Look what I found! (Pursuant to our discussion of summer movies.) In case you were wondering if there is still a drive-in near you:

http://driveintheater.com/index.html

Be sure to watch the old intermission videos

Aderyn

wow, thanks a lot! I discovered that the drive in that they've been threatening to close two years ago is still open. I think I will go this weekend. I haven't driven by this place in a while so I didn't know.

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Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

Oh my gosh, did those intermission videos bring back the memories! The only movie theater Nogales, AZ had when I was growing up was the El Rancho drive-in and my friends and I spent a lot of time there. I especially remember burning those Pics as El Rancho was right at the edge of a marsh and had lots of mosquitos around during the summer months.

Noel, are you refering to the Cinderella? Wow, I thought that had closed, too.

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Esther

Alas, the one in the Hooterville area closed down a couple of years ago, and remains on the "dead drive-in" list. RIP. *** sigh ***

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I remember burning those Pics, too! And how about the leading edge animation in that video

Aderyn

Esther, I am. It was first suppose to close two years ago. Then had a reprieve. I guess it's had another one.

The other drive-in in Commerce City smells like the stock yards...PU!

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Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

Wow, I'm feeling like a drive-in hog. I found out there are still two close to me! Still, kind of sad when you read the list and realize there used to be one in just about every podunk town.

Aderyn

Wow..I didn't realize I was so lucky having one less than a mile from my house. Love those dancing burgers and hot dogs during intermission! LOL

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Started Atkins-1/2/04
174 lbs at heaviest



5'0 154/136.5/130

According to the history section, drive-ins are actually making a comeback! Say, does anyone remember those gigantic dill pickles they used to have? Or was that a Michigan thing?

Aderyn

LOL! I guess sitting in an air-conditioned multiplex just doesn't have the same cachet as sitting in your car breathing in Pic fumes! And who wants surround sound when a tinny, crackly speaker adds that perfect touch to the ambience? Seriously, though, I can't say I've ever had as much fun at the regular theaters as I did at the drive-in, especially since classics such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre were a staple in El Rancho's line-up.

Can't say that I remember the pickles, though.

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Esther

YES!!! The pickles!!! LOL...back in the olden days...(1970's) those gigantic dill pickles were a real bargain at 10 cents each. Talk about sodium rush and fluid retention...hehe...we were never concerned with such things!

Shelley

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Shelley
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Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

LOL, Shelley! You're right, I doubt if I even could have told you what "sodium" was back then.

I think the difference between the drive-in and today's multiplex is that we went to the drive-in for the whole experience: talking in the car before the movies began, seeing who else was there, kids on the playground, socializing at the concession stand between movies, gossiping about the friends whose car windows were all steamed up when we walked past, deciding whether to stay for the second feature, etc. Smokers could smoke, teenagers could neck ( does anyone "neck" any more?) Going to a "regular" movie is just that--go in, see movie, leave.

Plus, it was such a bargain! At ours, it was 2 movies for $1.50 per person (not counting the friends hidden in the trunk), except on "carload" nights when it was $1.50 for as many people as you could fit in your car (which was quite a few when the average car seated 6 without even being crowded). If you were really strapped, you could bring your own snacks. Parents didn't need to hire babysitters.

My car was more comfortable than the average theater seat back then, too, although I wouldn't say the same now. Our multiplex's recliners are pretty nice!

Aderyn

I went to a drive in not long ago and now instead of the bulky speakers hanging on your window you simply tune in the sound through a certain station om your radio
It was great fun

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Aderyn, I think you've captured perfectly what the drive-in experience was all about, especially the part about sneaking in a friend or two in the trunk! I had my first necking experiences at the drive-in and when you think about it, can there be a more perfect place for it? No wonder Daddy wasn't crazy about us going there.

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Esther

There is a drive-in in Barstow, about 45 minutes from my home. We try to go at least 3 or 4 times each summer I think it is $6 for adults. We take a portable radio, some lawn chairs, and an ice-chest filled with munchies. We park the pick-up with the tail-gate facing the screen, use that as a shelf, and set up our chairs in front of the tail-gate. About half of the crowd in the summer sits outside of their vehicles, sort of a huge open air attitude It is soo hot, that it is nice to sit outside, and not have to worry about dash lights, etc
We would go more often, but, with a 45 minute drive home, we do not get to bed til after 1am as it is, and, well, we are not as young as we once were!
I am so glad that the drive-in is still there. It gives us a chance to show our kids a part of OUR teen culture experience!

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Cynthia