photo by Marcia Cirillo

Opened on San Jacinto Day, April 21, 1931, as the largest suburban theater in Dallas. Only the Majestic and the Palace Theaters in downtown Dallas exceeded the Texas’ capacity of 2000 patrons. It was touted as the first theater in Dallas to be constructed specifically for talking motion pictures, and it also featured a pipe organ played by Dwight Brown. The first week’s program included the Fox Movietone News, a Mickey Mouse cartoon, and the Buster Keaton talkie, “Parlor, Bedroom and Bath.” Price of admission: 35, 25, or 10 cents depending on which show you attended.

At left is an artist’s rendition of what the Texas looked like on opening night. with original sign and marquis. The bright lights and Italian Renaissance facade led some to label West Jefferson a new “Amusement Way.”

For more info see History of Texas Theater

Below, how the theater looked like on Nov 23, 1963.