Dallas’ Texas Theatre Dives Deep into JFK Assassination History This Weekend
More than six decades after the tragic events of November 22, 1963, Dallas’ iconic Texas Theatre continues its annual tradition of remembering the JFK assassination. This year, the observance takes an exciting turn, inviting locals to explore lesser-known connections and pop culture ties to that fateful day. Get ready to put on your thinking caps for a unique blend of cinema, history, and conspiracy.
Remembering November 22, 1963
The Texas Theatre holds a poignant place in history as the location where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested shortly after assassinating President John F. Kennedy. Each year, the theatre marks this somber anniversary by screening films that were relevant to that day. This includes *War is Hell*, the film Oswald was watching at the time of his arrest, shown at the exact time it played in 1963, with tickets priced at a nostalgic 90 cents. *Cry of Battle*, which was famously on the marquee, also features in the annual tribute.
The 2025 Conspiracy Caravan with Miriam Linna
This year, the commemoration expands beyond traditional screenings. On , musician and entrepreneur Miriam Linna will lead “Conspiracy Caravan.” Linna, known for her work in recovering underappreciated music through Norton Records and Kicks Books, will guide attendees through a fascinating exploration of pop culture history. She plans to uncover underinvestigated ties between key figures like Jack Ruby (who shot Oswald), Oswald himself, and other personalities hovering in the margins of JFK assassination theories. The evening will also feature DJ Travis Box spinning rare and obscure hits from 1963, culminating in a screening of the 1959 Dallas-produced film, *The Giant Gila Monster*.
Unpacking the Gordon McLendon Connection
A central focus of Linna’s “Conspiracy Caravan” will be Gordon McLendon, a renowned broadcaster and film producer of the era. McLendon’s name is familiar to JFK aficionados because Jack Ruby, after his arrest, specifically asked for McLendon to be informed of his whereabouts. McLendon also served as a producer for *The Giant Gila Monster*. Linna promises to reveal how this seemingly innocuous monster movie serves as yet another intriguing link in the chain binding Ruby and McLendon, shedding new light on historical narratives. Linna emphasizes that history is often subjective, offering exciting opportunities to uncover information that challenges established perspectives.
Miriam Linna: Historian, Musician, Entrepreneur
Miriam Linna’s expertise extends beyond historical research. A renowned drummer with a career spanning decades, she co-founded Norton Records and Kicks Books, dedicated to unearthing forgotten musical treasures. Her passion for history also led to the 2013 album *Tragic Songs From The Grassy Knoll*, featuring songs written in response to JFK’s assassination. Linna’s encyclopedic knowledge, whether connecting musical figures to historical events or dissecting the Warren Commission Report, makes her a captivating guide through the intertwining worlds of pop culture and history. As she puts it, “We’re pop culture vultures… [anyone who] isn’t… I don’t want to know you.”
What to Expect This Weekend
To make it easy to grasp the scope of this year’s events, here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Annual Texas Theatre Tradition | This Year’s Special Event (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Films Screened | Cry of Battle, War is Hell (Oswald’s film) | Cry of Battle, War is Hell, and The Giant Gila Monster (after Linna’s talk) |
| Ticket Price for War is Hell | 90 cents | 90 cents |
| Main Focus | Commemorating Oswald’s arrest and associated films | Miriam Linna’s “Conspiracy Caravan” linking pop culture, Ruby, McLendon, and Oswald |
| Special Guests/Activities | None typically specified | Miriam Linna talk, DJ Travis Box playing 1963 hits |
| Additional Local Events | None | Meet-and-greet with Miriam Linna at Half Price Books (5803 E NW Hwy) on |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main special event this year at the Texas Theatre?
The main special event is Miriam Linna’s “Conspiracy Caravan” on November 21, which delves into pop culture ties and underinvestigated connections to the JFK assassination. - What films will be shown during the anniversary commemoration?
The theatre will screen *Cry of Battle* and *War is Hell* (Oswald’s film). Additionally, *The Giant Gila Monster* will be shown following Miriam Linna’s presentation. - Who is Miriam Linna?
Miriam Linna is a renowned musician (drummer), entrepreneur, and pop culture historian known for her work with Norton Records and Kicks Books, specializing in uncovering forgotten music and historical narratives. - Is there another opportunity to meet Miriam Linna in Dallas?
Yes, Miriam Linna will be holding a meet-and-greet at Half Price Books (5803 E NW Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231) on Sunday, November 23.
This weekend, step into a unique historical investigation at the Texas Theatre and beyond. It’s an exceptional opportunity for Dallasites to reconsider a pivotal moment in our city’s past through a fresh, pop culture-infused lens, reminding us that history is always open to re-examination.
Texas Theatre dives deep into JFK assassination history
