In 2026, the spotlight will shine brightly on Tiffin as The Ritz Theatre takes its place in a statewide celebration of storytelling, history, and hometown pride. Selected as an official venue for Ohio Goes to the Movies, a signature event of America 250-Ohio, The Ritz will host a special screening of the 1927 silent film The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg on March 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. The event connects Ohio’s cinematic legacy with a story that is uniquely, unmistakably Tiffin.
The film being featured is more than a classic silent-era production. It holds a special place in Heidelberg University’s identity. Founded in 1850 as Heidelberg College, the university was named in honor of the historic German city of Heidelberg and its renowned university, reflecting the region’s strong German heritage. The story of the Student Prince began as a 1901 play, later adapted into a popular 1920s operetta by Sigmund Romberg and then into the 1927 silent film that will return to the big screen in Tiffin nearly a century after it first played here.
Legend has it that in the late 1920s, Heidelberg’s alumni director, Edwin R. Butcher, was walking through downtown Tiffin when he noticed a theater billboard promoting The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg. Inspired by the title, he referred to Heidelberg’s football team as the “Student Princes” in the alumni magazine. Sportswriters embraced the nickname, and it eventually replaced the Cardinals as the university’s official moniker. Today, the Student Prince remains a proud symbol of Heidelberg University, and Siggy — named for composer Sigmund Romberg — carries that tradition forward at campus and community events throughout the year. The university’s long-standing ties to its German namesake, including nearly 70 years of its acclaimed study abroad program in Heidelberg, Germany, continue to reflect the global roots of this Tiffin institution.
Bringing this film back to The Ritz Theatre in 2026 feels both historic and full circle. The same story that helped shape Heidelberg University’s identity will once again flicker across a downtown screen, this time as part of a statewide tribute to Ohio’s role in cinema. Ohio Goes to the Movies will take place from February through October 2026, with all 88 counties participating in the celebration. The initiative highlights films shot in Ohio, Ohio-born actors and directors, and the many creative professionals who call the Buckeye State home. As an America 250-Ohio Designated Community, Seneca County is proud to play a part in honoring our state’s contributions during the nation’s 250th anniversary.
For visitors, the March 20th screening offers more than a night at the movies. It’s an invitation to experience downtown Tiffin, to step inside one of Ohio’s most beautiful historic theaters, and to celebrate a story that bridges generations. It’s about community pride, artistic tradition, and the enduring power of storytelling. In Seneca County, history doesn’t just live in textbooks, it lights up the marquee.
In 2026, Ohio goes to the movies. And in Tiffin, the story feels especially personal! This event is free of charge and all are welcome. Learn more about Ohio Goes to the Movies here.
