Esquire Theater — 1969
by Paula Bosse
“Midnight Cowboy” at the Esquire, 1969…
by Paula Bosse
This is a really great photo of the still-missed Esquire Theater in Oak Lawn. Here we see it in 1969, showing the X-rated film Midnight Cowboy, which went on to win several Academy Awards, including Best Picture (the only X-rated film to receive the Best Picture Oscar), Best Director (John Schlesinger), and Best Adapted Screenplay (by Waldo Salt, based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy).
Midnight Cowboy opened at the Esquire in July, 1969 and ran for several months. One of the featured actors in this American classic is Dallas’ own Brenda Vaccaro (Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 1958, daughter of Mario Vaccaro who owned Mario’s Italian restaurant) — I’ve loved her in everything I’ve ever seen her in. (Here’s one of her scenes from Midnight Cowboy.)
Thomas Jefferson High School, 1958
“Whatever you hear about Midnight Cowboy is true!” … “A reeking masterpiece. It will kick you all over town.” … “A nasty but unforgettable screen experience.”
Opening day, July 23, 1969
It’s been a while since I’ve seen this movie. I had forgotten how much I liked the opening in which Joe Buck leaves Texas to head to New York. Here it is, overflowing with small-town Texas flavor (filmed in Big Spring). Cameo by an evocative Mrs. Baird’s paper hat.
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Sources & Notes
Photo titled “[‘Midnight Cowboy’ at Esquire Theatre]” is from the Spotlight on North Texas collection, provided by UNT Media Library to The Portal to Texas History; more on this photo can be found here.
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Copyright © 2019 Paula Bosse. All Rights Reserved.
Flashback : Dallas 
Very interesting story! Went to the Esquire Theater many times back in my high school days, but now I know why I never saw Midnight Cowboy. I got drafted in June 1969 and didn’t see much other than olive drab and camo face paint for the next two year. I do remember seeing Animal House at the Esquire when it came out in 1978. Funniest movie of all times.
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There are some interesting details to be found here: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/32703
Amusing that the artist’s palette has been relocated to a building in Las Colinas.
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And where are the pictures of this or do you have a Google street scene URL? Lots of fond memories!
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I grew up in HP – the Esquire was a just minutes away – great memories !
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Here’s another view of Oaklawn looking north, Esquire on the left and those warm Jays Marine rolls on right. Looks to be 1970s from the cars. Curious what the restaurant on left in front of the 7-11 and behind bus is. Has a white/red/green sign in front. That addresss 3325 Oaklawn had been a number of things, including Maurices Steaks, OakRoom in late 50’s, Villa Venice Italian, then Mario Chiquitas in early 70s. The Villa Venice family who had it thru the 60s lived in my house at the time. Love to see a pic of the place or a story. Was told Sonny and Cher were staying at the Melrose, and they were directed down to Villa Venice for good Italian and they were. Also, Vegas Club owner Jack and sister Eva would come in for a lunch visit.
https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/32703/photos/343853
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