Criterion Theater

Originally constructed as an Opera House, the Criterion, Anderson, SC
was indeed located on W. Whitner St. I worked there as an Usher,
Popcorn Machine attendant, Ticket Taker, & subsequent Asst. Mgr., from 1947 to 1950. I remember it well to this day. Very ornate in its construction, it featured a large Marble Lobby, 500-plus seats on
the Main level, with 150-plus in the Balcony area, & six Box-Seats on
either side near the stage area, which was quite large in itself with
many huge Backdrops operated by hand. Many dressing rooms were located on the 2nd level, with three (3) in the basement level. Personal Appearances (mostly Western Stars) and Vaudeville-type Shows
continued well into the 50’s. Roy Rogers was the star of the day in
1948-52 and on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, the line waiting to buy tickets for the 7 & 9 pm shows stretched clear around the block!
For more info, contact: Jim Compton –

Two other theaters operated at this location. The first was the Anderson from 1915 to 1924. The second was the Garden Theater from 1924 to 1931.

From the photo I have it would seem impossible that the Criterion would have ever been able to seat over 500 little on 787.

Charles; Whitner Street runs East-West. The Film Daily Yearbook;1950 edition gives the address as 204 West Witner Street with a seating capacity of 787.