Criterion Theater

32 S. Laurel Street,
Bridgeton, NJ 08302

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dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on July 28, 2024 at 7:08 pm

The venue opened as Moore' Opera House by Ed B. Moore. In May of 1901, the building was closed for a refresh as Moore decided to drop the “opera house” moniker. It was reimagined by architect William F. Wise as the Criterion Theatre. The roof was removed and the entire house redone. It reopened as the Criterion on October 10, 1901 with the live play, “When We Were 21.” In 1913, Edison projectors were installed as movies became part of the show. It would make the transition to full time movies; in 1928, sound was added. The Criterion’s final show was “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” on June 13, 1949 - the theatre burned down the next night.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on November 16, 2021 at 2:17 pm

The March 23, 1907 issue of The Moving Picture World had this news about the Criterion Theatre in Bridgeton:

“Here’s another: The success of the moving-picture entertainments in Bridgeton, N. J., have been remarkable, and Manager Moore of the Criterion has determined to make such entertainments a feature of the house. He has purchased a new Powers machine, which is one of the best made, and will have it installed in the theater permanently. He has arranged to secure feature films for all occasions when he presents entertainments and will have many delightful programmes before the season is over. Harry Cowan, the stage manager, is a most successful operator, having had charge of the pictures at the Park last season. He will have the operation of Mr. Moore’s machine.”

runusmc
runusmc on November 14, 2021 at 7:01 pm

Per the Facebook group, “Things that aren’t there anymore - South (New) Jersey edition this theater was at 32 South Laurel Street, Bridgeton, NJ. 08302. This Laurel theater was the last theater built in Bridgeton. It showcasted Spanish languaged (sic) films to cater to the farmhands that migrated to the area (to work the crops). In 1979 the theater closed.”

RickB
RickB on April 19, 2011 at 5:41 am

Here is a 2009 newspaper story about the fire. According to the story the theater was built circa the 1880s as Moore’s Opera House. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was the last feature shown before the fire.

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on December 20, 2006 at 3:45 pm

The date of the fire was 6/15/49.

teecee
teecee on June 6, 2005 at 11:55 am

On July 2, 1921, 358 people gathered at this theater to listen to the live radio broadcast of the Dempsey-Carpentier heavyweight bout. This was the largest live radio broadcast audience to date and inspired many people to purchase radios for home use, rather than having to go to a public hall for listening.