For over a century, the Canton Theatre has been a prominent fixture in downtown Canton, Georgia, providing audiences with a range of entertainment options. Back in 1911, the theater initially debuted with silent films and magic lantern slide presentations. As time progressed, it changed ownership, at one point being known as the Bonita and later the Haven, showcasing notable productions like the The Singing Fool featuring Al Jolson.

During the late 1930s, the Martin-Thompson Theatre Company took over, rebranding it as the Canton Theatre. The building underwent a lavish Art Deco makeover, adorning the interior with opulent red velvet drapes and state-of-the-art equipment. The inclusion of neon lights both inside and outside highlighted its popular screenings.

The theater experienced a period of neglect during the 1980s, only to be acquired by the city of Canton in 1997. A comprehensive restoration project was undertaken, aiming to revive the theater’s former 1930s splendor.

In recent years, the theater has been used for movie screenings and live stage productions, and has also been a filming location for various movies and TV shows including The Founder starring Michael Keaton and Apple TV’s The Big Door Prize.