Main Plot

In The Ritz, Gaetano Proclo, a straight man from Cleveland, finds himself on the run after his mob-connected brother-in-law puts out a hit on him. Desperate to hide, Gaetano stumbles into what he believes is a random hotel, only to discover it’s actually a lively gay bathhouse in New York City. Completely out of his element, Gaetano tries to blend in among the eccentric regulars and flamboyant performers, all while dodging both the hitman hot on his trail and the attention of the bathhouse’s colorful patrons. As the chaos escalates, Gaetano’s attempts to remain undercover lead to a series of misunderstandings, comedic mix-ups, and unexpected friendships. The Ritz is a fast-paced farce that explores mistaken identity and culture clash, all set against the backdrop of the vibrant 1970s gay nightlife.

Characters

• Jack Weston plays Gaetano Proclo, an ordinary man thrust into chaos while fleeing a deadly mob hit. His desperate attempts to blend in spark both farcical misunderstandings and moments of unexpected self-discovery.
• Rita Moreno portrays Googie Gomez, an aspiring entertainer with big dreams and little talent. Her relentless pursuit of stardom brings comic tension as she unwittingly entangles herself in Gaetano’s predicament.
• Jerry Stiller appears as Carmine Vespucci, the relentless mobster determined to track down Gaetano. His dogged pursuit fuels the film’s central conflict and drives the frantic pace of the narrative.

Ending Explained

As The Ritz draws to a close, the chaos that has ensued from Gaetano Proclo’s desperate attempt to evade a mob hit reaches its comedic peak. After a series of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and farcical chases through the bathhouse, Gaetano’s true identity and the reason for his presence are finally revealed to the colorful cast of regulars and staff. The would-be hitman, Carmine Vespucci, is ultimately thwarted in his efforts, thanks in part to the unexpected alliances Gaetano forms with the bathhouse’s eccentric patrons. The resolution sees Gaetano not only surviving the ordeal but also gaining a new perspective on acceptance and identity, having been immersed in a world so different from his own. The bathhouse’s community, initially bewildered by Gaetano’s presence, ends up rallying around him, turning what began as a desperate flight for survival into a celebration of camaraderie and self-discovery. The film ends on a lighthearted note, with the immediate danger resolved and Gaetano’s outlook forever changed by his unlikely adventure.