Ritz Theatre: Difference between revisions
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In [[1962]] the theatre was updated for Cinerama projection and billed itself as the '''Cinerama Ritz'''. An enormous stage curtain was installed to mask the damage caused during installation. | In [[1962]] the theatre was updated for Cinerama projection and billed itself as the '''Cinerama Ritz'''. An enormous stage curtain was installed to mask the damage caused during installation. | ||
[[Image:Ritz demolition 1982.jpg|left|thumb|375px|Demolition of the Ritz in 1982. Photo by John McDavid]] | |||
In the 1970s the theatre screened "grindhouse" films. Its last screening was of "Thunder and Lightening" starring David Carradine and [[Kate Jackson]]. | In the 1970s the theatre screened "grindhouse" films. Its last screening was of "Thunder and Lightening" starring David Carradine and [[Kate Jackson]]. | ||
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* "[http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/u?/p4017coll6,1081 Ritz Theater is bought by R-K-O]" (May 16, 1930) ''Birmingham News'' - accessed via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections | * "[http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/u?/p4017coll6,1081 Ritz Theater is bought by R-K-O]" (May 16, 1930) ''Birmingham News'' - accessed via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections | ||
* Hollis, Tim (2005) ''Birmingham's Theater and Retail District.'' Images of America Series. Arcadia Publishing ISBN 0738517771 | * Hollis, Tim (2005) ''Birmingham's Theater and Retail District.'' Images of America Series. Arcadia Publishing ISBN 0738517771 | ||
[[Category:Former cinemas]] | [[Category:Former cinemas]] | ||
Revision as of 19:16, 4 July 2011
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.
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 interests". By the end of that decade the theater's 2/6 Kilgen/Robert Morton pipe organ was no longer in use.
In 1962 the theatre was updated for Cinerama projection and billed itself as the Cinerama Ritz. An enormous stage curtain was installed to mask the damage caused during installation.
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.
References
- "Ritz Theater is bought by R-K-O" (May 16, 1930) Birmingham News - accessed via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections
- Hollis, Tim (2005) Birmingham's Theater and Retail District. Images of America Series. Arcadia Publishing ISBN 0738517771