History

How old is the CLIFTEX?

The CLIFTEX is the only remaining of three theatres that were founded by D.C. Caraway in the early 1900s. It has been in business since 1916. The original name was "The QUEEN Theatre" which was later changed to "CLIFTEX Talkies."

In the early days, the CLIFTEX operated two theatres, one at the current-day site and the other on the other side of The Clifton Record building. The films, on multi-reels, were started at the CLIFTEX and then "bicycled" to either the Gem or the Cub theatre (whichever it was called at the time), as the reels were completed at the CLIFTEX, to begin there for a separate audience.

GUNFIGHT AT THE CLIFTEX....

In the olden days of yesteryear the lines at the CLIFTEX were extremely long, advancing around the side of the current Leon's Floor Covering building. Many years ago, a drunken cowboy was waiting in line and waving his gun around when a constable decided enough is enough and tried to wrestle it from his hand. Upon doing so, the gun went off and the bullet passed through the leg of a man waiting in line. The bullet struck the side of the floor covering building, leaving an indention in the wall that can still be seen today.

BONNIE & CLYDE...

According to the late Harry Womack, the notorious outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow made a stop at the Corner Pharmacy while camping in Bosque County. Little did they know that in the 1970s their story would be told across the street, at the CLIFTEX, in a movie that mirrored their names.

What equipment is original?

Believe it or not, the projectors we show the movie on are from the 1930s. They have been added to for improved quality. The side lights on the walls of the auditorium are also from the 1930s art deco period, and the wooden seats are, too. Many of the decorative pieces are still used in the lobby and in the auditorium.

Is there a stage back there?

Yes. It is about five feet deep and is bordered with light bulbs and a curtain mechanism.

Theatre owners of the past

1916 to early 30's	D.C. Caraway
Late 30's to early 40's	Capps Family
Late 40's to 70's	Joe and Blair Enochs
18 months in 70's	Billy Conley
1970's to 1995	Ross and Jean Morgan
1995 to Dec. 1999	Scott and Luann Sandahl
Present	Progressive Media James W. Smith and W. Leon Smith