Brogan: Hat's Off to Cinema 93!!!

To those of us who have lived in Concord for a long time as well as those of us with long memories, Friday, April 28, meant something special. It was exactly 50 years ago on a Friday that also happened to be April 28, back in 1967, that Cinema 93 opened its doors for the first time.

The gleaming new theater, located in what was then known as the King's Shopping Plaza, was the first new indoor theater to open in Concord since October of 1933, when the Concord Theatre opened. The first attraction at Cinema 93 was "In Like Flint," a film in the popular spy genre - this one starring James Coburn. While the film may be forgettable, a first visit to Cinema 93 was not. The ad in the Concord Monitor noted the modern setting and comfortable seating as well as the concession stand and projection system. It also noted that reservations could be taken to guarantee you seating. "Concordians" by the thousands made the trek across the river to give the new film emporium a once over.

Clearly they liked what they saw because for some thirty years, Cinema 93 would be a very popular destination, not only for local residents but those from out of town who heard of the theater's reputation for showing an amazing cross-section of films for every taste. I know I have very fond memories of hundreds of film viewings during those 30 plus years.

What really distinguished Cinema 93, however, was the Manager, later owner, Barry Steelman. Barry loves movies - all kinds - and his knowledge of films is second to none. From the first attraction, Barry wanted the people who attended his theater to have the best possible experience and when he became owner, wanted to make sure that film types, previously not shown in Concord with any degree of regularity, were given a chance. In doing so, he developed a passionate and loyal audience.

Cinema 93 played a great mix of popular hits over the years including the made in New Hampshire, "On Golden Pond," a film that Barry worked on. Others like "The Graduate," "Bonnie and Clyde" and others, became classics. You also had the opportunity to be exposed to foreign fare as well as rarely seen classics from Hollywood's Golden Era. Long before there were videos or DVDs or Turner Classic Movies, Cinema 93 was the place to go to find out why movies mattered.

Barry started a video rental center in the theater's lobby with a wide array of hard to find films. Even better, Barry made himself available to help you find that title that was on the tip of your tongue but you could not remember. As long as you had a little information - cast or plot or time frame as to when it came out - Barry was able to not only give you the title, but considerable background information to make the viewing experience all the better.

Sadly, Cinema 93 was forced to close in the late 1990s - not due to a decrease in attendance but due to planned changes in the shopping plaza. Appropriately enough, Barry relocated and expanded his video operation to the old Star Theatre on Pleasant Street in Concord. Most of us never thought of renting a film elsewhere, so complete was his selection.

Cinema 93 was a community experience. You always ran into friends or made new friends through the shared experience of seeing a film together. It was a destination stop and one of many reasons to consider locating to Concord. Fortunately, Barry Steelman remains a vital and active part of our community. He is the Programming Specialist at Concord's independent Red River Theatre and brings an amazing group of films deserving to be seen. He also continues to share his knowledge and passion with new generations of moviegoers.

Something remarkable occurred on Friday, April 28, 1967, and it resonates even more today than it did half a century ago. Thanks for the memories, Cinema 93, and kudos to you Barry Steelman for sharing your passion.