Saenger Theater

The Paramount Theater, the only one remaining in the downtown Texarkana area, is the last example of a once flourishing theater center that, at its height, contained at least five play and motion picture houses. Built in I924 at the height of a thriving theater industry and attendant at the maturation of the motion picture industry, the theater was to serve bilaterally these two entertainment needs of the community for a number of years after its opening. Due to its fortunate geographical location and consequent railroad connections, Texarkana was the recipient of "good Theater" from the l870's, being a regular rail stopover for many of the nation's great dramatic and operatic performers on their way to and from larger cities. At least six opera houses and theaters were built in the years between I878 and 1925. The building of the opulent, palatial Saenger was the logical outcome of half a century of cultural and economic growth in the city. Texarkana audiences were used to the best in entertainment and were not yet willing to forego legitimate theater for the still unproven motion picture. The Saenger Amusement Company, builders of the Saenger and owners of three others in Texarkana, with unusual foresight, had commissioned the theater to be designed as a motion picture house only, without provision for a stage. However, succumbing to public demand and a promise from the Chamber of Commerce for a sell-out crowd opening night, the plans were altered to include a stage and other accoutrements necessary to live performances. True to their word, Texarkana merchants purchased two thousand tickets in blocks of twelve at $7.00-per seat, to insure a full house. The "new" Saenger Theater (the old Saenger, a half-block north on the same street had its name changed to the Strand) opened on the evening of November 18, 192h with a play called Foot Loose, starring Margaret Anglin and William Faversham. Day long festivities preceded the opening. There was a parade, luncheon, speeches by assorted dignitaries, including the mayors of both cities and representatives of the Saenger Company. Telegrams from stars of both legitimate stage and the movie world were sent, including two messages from D. W. Griffith. His "America" was the first picture to play the Saenger.