{"id":1647,"date":"2025-01-22T11:23:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T17:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/?p=1647"},"modified":"2025-10-15T07:28:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T12:28:01","slug":"where-did-city-dwellers-go-to-the-movies-in-the-past","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1647-where-did-city-dwellers-go-to-the-movies-in-the-past","title":{"rendered":"Where Did City Dwellers Go to the Movies in the Past?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s 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\u2014Dallas\u2019s first movie house opened in <strong>1912<\/strong>. Read more on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\">dallas-trend<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a31e68ed0eb1\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a31e68ed0eb1\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1647-where-did-city-dwellers-go-to-the-movies-in-the-past\/#The_Role_of_Cinema_in_Cultural_and_Social_Life\" >The Role of Cinema in Cultural and Social Life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1647-where-did-city-dwellers-go-to-the-movies-in-the-past\/#Dallas_Theaters_for_Black_Audiences\" >Dallas Theaters for Black Audiences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1647-where-did-city-dwellers-go-to-the-movies-in-the-past\/#The_Citys_Most_Popular_Movie_Palaces\" >The City\u2019s Most Popular Movie Palaces<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/eternal-1647-where-did-city-dwellers-go-to-the-movies-in-the-past\/#Dallass_First_Movie_House\" >Dallas\u2019s First Movie House<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Role_of_Cinema_in_Cultural_and_Social_Life\"><\/span>The Role of Cinema in Cultural and Social Life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>American Dream<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dallas_Theaters_for_Black_Audiences\"><\/span>Dallas Theaters for Black Audiences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"564\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-3.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-3-300x220.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-3-696x511.png 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Grand Central Theatre<\/strong>, owned by John Harris<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mammoth Theatre<\/strong>, owned by Joe Trammell<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Palace Theatre<\/strong>, run by Felix Moore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High School Theatre<\/strong>, managed by Herbert Batts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Grand Central, Mammoth, and Palace were located in <strong>Deep Ellum<\/strong>, while High School Theatre was on North Dallas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These theaters screened a wide variety of films\u2014just as captivating as those in White theaters. Both Black and White actors starred as leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>John Harris worked tirelessly on his theater\u2019s lineup. He often screened films by legendary Black director <strong>Oscar Micheaux<\/strong>, bringing both popular premieres and Micheaux\u2019s groundbreaking work to his audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Citys_Most_Popular_Movie_Palaces\"><\/span>The City\u2019s Most Popular Movie Palaces<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>White audiences flocked to different venues. Even though these premieres were steeped in racism and discrimination, tickets sold out quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"504\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-4.png 640w, https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-4-300x236.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On <strong>June 11, 1921<\/strong>, the Palace Theatre officially opened on Elm Street. <strong>Sentimental Tommy<\/strong>, starring Gareth Hughes, was the first film shown. The theater stayed independent for a while but began changing hands in <strong>1927<\/strong>. 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 <strong>December 3, 1970<\/strong>, with <strong>The Man Who Claps Wings<\/strong>, starring Anthony Quinn, as its final film. Two weeks later, on <strong>December 14, 1970<\/strong>, the building was torn down to make way for new construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"804\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-5.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-5-300x236.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-5-768x603.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-5-696x546.png 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Majestic Theatre opened in <strong>1905<\/strong>, but a fire in <strong>1916<\/strong> destroyed it. To rebuild, its owner hired a renowned Chicago architect in <strong>1920<\/strong>. By the <strong>1930s<\/strong>, 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 <strong>1973<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inwood Theatre, opened in <strong>1947<\/strong>, is one of Dallas\u2019s oldest cinemas still standing. Its Art Deco fa\u00e7ade, designed by Henry Pettegrew, and the vestibule\u2019s underwater-themed mural by local artist Perry Nichols remain intact. Inwood screened a wide range of films; its first release was <strong>A Man Who Boasted<\/strong>, starring Red Skelton, Marilyn Maxwell, and Virginia O\u2019Brien. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dallass_First_Movie_House\"><\/span>Dallas\u2019s First Movie House<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"542\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-6.png 542w, https:\/\/cdn.dallas-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2025\/05\/image-6-300x293.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 542px) 100vw, 542px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Being first doesn\u2019t always mean being most successful. Still, when talking about where people watched movies in the past, we can\u2019t skip the Washington Theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opened in <strong>1912<\/strong> on Elm Street by entrepreneur William Nevills\u2014who had already run small venues like The Nickelodeon, The Candy, and The Palace (not to be confused with the Palace Theatre)\u2014Washington Theatre spared no expense on decor and furnishings. With a 600-seat capacity, it was the city\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Washington\u2019s reign was short. As Dallas\u2019s film scene grew, newer, larger venues made it seem outdated. After its long-term lease ended on <strong>July 1, 1927<\/strong>, the theater closed. The building briefly hosted religious gatherings before being sold and demolished in <strong>October 1927<\/strong>. Despite its brief life, Washington Theatre left a lasting mark on Dallas\u2019s cultural history. Nevills\u2019s dedication endured; at his death, he was still listed as Washington Theatre\u2019s proprietor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/flashbackdallas.com\/2015\/08\/08\/movie-houses-serving-black-dallas-1919-1922\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/flashbackdallas.com\/2015\/08\/08\/movie-houses-serving-black-dallas-1919-1922\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/flashbackdallas.com\/2016\/01\/21\/the-washington-theater-dallas-first-movie-palace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/flashbackdallas.com\/2016\/01\/21\/the-washington-theater-dallas-first-movie-palace\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/prestonhollow.advocatemag.com\/2024\/02\/06\/a-look-at-the-historical-inwood-theatres-past-and-what-what-the-future-holds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/prestonhollow.advocatemag.com\/2024\/02\/06\/a-look-at-the-historical-inwood-theatres-past-and-what-what-the-future-holds\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":406,"featured_media":1450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[154],"tags":[1425,1426,1427,1428,1429,1430,1120,1122,1121,1431],"moimportance":[31,32,35],"motype":[160],"moformat":[24],"class_list":{"0":"post-1647","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kino","8":"tag-1920s-dallas-moviegoing-en","9":"tag-deep-ellum-cinema-history-en","10":"tag-grand-central-theatre-dallas-en","11":"tag-high-school-theatre-dallas-en","12":"tag-inwood-theatre-art-deco-en","13":"tag-mammoth-theatre-dallas-en","14":"tag-oscar-micheaux-screenings","15":"tag-palace-theatre-elm-street","16":"tag-segregated-cinemas-dallas","17":"tag-washington-theatre-dallas-en","18":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","19":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","20":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","21":"motype-eternal","22":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/406"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1647"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1937,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1647\/revisions\/1937"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1647"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=1647"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=1647"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallas-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=1647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}