Ritz Theatre
3820 14th Avenue,
Rock Island,
IL
61201
3820 14th Avenue,
Rock Island,
IL
61201
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Isadore Brotman launched the New Ritz Theatre on February 20, 1942 with “Broadway Limited” and “Reg'lar Fellas.” Brotman replaced the former Ritz Theatre across the street which had launched previously on November 3, 1935 with the film, “Caliente.” It closed February 19, 1942 with “You’ll Never Get Rich.”
Architect was Benjamin A. Horn.
Boxoffice reported on June 5, 1952, that the Ritz was being converted into 19 apartments. It was just one of half a dozen quad cities theaters that had recently been closed, according to Boxoffice. The others were the LeClaire and Hiland in Moline, the Majestic in East Moline, the Spencer in Rock Island, and the Iowan in Bettendorf, Iowa.
The Ritz was owned and operated by Isadore Brotman, my grandfather. My mother worked at the theater and ran the soda/ice cream bar. It is located near Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. They ran specials for the college students so they could view movies for a nickel or a dime. IT was the place where many romances began, some even ending in marriage!
It was closed and renovated into an apartment building. It is still standing. Up until about 8 – 10 years ago it housed a beauty salon in the front of the building.
The unique thing about the theater was the “cry room”. This was a place mothers could go to watch a movie if their children or babies began crying. They watched, the child was comforted, and everyone watched in peace and quiet not to bother the other patrons.