The Ritz Theatre opened on this site on September 14, 1936, and for more than fifty years prided itself as the “Hub of the Brewton Community.” Between its first feature, “Yours For the Asking” and its last, “Crocodile Dundee,” shown on January 22, 1987, the Ritz served as a stage for fashion shows, beauty pageants, dances, and various other community events. Stars of the “Grand Ole Opry” and “Hollywood” made live appearances there. During World War II, the Ritz was the community’s prime source of reliable news from the battle front. With a seating capacity of 761, it was the place to be on Saturday afternoon for generations of children.