Martin Theatre
409 Harrison Avenue,
Panama City,
FL
32401
409 Harrison Avenue,
Panama City,
FL
32401
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Martin Theatres
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Ritz Theatre
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Opened by Martin Davis Theatres on November 21, 1936 as the Ritz Theatre with Dick Powell in ~“Stage Struck”. This stunning example of Art Deco style architecture features a polychrome terra cotta facade in bold geometric patterns in brilliant green and pink, separated by bands of shiny chrome and beige brick. The simply decorated 460 seat auditorium also features bold side wall designs, including stainless steel light fixtures and a large stage and proscenium arch.
Early notable visitors to the Ritz Theatre included such 1930’s screen legends as Clark Gable, Constance Bennett and William Boyd. Cowboy star Bill Elliot also appeared on the Ritz' stage.
In the early-1950’s, the Ritz Theatre was renamed by the Martin family after themselves, and modernized, including a new marquee, a larger screen to accomodate CinemaScope and 3D features and a new (monochrome) repainting of the auditorium. The Martin Theatre showed its last film in 1978 and was then shuttered.
Vacant for years and falling into disrepair, the Martin Theatre served briefly in the early-1980’s as a shooting gallery (of all things). In 1987, the Panama City Downtown Improvement organization purchased the Martin Theatre and completely renovated the theatre, and provided it with state of the art light and sound equipment.
Since a gala reopening in 1990, the Martin Theatre has added the Greenroom, a 1,500 square foot reception/meeting area on a former empty lot next to the theatre. The Martin Theatre became Panama City’s most splendid showplace for live theatre, concerts, classic movies and community functions. It was closed on September 25, 2025. The theatre is ongoing with restorations while a new operator is found.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
From 1954 a picture postcard view of the Ritz Theatre in Panama City which was later renamed the Martin.
Nice vintage photo Don.
Here are some pictures I took in September 2010.
All nice pictures of what a movie theatre should look like.
This opened on November 21st, 1936. 10 out of 12 pages in that’s day newspaper had something about the Ritz.
My brother worked as “doorman” – “ticket-taker” at this theater back in the 50’s. They use to have Saturday morning matinees for about fifty cents. I think the entire school would attend these shows. You would see not only the movie, but newsreels, cartoon, a serial (Tarzan, Superman, Flash Gordon, etc), along with previews of upcoming events. Nothing could be more fun when they had stage shows and turned out the lights and let monsters loose in the audience. I’m interested if anyone has any pictures when they had the movie “Underwater” with Jane Russell. A display was set up and my brother furnished his large goldfish for the exhibit while the movie was playing. I also have fond memories of all the other movie theaters in town. Bud Davis Drive-in was located where K-mart is on 15th Street. What fun!
I live here in Panama City, I research History and I have joined a team that will be leading a paranormal investigation at the Martin Theater here in Panama City. I am VERY interested in any stories AT ALL of the events and people that frequented this establishment whether paranormal or not, that can shed some light on the rich history of this beautiful theater.
Photo added of Military Jeeps parading in front of the Ritz.
1943 image added via Joe Agnew.
“Hitler’s Children” showing at the Ritz.
The theatre was closed on September 25, 2025. Restoration is still ongoing while a new operator is being sought.