The Gem Theatre

Gem Theatre
Claude, Texas (Armstrong County)
Photo Credit: TEXScout / Texas Film Commission

The GEM Theatre’s history in Armstrong County dates back to 1915 with the opening of The Claudia Theatre, which initially hosted live performances before transitioning to films. Reviving this tradition, the Armstrong County Museum acquired and restored the building in 1992, renaming it The Gem Theatre.

Texas Historical Commission

Films Featured

• Hud (1963)
  • After learning about the possible threat to his cattle one night, Homer Bannon (Melvyn Douglas) and his grandson Lonnie Bannon (Brandon De Wilde) go into town to Claude’s Gem Theater to catch a movie. An animated short film called Clementine plays, and they sing along to the American Western folk ballad “Oh My Darlin’ Clementine."

Film Trails

Texas Westerns Film Trail 

As Seen In Film