It’s hard to imagine that going to the movies was once a celebration, since today you can buy tickets for any premiere in seconds. But in 1920s Dallas, movie-going was a ritual: locals lined up for blocks by the box office, rushed to secure the best seats, and planned ahead for new releases. That passion makes sense—Dallas’s first movie house opened in 1912. Read more on dallas-trend.
The Role of Cinema in Cultural and Social Life
Early American cinema had a huge impact on Dallas residents, shaping public opinion and social values through compelling characters and life stories. Films influenced how people defined success and which social norms they embraced. In doing so, they reinforced gender and racial stereotypes and promoted the American Dream.
Those early films often depicted racial prejudice and helped foster a discriminatory society. As a result, Black Dallasites were barred from the same public venues as White patrons. Naturally, their movie-going history followed a very different path.
Dallas Theaters for Black Audiences
In the 1920s, like most public spaces, movie theaters were segregated. Black patrons were barred from White theaters. In some venues, they could watch films only through a separate entrance and sit in designated sections. As a result, the Black community had its own theaters, which they attended freely and enthusiastically.
- Grand Central Theatre, owned by John Harris
- Mammoth Theatre, owned by Joe Trammell
- Palace Theatre, run by Felix Moore
- High School Theatre, managed by Herbert Batts
Grand Central, Mammoth, and Palace were located in Deep Ellum, while High School Theatre was on North Dallas.
These theaters screened a wide variety of films—just as captivating as those in White theaters. Both Black and White actors starred as leads.
John Harris worked tirelessly on his theater’s lineup. He often screened films by legendary Black director Oscar Micheaux, bringing both popular premieres and Micheaux’s groundbreaking work to his audiences.
The City’s Most Popular Movie Palaces
White audiences flocked to different venues. Even though these premieres were steeped in racism and discrimination, tickets sold out quickly.
On June 11, 1921, the Palace Theatre officially opened on Elm Street. Sentimental Tommy, starring Gareth Hughes, was the first film shown. The theater stayed independent for a while but began changing hands in 1927. Despite that, Palace remained the pride of Dallas, boasting a domed ceiling, a grand stage, and an orchestra-pit elevator. A pipe organ console rose from the pit after each screening. Palace closed on December 3, 1970, with The Man Who Claps Wings, starring Anthony Quinn, as its final film. Two weeks later, on December 14, 1970, the building was torn down to make way for new construction.
The Majestic Theatre opened in 1905, but a fire in 1916 destroyed it. To rebuild, its owner hired a renowned Chicago architect in 1920. By the 1930s, as live theater waned, Majestic began showing films starring Jimmy Stewart, Gregory Peck, John Wayne, and Eddie Murphy. Cinema remained its main draw until declining attendance led to its closure in 1973.
Inwood Theatre, opened in 1947, is one of Dallas’s oldest cinemas still standing. Its Art Deco façade, designed by Henry Pettegrew, and the vestibule’s underwater-themed mural by local artist Perry Nichols remain intact. Inwood screened a wide range of films; its first release was A Man Who Boasted, starring Red Skelton, Marilyn Maxwell, and Virginia O’Brien. Showtimes were 7:15 PM and 9:30 PM daily. Evening tickets cost 44 cents; matinees were just 25 cents. Guests arrived in their Sunday best, often by car or bicycle. Though attendance dipped in the 1970s, Inwood remains a beloved local landmark.
Dallas’s First Movie House
Being first doesn’t always mean being most successful. Still, when talking about where people watched movies in the past, we can’t skip the Washington Theatre.
Opened in 1912 on Elm Street by entrepreneur William Nevills—who had already run small venues like The Nickelodeon, The Candy, and The Palace (not to be confused with the Palace Theatre)—Washington Theatre spared no expense on decor and furnishings. With a 600-seat capacity, it was the city’s most opulent cinema at the time. Its marquee featured 2,000 lightbulbs that dazzled on Thanksgiving night, when it officially opened with live musical accompaniment.
Washington’s reign was short. As Dallas’s film scene grew, newer, larger venues made it seem outdated. After its long-term lease ended on July 1, 1927, the theater closed. The building briefly hosted religious gatherings before being sold and demolished in October 1927. Despite its brief life, Washington Theatre left a lasting mark on Dallas’s cultural history. Nevills’s dedication endured; at his death, he was still listed as Washington Theatre’s proprietor.
