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[[Image:Ritz Theatre.jpg|right|thumb|375px|The Ritz Theatre in 1933. {{BPL permission caption|http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/u?/p4017coll6,1337}}]]
[[File:Ritz Vaudeville.jpg|right|thumb|450px|The Ritz Theatre in the 1930s]]
[[Image:Cinerama Ritz sign.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Post-1962 Cinerama sign]]
The '''Ritz Theatre''' was a "million dollar" air-conditioned [[List of former cinemas|movie theater]] 1719-1721 [[2nd Avenue North]], opposite the [[Phoenix Building]]. It was built in [[1926]] for the Interstate Amusement Company, and alternated Vaudeville shows with motion pictures. With between 1,800 and 2,000 seats, the Ritz was the largest theater in the city when it was completed, and second only in size to the [[Alabama Theatre]], built the following year.
The '''Ritz Theatre''' was a "million dollar" air-conditioned movie theater built on the 1700 block of [[2nd Avenue North]] for the Interstate Amusement Company. Seating 2,000, the Ritz was the largest in the city when it was completed, and second only in size to the [[Alabama Theatre]], built the following year.


It opened on [[August 15]], [[1926]] with a screening of "More Pay-Less Work" starring Mary Brian and Buddy Rogers. Before the film was a stage performance by vaudeville stars Herman and Sammy Timberg. The first manager was [[Vernon Reaver]].
The Ritz Theater was constructed by [[Charles M. Allen & Son]]. The structure incorporated 1,050 tons of steel framing and equipment, including a 15-ton balcony girder. It was equipped with, "the most perfect ventilation and air refrigerating plant available," at a cost of more than $100,000. Other features included two arclight projectors, spotlights, a 12' x 16' projection screen, an asbestos stage curtain, and "Worsted Wilton" velvet carpet made by Alexander Smith and installed by [[Burger-Phillips]]. The walls were draped by [[Loveman, Joseph & Loeb]], with Holland blue velvet valences and galoons in an "early American" motif for the theater and "perfectly blended shades of bluebell and violet" in the lounge. [[Dixie Radiator Cabinets]] were installed over the radiators for decoration, protection and humidification.


In [[1930]] the theater was bought by the Radio-Keith-Orpheum Company (RKO) and [[Karl Hoblitzelle]] was named managing director. In [[1933]] the operation was sold again, to the Wilby-Kincey Corporation. By the end of that decade the theater's 2/6 Kilgen/Robert Morton pipe organ was no longer in use.
The first manager was [[Vernon Reaver]], and the "Ritz Augmented Orchestra" was led by [[Al Plante]]. The theater opened on [[August 15]], [[1926]] with a screening of "More Pay-Less Work" starring Mary Brian and Buddy Rogers. Before the film was a stage performance by Vaudeville stars Herman and Sammy Timberg.


In [[1962]] Wilby-Kincey updated the property for wrap-around Cinerama projection. The project involved demolition of the lobby and a reduction in seating capacity from 1,700 to 500. An enormous stage curtain was installed to mask the damage. The remodeled theater, managed by [[Cecil Brown]], re-opened in June as the '''Cinerama Ritz'''. The opening night screening of 1952's ''This is Cinerama'' was accompanied by the [[Birmingham-Southern College Choir]], a Marine Corps color guard, [[Miss Alabama]] [[Delores Hodgens|Delores Hodgens Howard]] and [[Governor of Alabama|Governor]] [[John Patterson]].
The Ritz showed the first "talkie" in Birmingham, a [[1927]] newsreel with an audio recording of President Calvin Coolidge's welcome to Charles Lindbergh in New York City.  In [[1930]] the theater was bought by the Radio-Keith-Orpheum Company (RKO) and [[Karl Hoblitzelle]] was named managing director. In [[1933]] the operation was sold again, to the Wilby-Kincey Corporation. By the end of that decade the theater's $25,000 2/6 Kilgen/Robert Morton pipe organ was no longer in use. The Ritz hosted the Birmingham premiere of ''Gone With The Wind'' on [[January 31]], [[1940]].


[[Image:Ritz demolition 1982.jpg|left|thumb|375px|Demolition of the Ritz in 1982. Photo by John McDavid]]
In [[1962]] Wilby-Kincey updated the property for wrap-around Cinerama projection. The project involved demolition of the lobby and a reduction in seating capacity from 1,700 to 500. An enormous stage curtain was installed to mask the damage. The remodeled theater, managed by [[Cecil Brown]], re-opened in June as the '''Cinerama Ritz''' (or  '''Ritz Cinerama'''). The opening night screening of 1952's ''This is Cinerama'' was accompanied by the [[Birmingham-Southern College Choir]], a Marine Corps color guard, child pianist [[Delores Hodgens Howard|Delores Hodgens]] and [[Governor of Alabama|Governor]] [[John Patterson]]. In November [[1963]] the Ritz switched back over to regular-format features. In the 1970s the theatre screened "grindhouse" films. Its last screening was of "Thunder and Lightening" starring David Carradine and [[Kate Jackson]] in [[1977]].
In the 1970s the theatre screened "grindhouse" films. Its last screening was of "Thunder and Lightening" starring David Carradine and [[Kate Jackson]].


The vacant theater was put up for auction in [[1982]]. [[Robbie Arbitelle]], owner of the neighboring [[Magic Palace]] magic shop, took possession of some seats and other artifacts, which he displayed in his store. He made a bid for the theater building, but lost out to the [[T. M. Burgin Demolition Company]], which tore down the Ritz that year.
The vacant theater was put up for auction in [[1982]]. [[Robbie Arbitelle]], owner of the neighboring [[Magic Palace]] magic shop, took possession of some seats and other artifacts, which he displayed in his store. He made a bid for the theater building, but lost out to the [[T. M. Burgin Demolition Company]], which tore down the Ritz that year. The site is now part of the surface parking lot behind the [[Birmingham Police Headquarters]].
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:1927 Ritz Theatre.jpg|The Ritz Theatre in 1927
Image:Ritz Theatre.jpg|The Ritz Theatre in 1933
File:1959 Ritz Theatre.jpg|The Ritz Theatre in 1959
File:1961 Ritz Theatre at night.jpg|The Ritz Theatre in 1961
Image:Cinerama Ritz sign.jpg|Post-1962 Cinerama sign
Image:Ritz demolition 1982.jpg|Demolition of the Ritz in 1982. Photo by John McDavid
Image:Ritz Theatre Demoliton October 1982 BW.jpg|Demolition of the Ritz in October 1982. Photo from the collection of Birmingham Landmarks, Inc.
File:1982 Ritz demolition 01.jpg|Ritz Theatre during demolition
File:1982 Ritz demolition 02.jpg|Ritz Theatre during demolition
File:1982 Ritz demolition 03.jpg|Ritz Theatre during demolition
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
* "[http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/u?/p4017coll6,1081 Ritz Theater is bought by R-K-O]" (May 16, 1930) ''Birmingham News'' - accessed via {{BPLDC}}
* "Cooling system gives comfort." (August 15, 1926) {{BN}}
* "[http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/u?/p4017coll6,1081 Ritz Theater is bought by R-K-O]" (May 16, 1930) ''Birmingham News'' - via {{BPLDC}}
* Townsend, Vincent (January 30, 1940) "[http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/digital/collection/p4017coll2/id/9786 'Gone With The Wind' To Open Run At Ritz Theatre]" {{BN}} - via {{BPLDC}}
* Caldwell, Lila May (June 24, 1962) "[http://www.birminghamrewound.com/features/CineramaRitz-2%20(6-62).jpg Cinerama comes to Alabama: 'This is Cinerama' is first of many spectacular films]" {{BN}} - via [[Birmingham Rewound]]
* Caldwell, Lila May (June 24, 1962) "[http://www.birminghamrewound.com/features/CineramaRitz-2%20(6-62).jpg Cinerama comes to Alabama: 'This is Cinerama' is first of many spectacular films]" {{BN}} - via [[Birmingham Rewound]]
* Rowell, Raymond J. (February 1973) "Birmingham - As It Was" ''[[The City Hall Reporter]]''
* {{Hollis-2005}}
* {{Hollis-2005}}


Latest revision as of 17:09, 19 February 2020

The Ritz Theatre in the 1930s

The Ritz Theatre was a "million dollar" air-conditioned movie theater 1719-1721 2nd Avenue North, opposite the Phoenix Building. It was built in 1926 for the Interstate Amusement Company, and alternated Vaudeville shows with motion pictures. With between 1,800 and 2,000 seats, the Ritz was the largest theater in the city when it was completed, and second only in size to the Alabama Theatre, built the following year.

The Ritz Theater was constructed by Charles M. Allen & Son. The structure incorporated 1,050 tons of steel framing and equipment, including a 15-ton balcony girder. It was equipped with, "the most perfect ventilation and air refrigerating plant available," at a cost of more than $100,000. Other features included two arclight projectors, spotlights, a 12' x 16' projection screen, an asbestos stage curtain, and "Worsted Wilton" velvet carpet made by Alexander Smith and installed by Burger-Phillips. The walls were draped by Loveman, Joseph & Loeb, with Holland blue velvet valences and galoons in an "early American" motif for the theater and "perfectly blended shades of bluebell and violet" in the lounge. Dixie Radiator Cabinets were installed over the radiators for decoration, protection and humidification.

The first manager was Vernon Reaver, and the "Ritz Augmented Orchestra" was led by Al Plante. The theater opened on August 15, 1926 with a screening of "More Pay-Less Work" starring Mary Brian and Buddy Rogers. Before the film was a stage performance by Vaudeville stars Herman and Sammy Timberg.

The Ritz showed the first "talkie" in Birmingham, a 1927 newsreel with an audio recording of President Calvin Coolidge's welcome to Charles Lindbergh in New York City. In 1930 the theater was bought by the Radio-Keith-Orpheum Company (RKO) and Karl Hoblitzelle was named managing director. In 1933 the operation was sold again, to the Wilby-Kincey Corporation. By the end of that decade the theater's $25,000 2/6 Kilgen/Robert Morton pipe organ was no longer in use. The Ritz hosted the Birmingham premiere of Gone With The Wind on January 31, 1940.

In 1962 Wilby-Kincey updated the property for wrap-around Cinerama projection. The project involved demolition of the lobby and a reduction in seating capacity from 1,700 to 500. An enormous stage curtain was installed to mask the damage. The remodeled theater, managed by Cecil Brown, re-opened in June as the Cinerama Ritz (or Ritz Cinerama). The opening night screening of 1952's This is Cinerama was accompanied by the Birmingham-Southern College Choir, a Marine Corps color guard, child pianist Delores Hodgens and Governor John Patterson. In November 1963 the Ritz switched back over to regular-format features. In the 1970s the theatre screened "grindhouse" films. Its last screening was of "Thunder and Lightening" starring David Carradine and Kate Jackson in 1977.

The vacant theater was put up for auction in 1982. Robbie Arbitelle, owner of the neighboring Magic Palace magic shop, took possession of some seats and other artifacts, which he displayed in his store. He made a bid for the theater building, but lost out to the T. M. Burgin Demolition Company, which tore down the Ritz that year. The site is now part of the surface parking lot behind the Birmingham Police Headquarters.

Gallery

  • The Ritz Theatre in 1927

    The Ritz Theatre in 1927

  • The Ritz Theatre in 1933

    The Ritz Theatre in 1933

  • The Ritz Theatre in 1959

    The Ritz Theatre in 1959

  • The Ritz Theatre in 1961

    The Ritz Theatre in 1961

  • Post-1962 Cinerama sign

    Post-1962 Cinerama sign

  • Demolition of the Ritz in 1982. Photo by John McDavid

    Demolition of the Ritz in 1982. Photo by John McDavid

  • Demolition of the Ritz in October 1982. Photo from the collection of Birmingham Landmarks, Inc.

    Demolition of the Ritz in October 1982. Photo from the collection of Birmingham Landmarks, Inc.

  • Ritz Theatre during demolition

    Ritz Theatre during demolition

  • Ritz Theatre during demolition

    Ritz Theatre during demolition

  • Ritz Theatre during demolition

    Ritz Theatre during demolition

References

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