Ritz Theatre
505 W. Main Street,
Brownfield,
TX
79316
505 W. Main Street,
Brownfield,
TX
79316
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Additional Info
Previous Names: Pastime Theatre
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The Pastime Theatre opened on March 28, 1924. It was reconstructed and reopened on August 8, 1935 as the Ritz Theatre with Guy Kibbee in “Going High Brow”. It was operated by Earl Jones. When Mr. Jones passed away in 1939 his widow Ethel assumed operations until she leased out the Ritz Theatre, Rialto Theatre, and Rio Theatre until 1950.
The Brownfield News noted in 1945 that, “Ethel Jones Howze was one of 12 theater owners in the nation honored by the U.S. government and the president for outstanding achievement for her help in the war effort through the sale of war bonds.”
In 1950 Sammy Jones took over operations and the Ritz Theatre was closed on February 3, 1951. Film Daily Year Book 1950 lists the Ritz Theatre with 480 seats.
Contributed by
Ron Pierce
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Recent comments (view all 1 comments)
The Pastime Theatre launched on March 28, 1924. The venue converted to sound to remain viable. Earl E. Jones refreshed the venue as the Ritz launching August 8, 1935 with “Going High Brow.” The Ritz Theatre was closed permanently on February 3, 1951 and ostensibly replaced by the New Regal Theatre that opened on February 14, 1951. The Joneses had also opened the Rustic Drive-In Theatre on January 30, 1951.