« Back to article: The River Oaks Theatre: 70 and still looking good

The grand dame River Oaks Theatre is still here despite floods, the threat of demolition, protests, rumors about ghosts and a waning interest in films on the big screen.
Photo courtesy of River Oaks Theatre

"Bachelor Mother" starring David Niven and Ginger Rogers played on Nov. 28, 1939, the first movie shown at the theater.

Lights, action: The box office at night

Archival shot of the River Oaks Theatre, before it was surrounded by a shopping center.

Before VCRs and DVDs, the River Oaks had a strong repertory program of classic films that changed nightly.
Courtesy of David Welling Collection

Karl Hoblizelle, founder of Interstate Theatres

Popcorn: Still a great reason to go to the movies.