On this day in 1976, WARNER BROTHERS released THE RITZ. Directed by RICHARD LESTER from the play by TERRANCE McNALLY, this ‘ahead-of-it’s-time’ social comment wrapped in slapstick was a valentine to the gay community. The farce, set in a gay bath house, starred JACK WESTON, KAYE BALLARD, RITA MORENO, JERRY STILLER, F. MURRAY ABRAHAM and TREAT WILLIAMS. Still interesting as a period piece.