Kinnelon Cinema 3 Closes the Curtain May 27

May 27 is the swan song for Butler's Kinnelon Cinema 3.

Cablevision, owner of Clearview Cinemas, is selling 21 of its New Jersey properties to Connecticut-based Bow Tie Cinemas. The Kinnelon 3, formerly a one-screen movie house known alternately as the Kinnelon Arts Center and Meadtown Theater, and has been in the Clearview roster since the early 1970s, is among the handful of theaters not included in the deal.

"Clearview Cinemas is honored to have served moviegoers at the Kinnelon Cinema 3 in Butler for many years," said company spokesperson Beth Simpson Crimmins. "Unfortunately, our last day of operation at this location will be Monday, May 27, however, our main Kinnelon theatre location will remain open. 

"We thank our customers for their support and patronage, and encourage the community to continue to visit us at the Kinnelon Cinema 8."

Bow Tie Cinemas opted not to acquire Clearview properties that were on month-to-month leases, as the Kinnelon 3 is; Morristown is losing its movie theater as well, as Bow Tie opted not to accept that property. The Kinnelon 3's rental arrangement with the Kinnelon Mall is set to expire soon and according to Clearview will not be renewed.

There is no word on what might happen to the building left vacant

According to Clearview Cinemas, theater employees will be absorbed into the staff at the nearby Kinnelon Cinema 8.

The sale shows shifting priorities for Cablevision, which in May 2012, announced that it would explore strategic alternatives for Clearview Cinemas since it was not considered a core asset.

But for some in the Tri-Boro, the theater was a place they'll always remember.

"Back in, I think 1974, I watched 'Gone with the Wind' at the new Clearview Cinemas," recalled longtime resident Tom Fox on Tri-Boro Patch's Facebook page. "It was a new cinema back then and a welcome asset to the local community. I remember this event well, as it was the most agonizing four hours I have ever spent in a movie theater! Great movie, but a really long movie.

"The theater and the folks that have worked there and operated the cinema have always been a blessing to our local community," he continued, "and they will be all sadly missed."