Ritz Theatre
207 N. Main Street,
Midland,
TX
79701
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
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
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
Here are some photos of the Ritz Theatre. It is no longer an active nightclub.
http://www.retroaudiolab.com/ritz.htm
View vintage photos by typing in word “theatre”,
View link
A 1987 photo of the Ritz Theater in Midland.
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.
Thanks Joe!
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.
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.
It reopened as Cinema 1 on January 21st, 1977. Grand opening ad and article posted.
The Cinema 1 Closed on March 13th, 1980 and reopened as Ritz on July 29th, 1983 and closed again in June of 1985.