Auto Cine Ruenes
2950 Southmost Road,
Brownsville,
TX
78520
2950 Southmost Road,
Brownsville,
TX
78520
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Claude Ezell and Associates Inc., Stanley-Warner Theatres
Previous Names: Fiesta Drive-In, Ruenes Drive-In
Nearby Theaters
Originally opened as the Fiesta Drive-In May 27, 1954, when it was operated by Claude Ezell & Associates Inc. It was later renamed by Ramon Ruenes II who owned theatres in Brownsville, Corpus Christi and San Antonio (Ruenes Drive-in Theatre Circuit). It was located on Southmost Road between 29th Street and 30th Street.
Contributed by
Javier R. Garcia
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
A postcard view of the theater’s projection and concessions building as well as an area view pf the theater’s site can be found on its gallery page at Drive-ins.com.
Here’s a link to YouTube that will show photos of this and other drive-in theaters of Brownsville, Texas.
http://youtu.be/16RBHlKAXkg
The Fiesta Drive-In, a Hispanic theater/English hybrid, was ready to launch on May 27, 1954 with the films, “Baile mi Rey” and “Copper Canyon.” The first film was in Spanish and the nightcap was in English. The 550-spot lot was augmented by a 200-seat area for walk-ups and those who just didn’t want to be in their cars. Texas Drive-In specialists Ezell and Associates Circuit who also owned the Star Drive-In in Brownsville were in charge. The theater would join the Stanley Warner Theatre Circuit and would go all Spanish-language. In February 1965, Ramon Runes Jr. On March 4, 1965, within his circuit the theatre became the Auto Cine Ruenes. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary and 31st overall, the Ruenes was the only Brownsville Drive-In remaining in 1985 and would be torn down prior to reaching its 25th Anniversary.
Grand opening ad posted in the photo section.