Showcase Cinema
11 Elm Street,
Oneonta,
NY
13820
11 Elm Street,
Oneonta,
NY
13820
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Harold and Alice deGraw of the Oneonta Theatre launched the first and only new hardtop theater in 58 years at 11-15 Elm on November 20, 1970 with Spencer Tracy and a cast of many in the Showcase Cinema’s opening film of “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.” Prior to launch, the deGraws consummated a deal to have the venue operated by Boston-based Esquire Theatres of America. The theater fulfilled its 30-year lease before closing.
Another thing I loved about The Showcase is that they took some chances on artier fare, which I also think helped drive them out-of-business as the college kids just didn’t turn out for these flicks like the management hoped. One screening of Gods & Monsters I attended had like five people in the room: three septagenarians, myself, and my skeptical friend who wasn’t really into art-house pictures. I think that was the last movie I saw there. My mother was recently lamenting that an hour-plus drive to Utica or Albany is now required to see something other than a blockbuster.
I loved The Showcase and despite moving away and not seeing anything there after 1998, I was sad to hear that it had closed. I remember seeing Braveheart there like five or six times and having the owner smile and let me in for free that last time. He also would re-fill my sodas sometimes. It was a nice small place. They had a weird set-up in the back where there was just one single seat by the rear entrance and I used to take that when I went to films by myself. I believe the building has since been torn down.
I am a Oneonta native and remember the Showcase opening on November 20, 1970 showing its a Mad Mad Word.This bit of genuine fact can be verified at the newspaper site “dailynews.com”.The showcase had a lobby almost as large as the theater that was on the left side of the veiwing area.From 1966 till November 20,1970 Oneonta olny had one theater on Chestnut street.K.Bradon.