Circa 1966, nearly every town in America with a population of 5,000 or more had at least one drive-in theater. In bigger cities, it wasn't unusual to see two or more screens backed up to each other so more films could be shown at once.
Drive-ins were one of the earliest manifestations of the effect that Baby Boomers had on the nation's economy. After the War, returning soldiers were buying cars and having kids. They were looking for affordable entertainment for their youngsters, and they also loved driving. Drive-ins were a natural result. Thousands were built in the 50's, and a smaller number followed in the 60's.
I remember going to Miami, Oklahoma's drive-in with my parents and absolutely loving it. As hard as I've tried, I can't remember any individual movies we watched, but I know that it was an absolute highlight of my summers, to be watching a movie with both parents and getting to stay up past midnight! Of course, teenagers loved the drive-in for, ah, different reasons ;-).
Probably, the death knell for the drive-in was sounded by enhanced theater sound. That little speaker, while having lots of character, just couldn't compete with Dolby Digital SurroundSound.
Interestingly, drive-ins that survived the last three decades seem to be well-established and in good shape to stick around. Most offer sound via FM stereo, allowing Boomers to take advantage of those Bose stereo systems in their vehicles. Also, the drive-in experience is catching on with younger generations.
A survivor in my neck of the woods is the 112 Drive-In in Fayetteville, Arkansas. You have to line up at least an hour before sunset on summer Saturday nights to get in. They show double features every weekend, and have the aforementioned FM sound broadcast. And they have the best hamburgers on the planet in their snack bar.
Here's hoping they resist the overwhelming pressure to sell their valuable land to a car dealership, who would love to use their perfect location. America needs drive-ins.
Comments (3)
When I used to work at a hotel about 20 years ago, I remember reading about a Best Western in Colorado with all rooms' windows facing a drive-in theater. This was built before cable TV. In each room was a speaker mounted on the wall with a volume control. And they served popcorn at the front desk. According to an MSNBC/AP article, a similar motel is still around in Fairlee, VT, built in 1960.
Posted by David S Paleg | February 6, 2007 10:14 AM
Posted on February 6, 2007 10:14
Hi, I remember seeing a pretty good number of movies at Drive-In Theaters, but the only movie that was memorable enough that I know I saw it at a Drive-In was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. By the 1960s, we would go to indoor theaters for most really impressive movies with great sound tracks, like Lawrence of Arabia. The relatively new idea with FM radio transmissions for sound tracks sounds great - haven't tried it. The nearest Drive-In Theater that I know of is up in New Hampshire. I'm not sure if there is one here in eastern Massachusetts.
Pete
Posted by Pete | November 22, 2008 6:36 PM
Posted on November 22, 2008 18:36
Drive Inns are definately an American institution! My first recollection of it was in 1966 when we went to the Palmer Drive Inn to see Batman The Movie! The Drive Inn is long gone now! But remember going in the back of the station wagon. We as kids would also go up to the play ground just underneath the big screen while mom and dad would eat Drivin Inn goodies and light that Pik mosquito coils to keep the peskie mosquitoes away! Ok, how many can admit that you drove off with that clunky speaker still attached to your sill and breaking the cord? I think everyone did.As a teen and older, we went and saw many of the drive inn favorites. How many tried to hide your friends in the trunk of your car to avoid paying admission? Remember when toward the decline of Drive Inns in some areas, the x rated movies would be featured. Sydney Lust movies! Drive Inns are all a memory in our area anymore. I am glad some places have survived and or come back for retro purposes! I remember the fm radio broadcasts, but the speakers in the window are so retro! How many remember The Devils Cheerleaders? Don't forget the cartoon or 3 stooges being played before the main feature! Just about every major town in the DC, MD and VA area had a Drive Inn! The last Drive Inn movie theatre I attended was probably about 1980 in Hyattsville, MD. The Queens Chapel Drive Inn! You could also go across the street to the Hott Shoppes and get a Mighty Moe sandwich! The good ole days!
Posted by Rivers End | April 25, 2009 7:53 PM
Posted on April 25, 2009 19:53