The Texas Theatre
The Texas Theatre
4.5
About
The Historic Texas Theatre opened in 1931 by eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes as a Robb Rowley Theater and became infamous in 1963 as the place Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. In 2011 it was reopened by Aviation Cinemas formed by Barak Epstein, Adam Donaghey, Eric Steele and Jason Reimer. It is open 7 days a week playing the new release independent as well as classic repertory films. "The Texas" has also put on staged events, comedians and live music. The beautiful restored bar is open every day of the week.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
36 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
11
Average
1
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1
kewlpapa
Dallas, TX4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
We love the Texas theater for a host of reasons, not the least of which is the eclectic and creative choice of films they choose to offer, but also the inviting atmosphere of the place. There is a strange, almost anachronistic feeling about the theater. Maybe it's the building itself. Built in 1931 by Howard Hughes, the layout and architecture makes you feel like you are walking back in time to a smaller, more intimate world. To me, a senior who remembers attending Saturday afternoon matinees at similar theaters back in the fifties, there is a nostalgic flashback every time I enter the place. The lobby bar is usually packed on weekends with an eccentric mix of artists, millenials, goths, gays, geezers and goddesses all fully engaged with one another as if they were at a house party in Soho. We always have fun when we visit. You will to. Worth the drive.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TXEyeGuy
Killeen, TX266 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
A friend hosted a birthday party here and we all dressed as our favorite Blazing Saddles characters. It was a HOOT! Cool venue, really tasty adult beverages, and a fun place to see classic movies. Wish I lived in Dallas so I could make this place a regular hang out.
Written August 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PietroMorrizio
Accra, Ghana700 contributions
May 2011 • Solo
I have written reviews about Dealey Plaza & The 6th Floor Museum, and from there I visited the Texas Theatre, which is best known as being the site where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested by the Dallas PD after allegedly assassinating President John F. Kennedy, then allegedly shooting Officer JD Tippit of the DPD (about a quarter-mile away - 10th & Patton).
I visited this location during the day, and it was a pity that it was all shut. I don't know if it is still functioning as a movie theatre, because it seems that the boards out the front were advertising "Angels Love Donuts", which I've never heard of, and don't even know if this is a movie.
Therefore, all I could really do is stand out the front. A homeless guy was sleeping in the alcove that forms the entrance to the theatre, and he had clearly urinated himself. Not wanted to miss seeing this location, I held my breath and walked up to the ticket booth for a quick look before retreating back to avoid inhaling stale urine.
Jefferson Boulevard is a little run-down now, looking somewhat aged as opposed to the photos from the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald. I tried to track down the location of Hardys Shoes, which was where salesman Johnny Brewer first noticed Oswald & followed him, seeing him sneak into the Texas Theatre without paying on the early afternoon of 22nd November 1963. Apparently, the location of the former shoestore is not where it was in the Oliver Stone film, JFK, it is further east of the Theatre.
I would warn anyone that if you visit the Texas Theatre, there is no guarantee it will be open during the day, although I presume that at nights, it runs films. I have seen a picture where they highlight the seat that LHO sat in when he was in the Theatre, and was approached by Dallas PD and arrested, so it is a pity that I could no see that for myself. I think it would make an excellent location for an alternate history museum, as the former TSBD building is decided mainstream, largely sticking to the government's sole assassin theory.
However, if you have a keen interest in the Kennedy assassination (as I do), just going & standing out the front of the Texas Theatre is a must !
I visited this location during the day, and it was a pity that it was all shut. I don't know if it is still functioning as a movie theatre, because it seems that the boards out the front were advertising "Angels Love Donuts", which I've never heard of, and don't even know if this is a movie.
Therefore, all I could really do is stand out the front. A homeless guy was sleeping in the alcove that forms the entrance to the theatre, and he had clearly urinated himself. Not wanted to miss seeing this location, I held my breath and walked up to the ticket booth for a quick look before retreating back to avoid inhaling stale urine.
Jefferson Boulevard is a little run-down now, looking somewhat aged as opposed to the photos from the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald. I tried to track down the location of Hardys Shoes, which was where salesman Johnny Brewer first noticed Oswald & followed him, seeing him sneak into the Texas Theatre without paying on the early afternoon of 22nd November 1963. Apparently, the location of the former shoestore is not where it was in the Oliver Stone film, JFK, it is further east of the Theatre.
I would warn anyone that if you visit the Texas Theatre, there is no guarantee it will be open during the day, although I presume that at nights, it runs films. I have seen a picture where they highlight the seat that LHO sat in when he was in the Theatre, and was approached by Dallas PD and arrested, so it is a pity that I could no see that for myself. I think it would make an excellent location for an alternate history museum, as the former TSBD building is decided mainstream, largely sticking to the government's sole assassin theory.
However, if you have a keen interest in the Kennedy assassination (as I do), just going & standing out the front of the Texas Theatre is a must !
Written April 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
starfishprime
dallas19 contributions
Oct 2011 • Solo
This theater has seen its share of ups and downs. Built by none other that Howard Hughes, used as a refuge by Lee Harvey Oswald, plagued by fire, neglect and a host of owners it has finally found caretakers that wish to make her the proud venue that she always know she is.
I have had the pleasure to see several old classics, some new independents and a couple of Dallas Burlesque Fests here. How can you not find something to enjoy with such a varied selection of events!
The seats are old and classic, the inside of the theater almost looks like the organic work of Gaudi with its clean lines and they have a full Bar! I always feel 47% cooler just by walking in the door.
I have had the pleasure to see several old classics, some new independents and a couple of Dallas Burlesque Fests here. How can you not find something to enjoy with such a varied selection of events!
The seats are old and classic, the inside of the theater almost looks like the organic work of Gaudi with its clean lines and they have a full Bar! I always feel 47% cooler just by walking in the door.
Written October 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr_Me_123
Manchester, UK32 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
I contacted the theatre in advance and was able to arrange a private tour with Mary Katherine. It was fantastic.
I felt a bit morbid asking for a private tour, but it was really enjoyable. We covered the events of 22nd November 1963, but also had a look backstage and learnt more about the history of the building and what the theatre is up to today. It was really interesting to hear how a small cinema opened up and shot to international fame in 1963. It's suffered since then but is getting a bit of a re-birth and the stories of how it was involved in the Oliver Stone JFK film is very interesting.
Well worth a visit, but contact the theatre in advance and they ask for a $10 dollar donation.
I felt a bit morbid asking for a private tour, but it was really enjoyable. We covered the events of 22nd November 1963, but also had a look backstage and learnt more about the history of the building and what the theatre is up to today. It was really interesting to hear how a small cinema opened up and shot to international fame in 1963. It's suffered since then but is getting a bit of a re-birth and the stories of how it was involved in the Oliver Stone JFK film is very interesting.
Well worth a visit, but contact the theatre in advance and they ask for a $10 dollar donation.
Written September 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jared M
Cross Roads, TX53 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
My wife and I attended the Dark Side of the Rainbow at the Texas Theatre this past weekend. For those who don't know, it is the Wizard of Oz set to Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon'. We had never seen the movie this way before, and it is amazing how the album aligns with the movie.
The staff was very pleasant and it was really cool seeing the movie in 35mm in such an old theatre.
We will definitely be back!
The staff was very pleasant and it was really cool seeing the movie in 35mm in such an old theatre.
We will definitely be back!
Written August 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blondie21dj
Gainesville, FL84 contributions
Dec 2020
Not much here to see but the outside of the theatre and it is off the beaten path. It is closed down due to COVID I guess. Was disappointed but neat to see the location where Oswald was arrested.
Written December 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2111tom
Dallas, TX26 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
great place to see live shows and first run movies, i like the idea of the lobby bar to enjoy a drink before and after the movie
Written March 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Professor75206
Sells, AZ23 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Poor sound system seems to necessitate turning audio up LOUD. Theater is overdue for basic maintenance. Surprised city inspectors haven’t closed it. Inventive programs are a rarity.
Written August 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy R
Houston, TX403 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Did not get a chance to go in as it still a working theatre. The history is amazing. It’s up to you to figure out the truth. No one disagrees that he probably snuck in, but some claim that he was there at the beginning of the movie while others say he came in during the movie. If he came at the beginning....history is wrong. Another neat fact about this place is that the young family he was renting a room from for $8 a week actually had a photography business right accros the street. She watched as he was being arrested for the killing of officer Tippet not Kennedy.
Written August 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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