THE RITZ THEATER
A HISTORIC LANDMARK
1928-2005
The Ritz Theater opened its doors on
July 8, 1928 with a bill that included the silent version of
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, two serials and, according to the
newspaper ad that day, “high class music on our Wurlitzer Organ”.
The Ritz is special because it is typical of a small town movie
house at the early part of the 20th century and is the only silent
movie house left standing in The Shoals.
In 1928, motion pictures were silent. The only sound to accompany a
film was live music, usually a piano or organ. In the early 1930’s
the Ritz began to show a different kind of film. These were called
“talkies” because one could hear the voices of the actors, the roar
of a train speeding down the track, the sound of a fire whistle and
more. The organ was no longer needed.
 The
original architectural style of the Ritz was classic revival as
evidenced by the top exterior facade and the crown molding
discovered during the renovation. The theater was redesigned in the
early 1930’s to accommodate sound. The architectural style chosen by
designers was Art Deco which celebrated the coming of the “machine
age” and emphasized speed, movement, smooth surfaces and curved
lines. The walls in the orchestra section of the performance hall at
the Ritz captures the imagination of audiences. Some people think
the designs looks like clam shells, others see butterfly wings and
others, peacock feathers. There is a different geometric design on
the balcony walls.
For approximately twenty-five years, people viewed movies at the
Ritz. Then life styles changed. Area
residents began watching television and not as many people went to
the movies. New theaters were constructed and the Ritz closed in the
1950’s. All of the seats were sold and the once active theater
became an empty building later used as a warehouse.
In 1983, the Tennessee Valley Art Association purchased the old Ritz
for the purpose of converting it into a performing arts center. The
paint was peeling, the plaster was falling and the roof leaked, but
through the private donations of Shoals citizens, the Ritz Theater
was restored and its doors reopened in 1985.
 During
the restoration of the Ritz, a discovery was made. The original
builders used surplus railroad tracks to reinforce the front wall of
the building at the second floor line. It is believed the tracks are
Russian made surplus steel imported by the Corps of Engineers during
the construction of Wilson Dam.
NOTES OF INTEREST
Gene Autry, cowboy movie star in the 1930’s and ‘40’s, appeared
with his horse, Champion on stage at the Ritz.
Senator Bobby Denton recorded a
national hit record, A Fallen Star, during the ‘50’s. Because of its
fine acoustics, the Ritz was used as a recording studio from time to
time by Senator Denton.
The chairs in the Ritz were originally
in the Tuscumbian Theater located on Main Street in Tuscumbia. The
seats were donated to the Art Association when the Tuscumbian was
converted into a bank in the early 1980’s.
Today the Ritz Theater provides the
Center Stage Community Theatre Series and Time Out For Theatre. The
Theater also provides a venue for the community for plays, concerts,
seminars, receptions, pageants and more. Thousands of local citizens
benefit from the Theater every year.
Like any historical building, maintenance costs are high.
Fundraisers and rental fees help offset these costs. Private
donations are also necessary and greatly appreciated. If you would
like to make a contribution to the Ritz Theater please contact Kay Brackin, Marketing and Development Director for The Tennessee Valley
Art Association at (256) 383-0533. |
