"The Last Picture Show" Royal Theater Archer City, Texas
Posted by: 
txoilgas
N 33° 35.736 W 098° 37.498
14S E 534796 N 3717381
Quick Description: Initially made famous by Archer City native and Oscar winner Larry McMurtry's novel, The Last Picture Show, the Royal Theater has gained a reputation for a center of performing arts in North Texas.
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 1/24/2009 10:46:20 PM
Waymark Code: WM5N8J
Views: 1
Long Description:The theater has deep roots in Archer City history. Many share fond
memories of the theater as a childhood hang out when it was in
operation as the local movie theater. However, a fire gutted the
building in 1965, and the building was left in ruins for many
years.
Around 1990, a “think tank” meeting was called among the Archer
City leaders to discuss ideas for improving the quality of life of
citizens in the area. After several hours of good ideas duly posted
on the dry erase board, one continued to rear its head — to rebuild
the Royal Theater.
The theater was made famous by the 1971 Academy Award winning
film, "The Last Picture Show," based on the novel by Archer City's
own Larry McMurtry, Pulitzer Prize winner for "Lonesome Dove." The
movie launched Cybil Shephard's career in film.
The feature films "The Last Picture Show" and "Texasville" both
spent considerable money and effort to prop the old gal up for
their filming purposes. The Royal was in a completely dilapidated
state.
In 1995, Abby Abernathy was pursuing a career in the
entertainment industry while living in New York City. A request was
made for his return and on December 7, 1996, REBURTH (Rebuilding
the Royal Theater) was launched.
After two years of producing quality productions, selling out
show after show in the humble vacant White’s Auto Store, area
foundations took notice.
The Meadows, Priddy and Bridwell foundations recognized our
success and came forth with the capital needed to begin the
construction process. Other local donors were ticket buyers and our
champion, Louise Thomas and the Thomas family.
After 17 months of serious, tenacious work, the Royal Theater
was reopened after 35 years of darkness. The theater has
continuously proven itself as a regional leader with quality talent
and productions.