Mayor ‘cautiously optimistic’ about cinema returning to Morristown

For the first time since 1911, weekend movie-goers had no place to catch a movie in Morristown.

But Mayor Tim Dougherty said he is “cautiously optimistic” that a replacement is coming soon for Clearview’s Morristown Headquarters 10 cineplex, which pulled the plug late last week.

The Mayor said he spoke on Friday with Bruce Simon, a principal at Olnick Fisher, owners of Headquarters Plaza, and was assured that negotiations continue with another movie chain.

“We wish him success in bringing cinema back to Headquarters Plaza. Hopefully we’ll hear something in the very near future,” said the Mayor, adding that his office is ready to help if needed.

Bruce Simon could not be reached for comment over the weekend.

The Mayor said he did not know whether the talks involve Bow Tie Cinemas.  On Thursday, Bow Tie closed a deal to buy Clearview Cinemas from Cablevision Systems Corp.

When the deal was announced in the spring, however, Morristown was among a handful of Clearview cinemas not included in the sale. Employees were told the cineplex was shutting down on May 19, because Clearview’s lease was expiring at Headquarters Plaza. They got a brief reprieve, as the 10-screen theater continued through last week.

Asked if Bow Tie remains in the picture, Cablevision spokeswoman Kelly McAndrew referred questions to Bow Tie and the landlord.  Attempts over the last few days to reach a spokesman for Connecticut-based Bow Tie have been unsuccessful.

UPDATE: Bow Tie is NOT involved in talks involving Headquarters Plaza, Bow Tie spokesman Christopher Beattie said on Monday.

“Bow Tie has no involvement with the Morristown theater,” Chris said via email.

“We’ve been very happy to serve the Morristown community for the years we have operated the theater,” Kelly said.

The town once boasted four movie houses, according to John Cunningham’s The Miracle on South Street.  The Palace opened first, on Speedwell Avenue, in 1911, according to Cheryl Turkington, assistant archivist of the Morristown & Township Library.

With the possible exception of brief renovation periods, movie theaters here have operated continuously ever since, she said.

Mayor Dougherty, whose first date with his wife was a movie at Headquarters Plaza, said it’s hard to imagine the town without a movie house, especially as walkability to restaurants and the Mayo Performing Arts Center have become a selling point.

“It’s a perfect fit to have cinema here. It’s been part of the downtown for a long time. I’d like to see it continue,” he said.