Miracle Theatre
226 S. Market Street,
Inglewood,
CA
90301
226 S. Market Street,
Inglewood,
CA
90301
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Loews, Pussycat Theatres
Functions: Live Performances
Previous Names: Ritz Theatre, Loews Cine, Pussycat Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Ritz Theatre was located in downtown Inglewood on Market Street, just South of the Fox Theatre, U.A. Theatre, and Inglewood Theatre. The Ritz Theatre was built in 1937, and was listed in the independent theatre section of the L.A. Times.
During the 1960’s, the Ritz Theatre presented first and second-run features. In addition, non-mainstream films like "Mondo Cane," "Lolita," and "Dr. Strangelove" played the Ritz Theatre. Here’s something really interesting: Over the period of about a year, the screen was moved forward into the auditorium, then back, then forward again. (I swear, I wasn’t on drugs! This really happened!)
On December 20, 1967 the name was changed to Loews Cine as it was operated by Loews. A new marquee was put in place, the lobby was remodeled, and the auditorium was decorated with blue curtains, including riser curtains for the screen. The opening feature after the remodeling was "The Bible."
When "I Am Curious (Yellow)" played the Loews Cine, the program was shut down. I remember walking by and seeing no letters on the marquee. A few years later, Russ Meyer’s "Vixen" played the theatre without incident. In the early-1970’s, the Loews Cine continued to present mainstream films, but the neighborhood changed and so did the audience. People would attend the theatre and, when the program started, they would jump onto the riser curtains and be pulled up to the top of the screen. This led to the machinery breaking down.
The theatre became a Pussycat Theatre on December 9, 1975. When Pussycat Theatres left, the theatre became an independent, second-run house for a brief period. Then, it became a community center, then a church, which has since move out. By early-2018 it had re-opened as the Miracle Theatre presenting live performances.
Contributed by
George Haider
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Recent comments (view all 31 comments)
This is from Boxoffice in June 1958:
LOS ANGELES-Helm-Hoffman Enterprises, in which Phillip Hoffman and Bob Hellman are partners, has purchased Wendell Smith’s Ritz Inglewood Theatre Corp. and will operate the 700-seat theatre on an alternate first-run and seven-day availability schedule.
I grew up in Inglewood in the 1960s, and remember the Ritz well. They were a bit clueless about pairing films for their double features—I’ll never forget the double feature of “McHale’s Navy” (the big screen version of the inane TV series) with “Lady in a Cage” (an intense, largely mature-themed thriller).
Interesting photo of when it was a LOEWS.
Built in 1937, according to that defunct Loopnet listing.
Is the projection equipment still available?
The theater is listed for sale by NAI Capital. Listing says 8120 sq. ft. building on 7379 sq. ft. land. 24-26 ft. ceilings throughout theater space. 5 gated parking spaces.
Wow what a double feature. Lady in a Cage is a cult film now and has a great soundtrack. Avantgard in many ways. Theatre had a lot of art deco elements.
December 9th, 1975 grand opening ad as Pussycat in photo section.
The Ritz has reopened as a live venue called The Miracle Theatre, often hashtagged as #MiracleOnMarket. They have hosted events such as the 2nd Season premiere of the HBO series “INSECURE”. Looks very nice.
https://www.themiracleinglewood.com/
This reopened as the Ciné on December 20th, 1967 with “The Bible” by Loew’s Theatres.