Ritz Theatre

207 N. Main Street,
Midland, TX 79701

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: H & H Theatre Co.

Architects: W. Scott Dunne

Functions: Office Space, Special Events

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Previous Names: Cinema 1

Nearby Theaters

Ritz Theatre ... Midland Texas

The Ritz Theatre was opened in 1928. Following a remodel, it reopened on January 21, 1977 as Cinema 1. It closed on March 13, 1980. It reopened as the Ritz Theatre on July 29, 1983. and it closed in June 1985. My father owned and operated this theatre from 1978 - 1984. He closed it due to the opening of several four screen theatres in newer parts of town. Some of my earliest childhood memories are in this theatre. I can remember seeing “E.T” and “Mr. Mom” among other movies. The local ABC affiliate did a news piece in the early-1980’s which I can remember them filming. The balcony had been closed off with a large wall. The enclosed area served as the new projection booth with offices occupying what used to be the balcony seats.

At one point following its closure, a church leased the space. If I remember correctly, there was also a short time where it was leased to show Spanish-language films. In 2000, it was renovated and reopened as a nightclub, which has since closed. In 2016 it was purchased by the local PBS station and is used by their offices and for special events.

Contributed by Neal Wilmes

Recent comments (view all 9 comments)

chadhauris
chadhauris on January 25, 2007 at 8:00 pm

Here are some photos of the Ritz Theatre. It is no longer an active nightclub.

http://www.retroaudiolab.com/ritz.htm

raybradley
raybradley on September 15, 2007 at 11:16 am

View vintage photos by typing in word “theatre”,
View link

Don Lewis
Don Lewis on February 28, 2008 at 8:37 pm

A 1987 photo of the Ritz Theater in Midland.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on April 26, 2010 at 4:51 am

A Ritz Theatre opened at Midland in 1928, and was designed by theater architect W. Scott Dunne. Motion Picture Times of November 3 that year said that the house, owned by W. H. Williams, would open about Thanksgiving Day.

Boxoffice of January 17, 1977, said this: “Video’s Cinema, formerly the Ritz, in Midland, Tex., has been completely remodeled and will reopen soon.” I can’t find any other refences to a house in Midland called the Cinema.

billjo81
billjo81 on May 3, 2015 at 1:52 am

Hello
in 2000 it was called the ritz downtown night club. I was the door man at that time. miss the days it was a bust.

chriscaffee
chriscaffee on June 5, 2021 at 4:14 pm

In 2016, the Ritz Theater in Midland was purchased by the local PBS station and completely renovated with 1950’s style movie signage, etc. They are using it for their station offices and community events. It is a great save of a movie theater building.

rivest266
rivest266 on May 7, 2024 at 3:29 am

It reopened as Cinema 1 on January 21st, 1977. Grand opening ad and article posted.

rivest266
rivest266 on May 7, 2024 at 2:07 pm

The Cinema 1 Closed on March 13th, 1980 and reopened as Ritz on July 29th, 1983 and closed again in June of 1985.

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