upon which these small towns were built many decades ago.
Queen Theatre
Built in 1939, the Queen Theatre stands today as a symbol both of Bryan’s mid-20th century economic prosperity, as well as the tireless efforts to restore the downtown area in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Prior to the construction of the grand theater, as it’s known today, the Queen Theatre was first housed on the bottom floor of the Historic Stoddard Hotel. After the Stoddard was demolished in 1939, construction began on the Queen’s extravagant new home — a modern, Art-Deco- style theater topped with a visually stunning, neon-lighted revolving crown. On Nov. 21, 1939, with much fanfare and celebration, the Queen Theatre officially opened — christening its screen with a showing of the Ginger Rogers comedy Fifth Avenue Girl. After four decades of operation, as downtown Bryan fell into decline, the Queen would be forced to close its doors. In 2010, the once proud theater was purchased by local nonprofit the Downtown Bryan Association — and so began a massive, three-phase restoration effort. Though the Queen’s restored neon crown again lights the night, interior restoration efforts are still ongoing. With a projected completion date of March 2018, Bryan residents look forward to the Queen returning to its roots as a classic, single-screen movie theater — as it was when its doors first opened nearly eight decades ago.
Yucca Theatre
The story of Midland’s historic Yucca Theatre has its origins in 1927, when Montana oilman T.S. Hogan announced a grandiose plan to attach a movie theater to his newly constructed Petroleum Building in downtown Midland. The Yucca’s unique Assyrian architecture was designed by New York architect H.B Layman, who was said to have been inspired by the historic discovery of King Tut’s tomb five years prior. After two years of construction, the theater opened its doors on Dec. 6, 1929, screening the Wheeler & Woolsey musical comedy Rio Rita. For more than 50 years, the versatile Yucca hosted both blockbuster movies and traveling vaudeville acts, finally closing its doors in 1974. In 1981, the theater underwent a volunteer-led restoration, which included installing a tiered floor for cabaret-style seating to better accommodate live performances. Though no longer showing movies, today the Yucca serves as the proud host of the Midland Community Theater company’s notorious “Summer Mummers” stage production — a 68-year-old tradition known for its high-energy performances and extreme levels of audience participation.
Granada Theatre
The roots of Alpine’s famous Granada Theatre can be traced back to 1928, when the Johnson Company of Fort Stockton broke ground on what would become Alpine’s largest historic theater. Opening one year later, the Granada would serve as Alpine’s premier movie house, as well as a host for several high-profile events, including a star-studded 1943 World War II bond drive featuring Tinseltown actors Gene Autry and Gale Storm. In October 2008, following an extensive renovation of the building’s interior, the Granada reopened its doors after being closed to the public for more than four decades. Today the Granada functions as a live performance and event center, sharing the space with the Granada Yoga Studio, located in the theater’s repurposed mezzanine. Though no longer showing films, the Granada continues to serve as a bustling hub of community activity for Alpine residents.
The Lan-Tex Theatre
In May 2017, the historic Lan-Tex Theater celebrated its 90th year serving Llano moviegoers. Affectionately referred to as the “living room” of Llano, the Lan-Tex has always provided both a strong sense of community for locals and a memorable first impression for tourists passing through. Opening officially in 1927 with a sold-out showing of the silent-drama The Fourth Commandment, the newly constructed Lan-Tex drew in summer-weary crowds with the promise of “a house of comfort all the year” complete with “conditioned air.” Though originally built with a Spanish Colonial design, a devastating 1950 marquee fire would see the Lan-Tex rebuilt in its current, signature mid-century modern style. Changing hands many times throughout its life, the Lan-Tex would eventually be purchased by the City of Llano in 2002, with many restorations required to keep the theater functioning. Throughout 2016, without any major grants, Llano community volunteers led an effort to restore the aging Lan-Tex back to its former glory, repairing the stage and the Art Deco interior, installing new seating and more. Thanks to the selfless generosity of Llano’s residents, the Lan-Tex remains in operation today, hosting not just movies but also stage shows, special events and the monthly Llano Country Opry concert.
Simon Theatre
One of the most iconic buildings in downtown Brenham, the Simon Theatre has served as the go-to spot for generations of Brenham residents seeking quality entertainment. Commissioned in 1925 by the James Simon Family, the Simon Theatre was designed by architect Alfred Finn (who went on to design the San Jacinto Monument). The theater’s sophisticated Beaux Arts Classical Revival style amazed Simon patrons, who came from far and wide to attend movies, ballroom dances, vaudeville acts and more. Falling on hard times during the Depression, the Simon would change owners multiple times throughout the latter half of the 20th century, until finally being bought by the Brenham Main Street Historical Preservation in 2003. Though renovations to the theater were planned immediately, it would take more than a decade to raise the $7 million necessary to begin the restoration effort, with $5 million raised by Brenham residents alone through the expansive “Save Our Simon” campaign. After years of renovations — which included replacing the Simon’s roof, adding new seating, installing digital projectors and restoring the theater’s adjacent ballroom — the newly restored Simon held its grand reopening event on Jan. 31, 2016. Today the theater honors its legacy as a historic entertainment hub, hosting a variety of movies, concerts and private events.
Cliftex Theatre
For over a century, the ClifTex Theatre has been showcasing Hollywood’s latest blockbusters to more than four generations of Clifton residents. Dubbed “The Queen” when it first opened in 1916, the theater would soon be renamed “ClifTex Talkies” before finally settling on simply the “ClifTex Theatre.” One of oldest movie houses of its kind in service today, the ClifTex is unique from other historical theatres in that it’s never closed down for an extended period of time — save for a brief four-month restoration process. Joining a long line of ClifTex owners, business partners Phyllis Gamble and Mechelle Slaughter purchased the theater in 2008 and began a series of much-needed renovations. In addition to restoring the ClifTex’s classic Art Deco architecture and historic film memorabilia, upgrades also included installing a digital film projector — officially bringing the ClifTex into the 21st century. Today, the theater shows a new Hollywood feature every weekend.
The Pines Theatre
Located deep in the heart of downtown Lufkin, the Pines Theater stands today as one of the city’s proudest historical attractions. On Sept. 9, 1925, the theater opened its doors, and christening its screen was the silent Gloria Swanson drama Coast of Folly, with the film’s musical score provided by the Pines’ box office attendant, Willie Frazier. Many of Lufkin’s older residents still fondly remember the days spent making friends at the Pines’ weekly “kiddie show” — back when a day at the movies cost just the price of a quarter. Like most theaters raised in the early 20th century, the Pines soon fell on hard times and was eventually sold, soon after being repurposed into a place of worship by the Covenant of Love Outreach. After the church shut down, the City of Lufkin bought back the theater in 2007. City officials realized many repairs were necessary to restore the Pines’ historic luster. This realization sparked a several-year-long restoration that included repairing a collapsed roof, installing new plumbing and completely rebuilding the theater’s damaged marquee. Though no longer showing silent films, the Pines now serves as a multipurpose venue hosting a variety of events including country music shows, weddings and private functions.
Lyric Cinema
One of Spearman’s proudest historical structures, the Lyric Cinema, has reliably served as the town’s community movie house for decades. The cinema’s distinctive brick frame was constructed on Main Street
in 1948. At the time, the newly constructed theater boasted such amenities as a modern ladies’ room, as well as a room for mothers to care for children. In 2014, after years of operation had taken its toll on the cinema, the Spearmen Chamber of Commerce announced a plan to work with current owner Gary Ellsworth — and local residents — to restore the Lyric, bringing the theater into the digital age. By July 2015, the Lyric had upgraded from analog to digital projectors, as well as installing a shining new marquee. Interior renovations to the historic cinema continued through 2015 and for most of 2016, including new coats of paint on the theater’s floors along with installation of new seating. Today the Lyric Cinema continues its tradition of serving Spearman’s moviegoing public, offering the latest Hollywood movies for just $7.50 ($5.50 for children and seniors).
Paramount Theatre
In many ways, Abilene’s Paramount Theatre is perhaps the strongest, most overlooked symbol of the unique, can-do spirit found exclusively in small-town Texas. Built in 1930, the Paramount would serve as Abilene’s premier movie house, separating itself from its competition by way of its elegant Spanish-Moorish architecture. Like many single-screen theaters of its kind, the Paramount soon became antiquated, eventually closing its doors in the mid ’70s. In the late ’80s, a group of local Abilene movie buffs began hosting classic movie nights at the out- of-commission Paramount, doing everything in their power to keep the once-proud theater alive. “They saw the beauty of the Paramount,” recalls Betty Huskill, executive director of the Historic Paramount Theatre. “Theirs was a labor of love that became too financially burdensome, so the group paid a visit to Abilene’s angel, Julia Jones Matthews.” Matthews, a local philanthropist well known for revitalizing Abilene’s downtown district, was more than happy to finance the theater’s full restoration. With the funding in place, the Paramount’s renovations began in 1986. Over the course of a year, the Paramount’s interior would be refurbished back to its 1930s glory, with the theater’s capabilities expanded to accommodate live shows as well as films. Today the historic Paramount serves as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts venue, hosting such notable events as Abilene’s summer musical and the 24fps International Short Film Festival.
Rialto Theatre
Not unlike more than 25 other Rialtos across South Texas, the Three Rivers Rialto Theater closed in 1981 after serving as the focal point of the community. The theater opened in 1948, showing Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!, a comedy that featured Marilyn Monroe’s film debut. Patrons who paid less than $1 for a ticket would sometimes spend all day watching the same film, happy to be in an air-conditioned building. Rialtos were more than just movie theaters, though, hosting events like beauty pageants and live music performances. The Three Rivers Economic Development Corporation invested $200,000 to resurrect the Rialto in 2001, investing an additional $120,000 in 2013 to replace both film projectors with digital projection. But the Rialto struggled and closed again in August 2009 despite residents’ efforts to keep it open. In December 2009, it opened again under the management of Virginia Herring, a former lab technician at the Valero Three Rivers Refinery known for her passion for the Rialto. Her goal is simple, she says: “Book the right films that keep regular customers coming through the door.” The Texas Historical Commission designated the Rialto a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 2016, and the Live Oak Historical Commission dedicated a Texas State Historical Marker on April 29, 2017. The lobby contains an original 1948 projector.
