Many East Dallas and Lakewood residents will recall the purchase and renovation of the Lakewood Theatre by B.B. Barr, who reopened the cinema Sept. 26, 1984.

The restored theater opened with colors of burgundy and turquoise, new roofing and ceilings, a Dolby sound system, a 1927 Wurlitzer organ and a mural refurbished by Dallas artist Corky Pearson.

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But did you know that the original Lakewood Theater was designed by Lakewood developers Dines and Kraft, and that it opened in November 1938? Its premiere film, “Love Finds Andy Hardy”, starred Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland.

Interior design of the theater was supervised by Eugene Gilboe, whose expertise was reflected throughout numerous Interstate movie theaters, including the Inwood Theatre, during the 1930s and 1940s.

Often referred to as “The Theater of the Southwest”, the neighborhood theater featured a green and salmon interior; a mirrored lobby; a glittering ball atop a 100-foot tower; a large canvas mural depicting cowboys, exotic dancers, Walt Disney characters; and “seat and a half” love seats.

The Lakewood Theatre operated successfully as a suburban movie house, showing major films after they had played at the Palace and Majestic Downtown – until the 1960s and 1970s, when shopping malls and multi-screen theaters became keen competition for single-screen neighborhood houses.

The theater finally closed Sept. 29, 1983.