One of the many things that Mr Burr, the new resident manager was quick to point out in the cinema's local publicity was the large free car park and the monthly cinema magazine.

This photograph shows the home of Dr William and Ethel Skeels 'Brooklands' which stood on the site that was to become the home of the Ritz. The couple's first home in 1900 was at 25 Church Lane Brighouse and it was from there they moved into 'Brooklands'. The family home was sold to the Union Cinemas Ltd in 1936 and at the time of this purchase, the company had 250 other cinemas. Having bought 'Brooklands' it was demolished on what was a prime location often referred to as the gateway of Brighouse. 

The cinema was designed by architect J.H.Freer who was a partner in Messrs G.H.Haigh Co Ltd of Huddersfield. It was described by the owners as a brand new ultra-modern building for the time.

Moving from 'Brooklands' their new home was 'Langwood' Laverock Lane. Dr Skeels passed away at home in July 1939, aged 74 and his wife Ethel in August 1955, aged 80.

In September 1937, David Bernhard the chairman of Union Cinemas and father of Charles Fred Bernhard passed away suddenly. It transpired at this time the company was in serious financial difficulties. Many of the cinemas were rescued by the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) but not all. Happily, for the Brighouse cinema fan, the Ritz was one of those that ABC took on.

It ran through the 1950s with 986 seats that were rarely filled, the times were changing and the Ritz closed as a cinema in June 1961. With the Savoy Cinema (now the Civic Hall) having closed in July 1959, the Albert Cinema (now The Calder) which was converted to a full-time cinema in 1919 having originally started showing silent films in 1906, it finally closed in July 1972.

The Empire Cinema on Atlas Mill Lane was registered as a cinema in 1912 with over 1000 people attending the first night. Following the death of the owner Mr Clifford Rudock, the Empire was closed in 1918.

Few readers will have heard of the Marquee Cinema in Wellhome Park which was run by Stephen Henry in the summer of 1912 but it did not last long. When films were started at the Savoy Stephen Henry was appointed the manager. One potential new cinema that was discussed with architect A.G.Sladdin drawing up plans. But with the necessary finance not forthcoming plans for a new cinema in Commercial Street failed to materialise.

As we now look at the Ritz today after 83 years it still stands in the prominent position overlooking the gateway into Brighouse. Many readers like me will reflect on the days when we all enjoyed a night at the movies in this piece of Brighouse history.