H.R. No. 974
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Bert Guerra has made significant contributions to
the McAllen community through his efforts to preserve the town's
historic Cine El Rey; and
WHEREAS, Opened in 1947 to serve the area's Spanish-speaking
residents, El Rey screened countless Spanish-language films and
hosted numerous iconic performers, such as Pedro Infante,
Cantinflas, Sara García, and Tin Tan; in addition, the theater's
talent shows offered an early proving ground for Tejano legend
Carlos Guzmán, who grew up in South Texas, and its stage provided a
stepping-stone for many other regional artists who went on to enjoy
notable success; and
WHEREAS, After the theater closed in 1988, the building
remained vacant for many years, but in 2002, the same year it was
listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was restored
and reopened by a new owner; Premont natives Bert Guerra and his
brother Isaac subsequently purchased the theater in 2007, and since
then Bert Guerra has overseen the theater's revival, guided by its
original, animating spirit; under his direction, and with the
support of The Historic Cine El Rey Theatre Foundation, programming
includes community events, free movies, weekly comedy shows, and a
wide range of other art-related offerings; and
WHEREAS, A beloved local landmark, Cine El Rey continues its
venerable tradition of entertaining and enlightening McAllen
residents, and Bert Guerra is indeed deserving of recognition for
his role in preserving this important cultural institution; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commend Bert Guerra for his efforts to preserve
the spirit of the Cine El Rey and extend to him sincere best wishes
for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Guerra as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Canales
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 974 was adopted by the House on March
30, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House