Great news, movie buffs! The River Oaks Theatre, a mainstay in the community for decades, has officially reopened. The historic theater was on the verge of closing for good, but now has undergone a massive renovation. So, how did this theater become a Houston gem, and what can you expect when you visit its new digs?
The Beginning
During the 1920s, the movie theater business started to boom in Houston. Between 8,000 to 10,000 people would venture to the movies each day. Luxurious theaters began to pop up across the city, including the River Oaks Theatre. The 1,000-seat theater opened on November 28, 1939, with a screening of “Bachelor Mother,” starring Ginger Rogers and David Niven.
The Heyday
Despite the rise of cable TV in the 1980s, many Houstonians still flocked to River Oaks Theatre to watch classics, foreign films, and rare titles. The regular midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show became a cult favorite. The movie theater also became a place to meet someone and fall in love. Some regular theatergoers even proposed during organized screenings.
The Present
In 2021, the theater could not reach an agreement with their landlord on the lease. However, after an outcry of support from the public and celebrities, the theater got new owners: Culinary Khancepts, an affiliate of local movie theater chain Star Cinema Grill. The nonprofit, Friends of the River Oaks Theatre, and acclaimed independent filmmaker Richard Linklater also worked together to save the theater. Years before Linklater became an award-winning filmmaker, known for movies like “Dazed and Confused” and “Boyhood,” he spent years watching movies alone at the theater and it became an oasis for him.
The theater reopened earlier this month with major upgrades, including three newly remodeled theaters, upgraded seating, and an upscale food menu. Moviegoers can expect to catch new releases, but also enjoy popular favorites and classics. Make sure to check out their decadent bars serving up delicious cocktails. Before or after your movie, check out Leo’s River Oaks, a new restaurant next to the theater. Monthly midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show are also back! Finally, if you’re a true movie fan, you can become a “Cinema Savant” and watch a movie a day for $19.99 per month.
I want to hear from you! Have you been back yet? Have a favorite memory to share from the River Oaks Theatre? I want to hear about your experience.
