Taking a 75-mile drive to catch a Bogart and Cagney film

The Dogie Theatre in Newcastle, Wyoming, has been showing classic movies recently like "The Oklahoma Kid."
Gregory R.C. Hasman photo

It's not often someone can catch a film starring James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart inside a historic movie theater nowadays, but that's what happened Friday night.

The Dogie Theatre in Newcastle, Wyoming, off of U.S. Highway 16 in Weston County, has recently been playing weekend Westerns in an attempt to get people to come down to the theater. Many places have not been able to show new movies because of delays in getting them in due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The owner, Gerald Bullard, just wanted to show old westerns. It's something to pay the bills, Dogie Theatre Manager Bill Nelson said.

Last week, the Dogie showed "Colorado Territory" with Joel McCrea and this weekend it is featuring "The Oklahoma Kid" starring Cagney and Bogart.

Cagney played the "Oklahoma Kid" who initially seemed like a Billy the Kid-type of outlaw. Early on he stole money that would have gone to pay Native Americans for the land that would become Oklahoma from a gang led by "Whip McCord," played by Bogart. McCord's gang had previously robbed a stagecoach to get the money.

The plot, however, takes a twist. Check out the movie to find out what happens.

Wee Dogie, the theater is a cool place.

Why Dogie?

In 1950, Esther (Shorty) Shenton made plans to build a new, modern movie theater in Newcastle. The new theater was to boast updated projection equipment and a new sound system, which was complimented by luxurious, fireproof carpets and stage drapes, special devices for deaf and hard of hearing clientele, and a clear plastic viewing screen.

The floor plan of the theater was crafted in the shape of a saucer that would allow a perfect line of sight for all viewers. And the facility featured state-of-the-art air conditioning and heating systems, a snack bar and even a special cry-room for babies.

A contest to name the new theater was held, and the name Dogie Theater was chosen, in honor of the Newcastle High School mascot. A “dogie” is a motherless calf in a range herd of cattle and must be strong to survive. The grand opening was held March 21, 1951, under the ownership of the Black Hills Amusement Company, according to the Weston County Historical District.

It is still running 69 years later and while the future is unknown with COVID-19 the theater is at least trying its best to hold on.

The Dogie will likely continue to show the classic Westerns on weekends for the foreseeable future, though the owner could change the genre. But as long as they put on the classics I will do my best to come down and watch them.