⭐⭐⭐

91 minutes ‧ R ‧ 1976
Cast: Jack Weston, Rita Moreno, Jerry Stiller
Director: Richard Lester
Genres: Comedy, Queer

I pulled The Ritz from the old movie vault on a whim. What I found was a wild, hilarious farce about a man hiding in a gay bathhouse, packed with frantic entrances, mistaken identities, and doors slamming in every direction. Directed by Richard Lester and penned by the sharp-witted Terrence McNally, this film is chaos with a comedic twist that keeps you entertained.

The plot follows Gaetano Proclo (Jack Weston), who finds himself in danger. His mobster brother-in-law, Carmine Vespucci (Jerry Stiller), wants to eliminate him to protect his share of the family fortune. Gaetano hastily escapes into a cab, requesting a quiet spot — only to be dropped off at the Ritz, a Manhattan gay bathhouse. He checks in using Carmine’s name to conceal his identity, and from that point, the chaos begins.

Inside, things get even crazier. Gaetano meets Googie Gomez (Rita Moreno), a washed-up entertainer with big dreams. She mistakes him for a Broadway producer who can make her a star. Then there’s Claude Perkins (Paul B. Price), a candy-throwing guy who’s obsessed with chubby men and follows Gaetano around. Meanwhile, Carmine hires Michael Brick (Treat Williams), a detective with a squeaky voice that sounds like a cartoon character, totally undercutting his tough-guy act.

Adding to the mix is Chris (F. Murray Abraham), who’s just as confused as everyone else, and Gaetano’s wife, Vivian (Kaye Ballard), who jumps to wild conclusions. Things reach a boiling point when people are tossed down laundry chutes, a botched poolside musical number unfolds, Carmine waves a gun around, and everyone ends up in the pool.

I should note that the film reveals its age in certain aspects. It includes language and humor that are considered offensive today, such as the casual use of slurs that were typical at the time. Watching it now, it’s clear that it reflects the era in which it was made.

That said, if you enjoy classic farce with plenty of quick door slams, chaos, and laugh-out-loud moments, The Ritz is worth watching. It’s a silly, over-the-top comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. So don’t judge it too harshly — just sit back, have fun, and enjoy the wild ride.

Copyright ©️2026 by Frank Gaimari