Rex Theatre

dallasmovietheaters on July 9, 2024 at 5:09 pm

The Rex Theatre and, that summer, the Rex Airdome opened in a crowded Hickman movie era in 1913. At that time, the Rex Theatre and Rex Airdome were competing against the Crystal, the Gem, and the Star. The Rex hardtop prevailed apparently selling a lot of Kist Popcorn Balls in its concession area along the way. The Airdome was closed thanks to improved ventilation in the hardtop Rex.

In 1922, the presentation improved with a new $8,000 pipe organ. In 1925, the theatre received a major refresh that included raising the roof and removing the girders that blocked views in the Rex auditorium.

The Rex was closed for a period in the early 1930s but did make the transition to sound reopening on October 13, 1932. The Ritz opened on November 29, 1934 but operating two theaters in the diminutive town was too much and the Rex went dark from March 14, 1935 until September 5, 1941 operating until Jun of 1946 before going dark.

When the original Ritz Theatre burned to the ground on on May 8, 1947, the Ritz was reopened just two days later. The new Ritz opened on September 16, 1948 with both theatre operating. But three months later, the Rex closed permanently with “Silent Conflict” and “Blondie’s Reward” on December 20, 1948 ending its run. In 1957, the building was refreshed away from theatrical exhibition selling of the equipment and chairs. Williams Shoe Store took on the venue. The building was later demolished.