Ritz Theater
2235 Orthodox Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19124
2235 Orthodox Street,
Philadelphia,
PA
19124
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The 1926 Film Daily Year Book lists two houses called the Elrae Theatre; this one, and the former Apollo and future Hollywood Theatre on 22nd Street. The 1932 FDY doesn’t list any houses called the Elrae, but the 480-seat New Ritz Theatre is listed on Orthodox Street.
The name Elrae is the reverse of the name Earle. A July 7, 1923 Moving Picture World item noted a recent ceremony at which George C. Earle participated in the laying of the cornerstone of the grand movie palace that would open in 1924 as the Earle Theatre. Earle had financed the project, and the item said that the new theater was to be named the Elrae in his honor. Apparently the plans were changed and the honor was made more direct, while the unusual reversed spelling of his name ended up being given to these two other theaters instead.
My Grandfather owner the Ritz in the 40’s-50’s. Thomas Lazrick
The Elrae Theatre was mentioned in the August 9, 1931, issue of The Film Daily. New operator Mike Stiefel had closed the house to make improvements and redecorate.