05/23/2026
An adult + child could see a newly releasesd film screening for $1...
We agree with our friends at PIPM, the local history of Woodward and it's people is richly steeped in innovation and bold character.
The Woodward Arts Theatre remains standing in the center of the Woodward community filled with memories of a culturally diverse past and a mighty emboldened vision for the fulture.
Don't miss a chance to visit the space during our annual season of programming. We can't wait to "See you at the Theatre!"
Today’s post from 1961 has not only historical context, but smacks of downright irony. The ancient Greek dramatists invented and mastered irony (it’s our story and we’re sticking to it) and today’s post drips with the stuff.
In the Woodward Daily Press in the early 1960’s, it was very common for the two movie venues in town, the Woodward Theatre and the Terrytime to publish very short synopses of their films to hopefully pull in more patrons. Although the Terrys likely paid for the synopses, it looked like a legitimate news story. To a professional marketer this would be another example of earned media.
That brings us to the Woodward Daily Press edition of May 23, 1961. Guess what was playing at the Woodward Theatre downtown. Go on guess. Give up?
It was the movie (remake of an earlier classic, frankly) “Cimarron” based on Edna Ferber’s novel based on the life of everyone’s favorite lawyer with a gun Temple Houston.
Now, we’re certain that there are those among you who are asking, “So what?”
Here’s your short course in the literary vehicle of irony. The movie based on a book loosely based on the life and times of Temple Houston in Woodward, O.T. is playing just a few doors away from the location where Mr. Temple and his pal Jack Love shot it out with the Jennings brothers. O' the irony!
And, if that’s not enough irony for you, try this out. There’s no mention of it in the Terrys’ synopsis. Hmmm…I’m betting they could have packed that theatre if they had mentioned that, although as I recall (having seen both movies) there were no Jennings brothers. Butch Cavendish maybe...no wait, that was the Lone Ranger. But, still…
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At the Theatres
Woodward – “Cimarron” starring Glenn Ford and Marie Schell is showing at the Woodward Theatre Friday and Saturday.
“Friendly Persuasion” starring Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire is one of the best pictures of the year, outstanding for its excellent acting and beautiful photography opening Sunday.
Terrytime – Double Feature – “The Long Rope” and “Heroes Die Young” a double feature is the attraction at the Terrytime Friday and Sunday.
“The Sins of Rachael Cade” staring Angie Dickson and Peter Finch is the attraction at the Terrytime Sunday and Monday.
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So, there it is. Maybe the Woodward Arts Theatre (as it’s known now) could show one or both versions of Cimarron (again, the first version with Richard Dix was the best). A mere suggestion.
Trust us, we're Museum professionals. We're certain all students of ironic horse operas will be there.
Stop in at the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum in Woodward where the concept of irony is seldom lost on any of the staff (we’re an astute bunch).
We are remake-, synopses-, and admission-free.
Please share these posts. The Muse getting famous would be very ironic. In it's own way.
