Cactus Theatre

On the cover of the September 18, 1948, issue of Saturday Evening Post appeared an Americana interpretation of the Cactus Theatre by artist John Falter. It depicted colorful western-garbed citizens leaving the Cactus Theatre while a full Texas moon hung over the night-time sky. John Falter contributed 120 covers of the American scene to the Post from 1943 to 1968.

The Cactus Theatre had opened April 5, 1939, in the remodeled Mint Café, which was previously known as a popular city gathering spot. From October 28-30, 1939, the Cactus Theatre held the West Texas premier of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". Manager Tom Clemmons announced in the Pecos Enterprise that Dallas and Ft. Worth would be the only large cities playing the film.

Sanborn Maps of 1939 show the Cactus Theatre as located in the middle of the block.

The building was demolished in January 1971 to be turned into a parking lot, which today is located next to Centennial Park and the Judge Roy Bean shack.

Film Daily Year Book 1951 lists the Cactus Theatre with 440 seats.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.