"Ritz" - Documentary on the story behind the famous luxury hotels

This is the first and only filmed biography about Cesar Ritz, inventor of modern hotel business.
It is the story of a peasant boy in a remote mountain area and thus starts there, in the place he grew up in, Niederwald. The film follows Ritz’ way to Paris, Cannes, Rome and London. Finally, the film ends in the clinic where Ritz spent his last days, back in Switzerland. The film features interviews with family, friends and experts: the directors of the Ritz in Paris and Rome, a follower of the chef Escoffier, and Jacques Tardi, an artist specializing in the “Commune de Paris” and thus knowing the Paris of the Ritz period particularly well.
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Cesar Ritz’ story is one of personal drama: a man who has it all and finally collapses. He loses everything in the end, his family, the hotels, and his mind. Only his brilliant opus survives.
Ritz’ genius consisted in captivating every novelty in record time and in transforming it into his world of hotel business almost instinctively. The technical progress was the main inspiration of the ingenious inventor. Cesar Ritz was every bit like the fuming and effervescing locomotives of his time that pulled him across Europe, from capital to capital, to the hotels of the Ritz Company, resembling themselves huge machines.
The big challenge (and at the same time the charm) of the film stems from the fact that our protagonist belongs to an epoch long bygone. We are thus trying to revive this time with various visual aids. The atmosphere that Ritz created with his concept of the hotel business was based on illusion: in the hotel, everything is deamlike, a world apart: luxury, small and greater extravagancies, everything served to create a fairy tale. The guest is to pass from reality into hi own, sumptuous dream.
The entry hall, the saloons and the suites of the Ritz hotels transmit a special, almost unreal ambiance. It revives the era od Cesar Ritz: the Paris Ritz as well as in the St. Regis Grand in Rome (another of his hotels) have lately been restored like historical monuments. This spirit and this accuracy help to reawaken the taste, the genius and the philosophy of Cesar Ritz. In this film, Cesar Ritz and his chef Auguste Escoffier make their presence felt again today.
© Licensed by First Hand Films

[@roneugenius]

I worked for the Ritz in my early 30's and 40's great learning experience. It was some of the most exciting times in my life.

[@yourfuneraldirector6432]

I love how the Ritz Hotels use beautiful fabrics and gilded furnishings to make every room feel like you are staying in your own castle. The use of beautiful tassels and bedding makes you never want to leave.

[@marigomes4934]

7iA99999.l🙂😘🙂🙂🤣🙂🙂😀🙂😀🙂🙂👙👠🙂😊

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

Wow, what a beautiful documentary of Cesar Ritz. As someone who have worked in five stars hotels, I appreciate this video very much. During the time I worked for the Service Industry, I've always used his motto, "Discretion, Perfection and Elegance."

[@jeskg720]

is it 30 yrs old this film?=

[@annmenzzasalma3113]

Mr. Al Fayed seems like such a humble and nice person. No airs whatsoever.

[@diane5522]

He is in fact a rapist.

[@rsmyth75]

I had a job at a green house and we cared for the wonderful plants in the famous hotels of NY! I witnessed another way of life! Not in words only!!!! Everything was the best!!!!! The coffee, the pastry!!! The rule of thumb was “everything-must shimmer”

[@Esseas_World]

How Lovely 🥰

[@albevargiu]

Il regista con la moglie documentario assassino amici fra loro

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

Just imagine so much this man had accomplished, yet he couldn't read...just hard work, A class discipline & ethics...strong principles...values..love it

[@JWRogersPS]

He could read. He was just a horrible speller.

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

@@JWRogersPS thanks for correction lad

[@carlaaraujo8029]

An excellent documentary that brings the real history behind the famous Ritz Hotel. And the most important is that mr. Al Fayed keeps its tradition and customer service excellence beyond the time.

[@sheilasullivan1950]

I trained in Cork City Ireland for the hotel trade. My father worked in the Savoy London as a young man. I visited The Ritz the epitome of hotels for me before emigrating to the USA. Thrilled to see it will be in business for the future. I am saddened to hear the poor man suffered from dyslexia and bipolar disorder but amazingly enough? Many geniuses seem to. Wonder what became of his first born Charles? Wonderful wife, what a support for him.

[@41hijinx22]

The Ritz is on my bucket list. Wish me luck!

[@sarahjones3314]

A wonderful and educational documentary about Ceasar Ritz and his brilliant imagination in creating a heritage, Thank you for showing this.

[@tootsrr1]

Some are born to BE with only their Talents & Dreams ..This Ritz Story is Amazing

[@tofty21]

As a classically French trained chef I find this documentary absolutely riveting. Thank you for posting!

[@ejohnson3131]

tofty21 - As a classically trained ballet dancer, I do pirouettes, lift my tutu and shake my tail feathers that you, as a classically French trained chef, find this documentary absolutely riveting. You're welcome!

[@olainfree905]

What is so marvelous in France is that waiters are not temporary employees but are professionals

[@karyannfontaine8757]

Clara kept the old Ritz home. That is wonderful, the house is charming. Cesar Ritz was a remarkable man, with ideas and activities carried out in his lovely hotels Against all odds, he stood firm with courage and a dream that he made come true.

[@NickVenture1]

Thank you for presenting the biography of this successful village boy. A similar strong personality had Lipton ready to cross the oceans as cabin stuff. It is very inspiring to study the lives of such gifted persons. Nice that the mother of Ritz was hoping for an artistic child. Among 13, she bore! Luckily, I had a swiss classmate years ago, and this enabled me to even understand a couple of words the old Lady was talking...

[@judywhiting1675]

That brilliant mind was worked to death...he was so driven...but it finally caught up with him .....he just couldn't cope ...but what a magnificent legacy he has left the world.

[@terryblack2844]

I traveled weekly for my job to New Orleans prior to retiring. I always stayed at the Ritz. Always a memorable experience

[@MMijdus]

What an intense and dramatic life. I respect mr.Ritz for his perseverance and for creating something so wonderfull despite setbacks. I can imagine the last setback was too much for him. He was not able to process that anymore. This man deserves to be honored.

[@glennfromthebronx]

..perhaps.....of course asiide from that blackmail scandal!

[@MMijdus]

@@glennfromthebronx I don't believe that story!

[@glennfromthebronx]

@@MMijdus We KNOW that Prince was blackmailed...just hard to believe that givn Ritz's stellar and close reputation with staff at thr hotl...and his friendship with the Prince that he wasn't aware of it...before it "hit the fan".

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

He gets honored every time someone uses the word "ritzy" even without knowing the man behind the trend.

[@SummerWindnewleafbotanicacom]

C

[@earth7451]

Cesar Ritz was Swiss. No wonder everything he did had the beauty and precision of a Swiss watch!

[@shonii119]

I worked in a gorgeous old hotel that was built in the 1920's, it had been very grand and was still quite beautiful, it makes you feel immensely proud to work there and be a part of it, I looked forward to working there every day. It was fun to see who was staying there, and trying to catch a glimpse of them without letting on what you were doing.

[@co-creator4338]

I look forward to stay at any Ritz one day,I've had a good lesson on how determination and a strong will can help us achieve our dreams and also that we do not necessarily have to build something and dwell on it,we can plant and move on to the next site and leave our legacy everywhere we plant.

[@lilliansyroid8718]

My mom grew up in Davos Switzerland. My grandfather worked at Grand Hotel Belvedere , Park Hotel & more as concierge. The town was known as health resort for ultra rich European &English to take in the fresh air & sushine in the alps.Eventually becoming the famous ski resort where people continue to enjoy the grand hotels,climate, & mtn. sports. I loved listening to grandfathers stories ,the Ritz legacy & the Swiss dialect that I learned when IWorked as waitress for 2 ski seasons.

[@jamiepan3608]

I think the Al Fayed is also a very special person. He has respect for people, not only the rich. I love 💗 love the way that he doesn’t wan t Mr Ritz or his accomplishments forgotten. What a sweet man . He will also be remembered for his heart for man.

[@cedricsmith8188]

I feel terrible all that stuff happened in Paris but I am happy I get to watch this video. That is sad what happened to Mr. Ritz, Mrs. Ritz was so nice.

[@warilaetamaraye8712]

Sad end for an amazing man! Nonetheless his genius is eternal. We respect him His memory is senanimous with the best there is. We thank Alfaed for his love and keeping Ritz's memory.

[@TonyLinSh]

What a story! It must be an amazing journey to visit those Ritz hotels around the world.

[@l.alexandra5871]

My dream hotel. It’s just breathtaking. The Ritz is emblematic of Paris. It is what that glorious city is all about.

[@claraderrick6089]

Very informative documentary. Just stumbled upon this. I subscribed to you. I have stayed at the Ritz in Paris as a child and teen plus adult. I would as a child and teen look at the plaq of this man and never knew about him. I always thought, “What an interesting face. So stern and masculine. Yet eyes that told a story. Such determined eyes and a determined face.” Never did I imagine the man he was.

[@ajl8198]

Thank You so much for this wonderful Documentary. you are helping Cesar Ritz’s legacy to live on

[@cygnettegiselle7126]

I trained in ritz carlton for 6 months and now, after 3 yearish after my training i still have their value implemented in my job. So proud!

[@franklinstephen3268]

That's good to know keep the good work doing, how are you doing?

[@rosesulla2616]

Oh, I enjoyed this wonderful documentary of Mr. Ritz who has given us so much to marvel at. He was quite a visionary and dreamer. Bravo!

[@Chahlie]

For all his wealth, I think Mr Al Fayed is a humble man who respects another man's accomplishment. It's a sad story really.

[@PearlRubyJasper]

Agree

[@timmyjones1921]

I drove clients to the Ritz in St.Louis Missouri among other places , never knew what Ritz name was until Now > Perfection.

[@caropapa]

Absolutely agree

[@tomat6362]

Another, Dodi Al Fayed, was Princess Diana's only true love

[@earth7451]

I think that Mr. Al Fayed is a very good looking man.

[@caryagj]

When I started my career in hospitality I learn the story of Caesar ritz, escoffier and their legacy. The king of hoteliers and the hoteliers of kings. I wanted to be part of such an elegant and unique place. I always kept in mind the we are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. The believe of we are all the same level, the perfection. I think that's my life motto. Also You always have to be a little crazy to get the perfection. I study and work to get the chance of work in the famouse ritz carlton and I did. Once in Chile and once in Dubai. Unfortunately I have experience a decadence in this beautiful place since I came to Dubai I can't said I am in ritz carlton anymore, just the name. So disappoint. I honestly wish ritz carlton can be a minimum percentage Ritz Paris is today. But this is a great example of what happen when your give your business to someone else.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are yu doing?

[@maryserrano6448]

Excellent documentary, I learned so much. I had afternoon tea at the Ritz hotel, in London, many, many, years ago, while on vacation. It was absolutely wonderful and remains a wonderful experience in my life.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@cherrycochrane9677]

Asad story of struggle and triumph . Very distressing for the family having Mr Ritz leave this world under difficult circumstances. And thank you Mr Al Fayed for having the foresight to lead this fabulous Hotel into the future .

[@andersliljevall2946]

It is comforting to know that there still is one decent place where one can stay! 🤔

[@josephforest7605]

So true , I get tired of seeing people in nice restaurants , under dressed .

[@ManjuSingh-io6ix]

Life is so unpredictable to see a man of such a stature turn into a Mr nobody sad end .Glad his wife kept things alive and going .

[@bobbiestrella8160]

I never knew this about the Ritz! This is fascinating! Also, I love the switch between Swiss German, French and English.

[@ginafriend1690]

That was quite an interesting story in the life of Cesar Ritz. He certainly was a go getter at a young age and excelled with great strides to grand achievements. I applaud him!

[@delfinfrancorubira4147]

0ppppp0l00

[@delfinfrancorubira4147]

00000

[@rosemariecomtois2839]

CESAR certainly saw history up front. So much upheaval. HE must have thought after seeing Paris so destroyed, I can make this ugliness disappear. I do think that all he witnessed effected him mentally latter in life.

[@armancz]

That was one powerful man to change and elevate the whole industry standards.

[@ElAvionLoco]

I recently stay at the Ritz Paris for one week, oh my God it was a fairytale, it was just perfect in every single moment! wow!

[@cabsep]

This is a very interesting documentary. Mrs. Ritz was a very classy woman. Despite such tragedy, she displayed such kindness. I wonder what became of their other son.

[@w.urlitzer1869]

He died in 1918 two months before Cesar.

[@6teezkid]

What a fascinating documentary to stumble upon. Seems as though Cesar Ritz worked himself into a complete nervous breakdown due to his need for perfection. His obsession about hygiene was brought up several times. Sounds very much like he had a severe case of OCD (which always gets so much worse as the years go on). He just mentally broke down. I have stayed at the Ritz in Cairo, Chicago and Paris. It truly IS an experience...not just a “stay” at a hotel. Even The Ritz’s competitors (high-end hotels) just don’t have the same feeling. The warmth and personal attention from the staff is like no other. Every time I ask an elder employee how long they’ve worked there, it’s always 15, 20, 25 years. They get very large tips; from the Bellman, Car Valet, housekeepers, to the Concierge...on and on. Very rare for one’s legacy to be maintained like that over the years. Once an owner/visionary in the service-industry business dies, the same level of quality rarely continues. Invariably, cutting corners becomes the chief driver of the business because new owners find that it’s overkill to do & provide all the tiny things that make it so spectacular. But, certainly not in the case of The Ritz. Starting as a waiter, he achieved and far surpassed the dreams of his youth. Something that our youth today can’t seem to grasp: If you do the best job ever in your first low-level entry job, if you want, you CAN climb up as fast as you want. Or learn every facet of your responsibilities and beyond that, learn everything you can of the company and how it operates. No matter where you work, you just keep learning and reap all the benefits from your knowledge.

[@radicafantasy6887]

He had Syphilis

[@Merseyrock]

I completely agree: After Coco Chanel died, her brand name carried on without her to her exacting standards. (She lived at The Ritz Paris by the way...)

[@mylesgarcia4625]

@@radicafantasy6887 You know this how? From personal experience??

[@gardensofthegods]

@@radicafantasy6887 I'm wondering did you read that somewhere . I could believe it . But I also could believe that due to powerful enemies , he could have been poisoned with something that slowly eats away at the brain . This could explain why his wife chose to go to the remote Village of her husband's family . The board of directors had already tried to remove her against her will and once the baron , her good friend should be out of the picture she would wonder who is really looking out for her , even though her son later ran the business .

[@gardensofthegods]

@@Missditabomb maybe he had Lewy Body dementia which sounds like it's worse and makes a person have a lot of night terrors as well as hallucinations more often and they often will remember things that actually never happened . Another one but I can't think of what it's called but it makes a person get violent.... it may be a form of Alzheimer's where they get crazy and nasty . I'm sorry you were treated like that at the Ritz.... that sounds really crazy .

[@judypena6989]

Wow, how sad so the end of his days he lived to fulfill his dream and also died with it. The only thing that a company Cesar was just that his obsession, the poor man was schizophrenic, died all alone with no family by his side. Aside from making me sad, this is a beautiful documentary.

[@Karloffrules]

Thank you so much. This was very interesting and sensitive in its telling. I appreciate that.

[@juliancoulden1753]

Amazing and a wonderful documentary.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@anmnou]

I rather like the way the woman in the original house lives...it is so cozy!

[@terrylunsford352]

If it only had electricity and running water.

[@nelialerios8222]

ME TOO.

[@thecitizenjoan]

Great Documentary! Can't wait to stay there one day.

[@e.v.6389]

Beautiful overview, but the ending shows that you must have work-family-leisure balance, otherwise you will lose your mind.

[@mylesgarcia4625]

What a wonderful documentary to stumble upon. I've had "high tea" there at the Ritz-Paris! C'est incroyable!

[@MM-le9en]

Wow wow and triple WOW!!! I ve been working in at least ten hotels incluiding 5 stars in different countries, not degree done at all but i must say, i totally understand Mr. RITZ and wanna say thank you to this documentary.

[@veecee3669]

This documentary is a wonderful journey back in time. Honestly, I felt transported back to an era of refined elegance. Thank you.

[@ohthelovelypoems]

Did you miss the shanties, no running water or electricity, people forced to eat their dogs, cats, and for the rich--- zoo animals, eventual starvation, a failed revolution, people gunned down by military firing squads.

[@michaelbressette2599]

A Luxurious Remnant of what was, kind of like a photo album that has come to life & preserved for all time. I couldn't afford to stay in the broom closet at the Ritz BUT to walk threw it would be just as good. A time when people where extremely high maintenance as was these exquisite architectural pieces of art. I enjoyed this video very much, It gave me some other topics to research associated with the Ritz & those close to them. Thank you for the video & the tour of the time :)

[@lululuna1224]

It is beyond beautiful. I would like to see in person but going to Paris France and staying at the Ritz can only be a dream for me. I don't think I would be comfortable staying in such a place. France has always been a travel dream, along with so many other places in Europe.

[@user-im9xq7fp5r]

For me, just daily tipping will break my bank !! I need to pack breakfast, lunch,supper and bottled water staying there.

[@bethbartlett5692]

*An Exceptional Documentary* 5⭐ 😉 Ritz suffered extreme STRESS resulting in a plethora of physical symptoms - he literally was worn out from work and sadly, 1 straw broke the burden. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mohamed Al Fayed - a 1st Class man.

[@gabriellegilbert5239]

Hey Beth😍, hope You had a beautiful Christmas! Good to see you here ;))). 🐞

[@cecilefox9136]

I really loved this documentary.A sad story as well as a successful one.

[@christinalock9937]

Love the comment to grandad! U understand the love of family. So made me smile.

[@rabbithare381]

4:06 Oww what a strong granny she is.... In fact that activity keeps her fit ,healthy & in great shape...

[@monicahenry6487]

fascinating history ... astoundingly beautiful ... at time jolting context ... and so very well told ... captivating ... thank you ... loved it

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@helentucker6407]

Such humble beginnings, very interesting.

[@marciasloan534]

Mr.Fayed is a great man. Very brave to acquire The Ritz. I have been there,but have not stayed there.

[@caryulmer5578]

Mrs. Ritz sounds like an amazing woman who contributed alot in her own right.

[@betsywilliams6829]

cary ulmer yes but then the loss of her 2 sons after her husband must have been the worst thing to bear. Imagine those greedy people wanting to cut her off...Life is unpredictable

[@luxurytraveller9010]

Spectacular Documentary I loved it and got inspired from Cesar Ritz who really worked hard towards his passion

[@nilzaflorianifeix2646]

Persistência e respeito!!! Belo documentário! Que permaneça sempre lindo!!!🙏🌿🌷💖👏👏👏👏🌟♥️😍👏👏👏👏😍💖

[@nandakanda001wasabi]

Amazing story, fond memories of the Ritz Kapalua Maui...

[@juliawitt3813]

Incredible documentary. So interesting. Thanks

[@lakelili]

Fascinating! Thank you.

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Vivat and Cheers for Mr Cesar Ritz !

[@Thebutterfly2018]

Very inspiring! Thank you for posting.

[@angelaspielbusch1237]

Love ❤️ the Ritz!!!

[@jacksynn9377]

Amazing, creates At the time before motor cars, still luxury looks before cars,

[@susanwoodward7485]

Wonderful production - thank you.

[@johnleebass]

The best! Can't ever be beat!

[@glengamble526]

A wonderful documentary…thanks for sharing.

[@elizabethferguson7002]

What an amazing documentary. So much research, archive hunting, and amazing editing. This film and it's historical value is an absolute work of art. Thank you. What an amazing visionary, Ceasar Ritz was. What a drive to realize his vision on a grand worldwide scale. It is as if the Gilded-age is frozen in time and can actually be experienced in modern-day, because of Mr. Ceasar Ritz. Such a sad ending, a man who never felt on par with his wealthy clientele. So sad, when in reality he far exceeded the majority. There is no doubt Ritz kept an unhuman feverish pace to build his dream, With no intention of introducing rumor into history...I wonder if Ceasar Ritz may have contracted Syphilis? His mental deterioration and rapid decline sound more like the effects of this now treatable disease. Yet the horrific truth is when left undiagnosed or untreated it is a completely devastating disease to the brain.

[@ericobara48]

I agree

[@normasouthwood3182]

That was my first thought too.

[@SummerWindnewleafbotanicacom]

This was so interesting. Thank you for posting it.

[@eztuner]

Grandeur of an era, long live the Ritz! ✨✨✨✨✨

[@sonyamoyler9237]

Thank you for this video, loved it!!

[@anncarroll2204]

An incredible account of an incredible mans ambition and dedication to perfection! Wonderful. I would love to have one night there. One can but dream!

[@debisybesma5855]

what a wonderful story....always thought "the ritz" was A name....not THE name of a family....back in the day, considering where he came from, it would have been said "he pulled HIMSELF up by his boot straps and made something of himself....." and boy did he ever.....i like how his "traditions/standards," are kept.

[@chantaln6843]

Caesar Ritz is a Fascinating man. I enjoyed this documentary.

[@cristymusic3225]

Ritz hotel is no.1 globally. Excellent video! Bravo.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how are you doing?

[@olgatellomorrow5898]

Beautiful documentary!!!

[@bevleighlange3312]

What a fascinating story !!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋how are you doing?

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋how are you doing?

[@2CraftySeniors]

I paused to contemplate near the beginning... Mr. Ritz arrived in Paris, a city of about one million people, in 1867... the year that Canada officially became a country.

[@shafur3]

Watching this was great. Thank you.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how're you doing?

[@marylouisecordellpope5090]

Phenomenal documentary.

[@casapriscillaph]

One of my Bucketlist!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Pfukr]

Very informative documentary. Most enjoyable. I wish it were lengthier.

[@dennismorris7573]

Such attention to detail - beautiful!

[@darrienMURPHY]

Excellent documentary

[@jaganathrayan2831]

Excellent!

[@tictoc5443]

great man Thanks for sharing

[@rosemariehomeyerbente1832]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@alexeiromanov2250]

Beautiful. I prefer the Ritz Hotel in Madrid. Salutations from, USA.

[@jeanmyers1787]

Had lunch there many years ago. Best wishes to Mr Al Fayad

[@williambagley5415]

Wonderful documentary 😎

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

*This was the last place at Ritz hotel whereby, Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed were before their accident took place!*

[@annerodgers4081]

Hate to think what staying there now costs!

[@janlovesmany6058]

So!

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

@@janlovesmany6058 So you can also take a visit 😁

[@cristina-dariaciorneikarls2752]

Marvellous!

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi how're you doing?

[@autumn7436]

Thank you 🙏