Coming soon - A RESTORED RITZ! With your help, PATCH will be able to revive The Ritz to what it looked like in 1929. The Ritz will be a state-of-the-art venue with film, music, comedy, drama, educational programs and more. For all this to happen, we need the community’s help. By getting involved, spreading the word, and being an advocate for The Ritz Revival, you can help make The Ritz restoration a success. The Ritz will be an icon for hope, change and rebirth. It’s something everyone can be a part of and say, “I helped make that happen”.
Howard Hughes-Prior Owner of The Ritz
We recently got information from a woman named Jimmie Hicks of Los Angeles, California. The last time she was in the theatre was in 1953 for the movie Return to Paradise starring Gary Cooper.
According to The 1932 Film Daily Yearbook of Motion Pictures, The Ritz Theatre was one of the many theatres in Texas owned by a company called Hughes Franklin Theatres. Howard Hughes was the Chairman of the Board. At this time, we don't know exactly how long the company owned The Ritz, but Hughes Franklin Theatres dissolved when Howard Hughes left the movie business temporarily in the early 1930's. Mr. Rowley (later to be known with the Robb and Rowley circut) was connected to the company as the Division Manager of Texas and Oklahoma for Hughes Franklin Theatres. What a history!!!
This is an exert from The 1932 Film Daily Year Book of Motion Pictures.
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Does The Ritz have a Friendly Ghost?!
The Ritz Theatre has been abandoned for almost twenty years, which is a long period of time for mysterious things to happen within the theatre’s walls. There are many unexplained noises echoing throughout the building, along with lurking shadows in the corners. Some have even claimed to hear a voice of a little girl. Since there is no air conditioning in the building it is quite odd that some areas of the theatre are much cooler than others. Before The Ritz was built in 1929, there was a family who lived on the property and all mysteriously vanished. Investigators believe that the spirits are of that family and want to connect with us….
If you don’t believe it- see it for yourself and check out The Resurection of The Ritz on August 23rd!
Click on Upcoming Events for more info.
A 1930s View from Inside
Top Left- Picture of the Procenium Arch that is no longer there but will be restored to its orginal beauty.
Bottom Left- Picture from the stage.
Top and Bottom Right- Pictures of the 2 story Grand Lobby. The top is a view from the 2nd story and the bottom picture is a view from the 1st story. The open space is now a 2nd floor but during restoration it will be opened back up to a Grand Lobby.
