Albert Ritz
Al Ritz (born Albert "Al" Joachim; August 27, 1901 – December 22, 1965), was an American comedian, actor and entertainer. Ritz was the oldest of the Ritz Brothers. Early life Ritz was born Albert Joachim on August 27, 1901, in Newark, New Jersey. His father, Max Joachim (December 1871–January 4, 1939) owned a haberdashery while his mother, Pauline Joachim (May 1874–November 26, 1935) was a housewife. Ritz's father was a native of Austria-Hungary and his mother was born in Russia. Ritz had three brothers, George, Samuel (later "Jimmy Ritz"), and Harry, and a sister, Gertrude Soll. Career Early career Ritz began his solo career shortly after he finished high school to join vaudeville. ''The Ritz Brothers'' After the three Joachim brothers graduated from high school, they decided to team up as a song-and-comedy act. The brothers began using the name "Ritz" for their nightclub act reportedly after seeing the name on the side of a laundry truck. With fourth b ...
[...More Info...]       [...Related Items...]     OR:     [Wikipedia]   [Google]   [Baidu]  

The Gorilla (1939 Film)
''The Gorilla'' is a 1939 American horror comedy film starring the Ritz Brothers, Anita Louise, Art Miles, Lionel Atwill, Bela Lugosi, and Patsy Kelly. It was based on the 1925 play of the same name by Ralph Spence. The film is in the public domain. Plot When a wealthy man (Lionel Atwill) is threatened by a killer known as The Gorilla, he hires the Ritz Brothers to investigate. A real escaped gorilla shows up at the mansion just as the investigators arrive. Patsy Kelly portrays a newly hired maid who wants to quit because the butler, played by Bela Lugosi, scares her. Cast Production By October 1938, 20th Century Fox bought the rights to Ralph Spence's play '' The Gorilla''. Fox wanted production on the film to start in January, which would be when The Ritz Brothers finished their tour. The studio wanted Kane Richmond to play a part in the film, but Richmond was replaced by Edward Norris after Richmond signed on for the film ''Charlie Chan in Reno''. Fox signed on Bela Lugo ...
[...More Info...]       [...Related Items...]     OR:     [Wikipedia]   [Google]   [Baidu]