701 N Main St, Borger, TX 79007, United States
Let me take you on a cinematic journey—but not the kind with popcorn dreams and Dolby explosions. No. This is the kind where expectations go to die quietly in the panhandle of Texas, in a place called The Morley Theatre. Right outta the gate: they're closed on Mondays. What kind of theater closes on a Monday? What is this, a barbershop in the 1950s? I worked nights while i was here i could never catch a movie. Morley said, "You wanna unwind with some big-screen magic? Not today. " One star off the bat just for that nonsense. Then, when they are open, they offer a measly two showings: one at 4 PM and one at 7 PM. Unless you’re a time traveler or unemployed like I am now (thanks layoffs), you’re probably not making it. You’d have a better shot catching Bigfoot at the snack bar than finding a convenient showing. So finally—finally—I get laid off (silver linings?) and I get a chance to go. I bump it up to two stars outta sheer optimism and caffeine withdrawal. The young lady working the front? Sweet kid. Clearly overworked from the grueling two-show-a-day grind. She told me she was tired and ready to go home—which had me cracking up. You’re open, what, four hours a day? What is this, a speakeasy for the elderly? Anyway, I roll into the lobby—it’s decent. Small town theater vibes, sure, but passable. Then I get to the concession stand and it’s like a crime scene of butter and bad decisions. Popcorn all over the floor, and the teenagers working there? Absolutely enthralled with a conversation about dislocating their shoulders on purpose. I waited 7 full minutes while they all talked, ignoring their only customer. I had time to think about my whole life. Then, finally, someone breaks free from the world’s dumbest podcast and asks if they can help. I ask about the hot dogs—do they come with chili and cheese? "Just cheese.” he snarled. Like I just asked if they serve caviar. So I go with the pizza.And brother… it looked like something you’d find in a gas station vending machine in a horror film. A pepperoni coaster. Dime size pepperonis, Cheese barely melted. One bite andIwas already half way done, Right back down to one star. But wait—there’s more! I head into the theater. Place is oddly shaped. There’s a weird little arcade section I didn’t dare enter, and then… a bar. Yeah. A freakin' bar. That’s the only part of the place that didn’t feel like a middle school AV club fundraiser. So, back up to two stars. I’m like the stock market over here, rising and falling with every experience. Inside the theater? Tiny. The screen? Looked like i was back in science class. The chairs? About as comfortable as church pews during a hellfire sermon. They should hand out ibuprofen with the ticket. This place is in desperate need of an upgrade—but you can tell they don’t get enough business to justify it. And honestly, I see why. So here’s the bottom line: If you live in Borger, you got my condolences. This is your only option unless you wanna drive an hour to civilization. But if you’re just visiting? Hold off. Go see your movie somewhere that won’t give you back pain and regret.
Read More ReviewsLet me take you on a cinematic journey—but not the kind with popcorn dreams and Dolby explosions. No. This is the kind where expectations go to die quietly in the panhandle of Texas, in a place called The Morley Theatre. Right outta the gate: they're closed on Mondays. What kind of theater closes on a Monday? What is this, a barbershop in the 1950s? I worked nights while i was here i could never catch a movie. Morley said, "You wanna unwind with some big-screen magic? Not today. " One star off the bat just for that nonsense. Then, when they are open, they offer a measly two showings: one at 4 PM and one at 7 PM. Unless you’re a time traveler or unemployed like I am now (thanks layoffs), you’re probably not making it. You’d have a better shot catching Bigfoot at the snack bar than finding a convenient showing. So finally—finally—I get laid off (silver linings?) and I get a chance to go. I bump it up to two stars outta sheer optimism and caffeine withdrawal. The young lady working the front? Sweet kid. Clearly overworked from the grueling two-show-a-day grind. She told me she was tired and ready to go home—which had me cracking up. You’re open, what, four hours a day? What is this, a speakeasy for the elderly? Anyway, I roll into the lobby—it’s decent. Small town theater vibes, sure, but passable. Then I get to the concession stand and it’s like a crime scene of butter and bad decisions. Popcorn all over the floor, and the teenagers working there? Absolutely enthralled with a conversation about dislocating their shoulders on purpose. I waited 7 full minutes while they all talked, ignoring their only customer. I had time to think about my whole life. Then, finally, someone breaks free from the world’s dumbest podcast and asks if they can help. I ask about the hot dogs—do they come with chili and cheese? "Just cheese.” he snarled. Like I just asked if they serve caviar. So I go with the pizza.And brother… it looked like something you’d find in a gas station vending machine in a horror film. A pepperoni coaster. Dime size pepperonis, Cheese barely melted. One bite andIwas already half way done, Right back down to one star. But wait—there’s more! I head into the theater. Place is oddly shaped. There’s a weird little arcade section I didn’t dare enter, and then… a bar. Yeah. A freakin' bar. That’s the only part of the place that didn’t feel like a middle school AV club fundraiser. So, back up to two stars. I’m like the stock market over here, rising and falling with every experience. Inside the theater? Tiny. The screen? Looked like i was back in science class. The chairs? About as comfortable as church pews during a hellfire sermon. They should hand out ibuprofen with the ticket. This place is in desperate need of an upgrade—but you can tell they don’t get enough business to justify it. And honestly, I see why. So here’s the bottom line: If you live in Borger, you got my condolences. This is your only option unless you wanna drive an hour to civilization. But if you’re just visiting? Hold off. Go see your movie somewhere that won’t give you back pain and regret.
Commenting to counter Jesse travels because he's not intelligent enough to create a intelligent review on his own he uses AI. Morley is a great theater for this small town. I definitely understand them having to close uncertain days and only have certain show hours being a small town you can't stay as busy so you have to have certain hours that make it profitable.
The staff aren't very interactive but the cleaness and food is so good even the seats and atmosphere feel so incredible. In borger texas this is one of my most recommended spots
I do love what they did with the place but the only thing I Don't understand is that my sweet tea doesn't taste like it was sweet, just water so I don't recommend drinking it just to let you know.
nice theater. good vibes. my only complaint is that they take out movies way too early. the second a movie isn't a smash hit they pull it the next week... wanted to see the front room but found out that they took it out 7 DAYS after it released. monster summer lasted 6 days and yall replaced it with a low budget christian drama? thanks for replacing what looked like a nice family movie with a movie for grandmas?
