Ritz Theatre

W. Krause Street and S. 5th Street,
Jay, OK 74346

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dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on January 15, 2022 at 5:56 pm

The Ritz Theatre was built on the North Side of the Jay, Oklahoma business district’s square. The opening film was on August 18, 1939 with Gene Autry in “In Old Monterey.” Air conditioned with 300-seats, operator J.H. Martin felt he could compete with theaters in Miami (Oklahoma) and Joplin. New owner Owen Wingard donated the old screen to a local school when the theatre converted to widescreen beginning with the February 27, 1955 screening of “The Robe.” Wingard ceased advertising late in 1957 likely ending the venue’s run.

Silicon Sam
Silicon Sam on March 29, 2011 at 5:45 pm

Roadsideoklahoma link only shows 1 theater for Jay, OK called the Ritz, this one. The Jet is listed for Jet, OK.

There’s a couple of buildings on S. Main right across from the square, that fit the size of a 200 seat theater.

Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois
Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois on March 29, 2011 at 9:22 am

Open ~1945-~1950? Can anyone verify the exact dates?

More info and photos always welcome.

raybradley
raybradley on March 2, 2011 at 5:07 pm

According to the roadsideoklahoma link, there was a Jet Theatre. Don’t know if the Ritz and Jet were one and the same.
http://www.roadsideoklahoma.com/node/1112
An image of the 5th & Main business district found on google maps shows a couple of older buildings that could have once housed a small cinema.