Do you remember long summer nights watching movies with friends in drive-in movie theaters?
With recent gas prices it wouldn't be possible at all….
Do you miss the ambience and romance?
Drive-in Movie Theater turns 75, can we find any still open?
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/06/the-drive-in-movie-turns-75/?hp
[question posted by polachicago]
responses and comments:
Not really. I've actually never been to one. I mean I have heard of them of course, but I have never been to an actual drive in movie theater. [photographygirl73]
It was fun to watch movies in drive in....I don't know any closed by that are open.... [polachicago]
I recall the Drive-in theater quite well. In fact I saw Indiana Jones and Iron Man at a drive-in last Thursday. There are at least 3 still open within a relatively close drive to me. [DarkDancer]
you are lucky, I don't have any close by my hose.... [polachicago]
They used to be such fun. Us kids would wear our pj's, pile in the car and off we would go. Some of the drive ins had a park up front, those were the best ones to go too. I have lots of fun memories of going to the drive in. I believe we still have one that is not to far from where I live. [Polly1]
they are open, but not in the big city.... [polachicago]
I have one near my house but have never been to one. How is it like? [insaneduck9]
Here in mexico no drive ins! but it costs 2 dollars 2 go to the cinema theatre and 10 dollars for an order of stale nachos a soda and quart of popcorn...thepeople here put katchup all over the popcrn...mayb 2 get the monies worth. [earthyachts]
Well, I live in this rinky dinky place and we have not one but 2 drive-ins. My son used to love them when he was little. We packed the car full of snacks and drinks. Folding chairs and blankets. Then he used to do the same thing with his girl friend. We try to go once a year. They are great. [Debs_place]
you are lucky to have some open close by... [polachicago]
Yes, we can find some open! I loved going to the drive in when I was a kid, and as I grew up. I had the opportunity to take my kids this past spring. We went to the Galaxy Drive In in Ennis, Texas. They have 4 screens and are open on weekends rain or shine. They still have the vintage speakers, but they also broadcast sound over FM radio frequencies so you can listen on your car radio. If I remember correctly, there are just over 400 left open. [Lavender_Breeze]
thank you, I may stop by in one on my way when driving on vacations... [polachicago]
not in my country..i remember watching them on my hometown but no fees required on viewing them( and it was was35 years ago)...and it was fun watching it outside with the others...right now we dont have it anymore..it stop..i dont know when.. [vanities]
yes no fees..and its like of a caravan thing they go from place to place... [vanities]
Drive-ins were brilliant, polachicago. My parents used to take us to one when I was a kid. I vaguely remember seeing "Paint Your Wagon". As a teenager, they were great to go to with a boyfriend - except one took my to see The Exorcist and I kept waiting for someone to pop up next to the car. When living in Darwin, I lived across the road from a drive-in and my housemate and I used to walk over with a blanket and sit on the ground with a speaker next to us. Unfortunately, there are no drive-ins anywhere near I live now. [Piscesmoon]
It is great place to watch movies, I wish to have one close by...special when you have convertible car and you watch movie during the summer....happy [polachicago]
I remember them when I was a kid,in the 1960's.They closed down and I really miss them.I wish they would bring them back like they do other fads and fashion's. [dfollin]
Pola, I know what the "new twist" MUST be to get ME to go again: NO MOSQUITOS! Those horrid little beasts...far as I'm concerned they could leave the ecosystem NOW & I'd not shed a single tear! When they weren't whining & biting, though, it was a fabulous experience! Well, better speakers would be a must now, too.... I saw my first color film at a drive-in: "Imitation of Life." Egad, what a maudlin misuse of celluloid THAT is! But hey, it was in *COLOR!* It was HUGE! And the snacks were marvelously unhealthy, thus very tasty! And cheap? My family & an aunt's brood used to pile into her station wagon & all of us got in for under 2 bucks -- AND they'd run 2 to 4 flicks! Funny thing: One night I saw a "public service announcement" which warned us all to "fight pay TV!" which, I now know, meant cable. It was a poorly-done, hysterical & cartoonish ad. We all thought it was nuts. There used to be TWO drive-ins in Houston that ran different movies, & if we got bored with the one in OUR lot, we'd turn around & watch the other one, trying to guess what was going on (no speaker box to the OTHER screen, you see). Ah, yes. What a can of memories YOU just opened up for ME! Thanks! :o) Maggiepie [Maggiepie]
There is one about 45 minutes from here! I've never been to that one...s/o has other weekend plans during the summer months and it just wouldn't be the same to go alone! We used to have one even closer but it closed down about 5 or 6 years ago. It was so sad. It had closed down once before for quite awhile but the screen stayed up and eventually someone reopened it. It seemed like it was doing decent enough business but the owners were older and sold it. The new owners "hadn't decided" if it would remain a drive-in but they were quick to come up with a plan when a wind storm damaged the screen on night... [foxyfire33]
The site where that one was is now a mini-storage lot, a car wash, an oil change garage, and a pet wash. It was so stupid to close it down. People loved it and they'd already done away with the old speaker system. Instead they played the movie on a spesial radio channel plus on a loud speaker type thing in case people didn't have a radio in their car. [foxyfire33]
You know, I don't think I have ever been to a drive in, pola. If have it's been so many years I don't remember it at all. I have always wanted to go. [dfn12968]
haha...good thing. I have a hard enough time looking out the window of my two story apartment! rasp [dfn12968]
In my city we had a few drive-in theatres but they've all closed down now except for one, I think. I remember my mum taking me when i was little. We watched the Adams Family movie. it was exciting for me and I liked how the little speaker slotted on the edge of the car window! I loved it and i would really like to go again, before they are all gone! [coffeeshot]
you better go, before they are all gone....sad [polachicago]
It appears our notifications are not working Pola.sad I used to love going to the Drive-In Movies. The one we went to was way out in the country. All bushland around it. I can remember always hating having to go to the loo. If you did not check the loo out properly, You ended up with a Green Frog jumping onto your Butt. OMG I used to hate that, rotten little green cold slimy frogs. YUK [Goodie123]
We have one about 45 miles from us. We took our teenagers last summer and they loved it!! It was great to do something together that didnt cost an arm and a leg. Hmmm.. we did spend 300.00 that day! But it wasnt on the drive in, lol. [shewolf52002]
It is a lot fit fun is fun, right? as long as you are happy... I bet teenagers like it, it used to be best place for teenagers.... [polachicago]
I love the drive-in. we have 2 of them near us but not real near. one is an hour away and the other a bit more. Once every year I go with my daughter. She brings a friend or 2 and we just make a night of it. Its tradition. She's 14 now and it is losing it's charm. She no longer bugs me to do it every week but by the time a year has passed we are looking forward to it again. I think they should revive them. Most everyone loved them. They are much more fun than the theaters and so many more memories. [sid556]
Good memories is what is bringing me back....happy [polachicago]
I have one! We go to it as often as possible. Its not as big as the ones I went to as a kid, and it owned by a family that is barely making enough to keep it open, but somehow it stays open. We're very loyal, as are many people in the area, but we tend to go on weeknights when its less crowded. [Katesmama]
They are open every day but Monday this summer. [Katesmama]
We have one in Chennai here and it is very famous.Drive in theaters came very late to India and with this booming population who craves for entertainment anything will survive here. [balasri]
wow, I didn't know that you have one in India.....happy [polachicago]
Of course i remember drive inns ...and of Course i miss them...what fun we had...thanks for the great idea...something to do here in mexico...only need a projection tv and some chairs the climate is so great and this something that can be taken to small villages. Portable that is only thing missing is the comfort and privacy or a car...just will not be the same. Oh well. [earthyachts]
Maybe projector and group of friends is the best idea....I have home theatre, so I can always invite some.. [polachicago]
I used to love going to the drive in! There is one still open in Sydney, Nova Scotia. I grew up in the area and used to go all the time but have not gone in a long time. They have all night movie marathons in the summer. [angemac23]
Oh, I would like movie marathon....happy [polachicago]
I remember them well considering I went to see Ironman and the new Indiana Jones at one two weeks ago...lol. We actually have two in the Niagara Falls, NY area. It cost me the same for gas to go to the drive-in as it would to go to the theater. I pay less for admission since we get a double header. I love the drive-in and will probably go a couple more times this summer. happy [vicneedscoffee]
I will stop by when traveling to Niagara Falls....happy [polachicago]
Definitely! I remember going to the drive-in movies with my parents when I was a child and clipping the speaker to the window of the car! Then they became a little more advanced and you could have the movie sound come through your radio! It is a shame that this concept has pretty much died out as I remember it being a pretty exciting occasion! Especially going to the snack bar and heading back to the car loaded up with popcorn, chocolate coated ice creams and other crap! I never actually went to one as an adult and with my own car; but I definitely would if there is still one existing by the time I get back to my country! [James72]
Are you from Egypt? Where are you now? [polachicago]
We have everything in India.But how we use and maintain them is another story.lol [balasri]
Being sad about these things won't take you anywhere.So I'd rather be happy and never visit those places I detest.lol [balasri]
I will never forget those Drive-in Movies, polachicago! I grew up going to the drive-in on a regular basis and continued after I had my family. You could find us at the drive-in on most weekend nights. What wonderful memories you have conjured up! They are few and far between in the area where I now live and I often think that the new generations will have missed out on so much.happy [worldwise1]
I have to agree. It was such fun to go there with friends and car loaded with drinks (non alcohol for sure)and ice cream.... I miss to have one close by. [polachicago]
Where I live there aren't any more around. I remember them well, we had to park next to a pole and hang the speaker inside your car window to hear the movie, this was way before people could hear the movie through their car's radio. [howard96h]
Yes, it was fun...hope they are around nowa days... [polachicago]
I can remember as a child, it was a regular weekend thing for us all to climb in the car and go to the drive in movie. As children we didn't really get to chose what we saw, but our mother picked the movie and it was more or less what she wanted to see, then as I got into high school it was go with our boyfriend to the drive-in, don't think it had anything to do with what was playing, most of the kids from school was there or you went double dating. Some times the rain was coming down so hard you couldn't see the screen, we didn't care. I think a night out at the drive-in would be great now with the price of gas, but then we have come to not want to sit in a hot car, when there is indoor movie theaters with cool A/C. All the family together in one car, or all your friends all piled up in the car, but I only know a few that are still open, the indoor movies has put them out of business. [bdugas]
I still have more fun outdoors when is hot.... I wish to have one close by and open.... [polachicago]
Do you want~? www.website.ws/moneysoeasy [moneysoeasy]
Do not do it again!!!!! [polachicago]
I never experienced going to a drive-in until a little less than a year ago, really. There aren't any near my home, but my university is so small and there's nothing around it, I guess the need for entertainment keeps the drive-in open. I went with my best guy friend to watch 21 and Leatherheads a month or so ago. I love going there...2 movies for $5? what better deal can you get? [dreamergal522]
This is amazing deal...good for you...I am glad that you like it...happy [polachicago]
Yes, I do remember...very well. Our family used to go all the time. We had four drive-ins when I was growing up! We saw a lot of great movies. The thing I remember most was that, with my Dad, you got there early and you went to the concession stand before the movie started; he sure was NOT going during the movie! lol My Dad worked second shift for about a year or so; I remember my Mom loading up the car with my friends and all of us going to see a movie. I saw the Beatle's "A Hard Day's Night" at the drive-in, too. I still remember when my Aunt was driving out, my cousin and I were yelling with all the other kids! Everyone was yelling out their favorite Beatle's name. lol I think we still have one about 15 miles from here. But I haven't been in years and years. [CherylsPearls]
Looks like you have good memories... Do you think that drive in will come back? [polachicago]
We used to went to them all the time when I was a kid. It cost the same for a whole card load of people as it did for one person at the theater in town. They also showed movies that were not at the regular theater. Not to say that they were good because they were usually the B grade movies which now a days go directly to the videos. There is still one open in Sacrament Area but it is an hour drive to get to it and that just is not worth it. [1grnthmb]
yes, they are usually far away from the city... [polachicago]
Yes, we still have some Drive-In Movie Theaters where I live in the Los Angeles County of California. [rogue13xmen13]
There is one on Mission Blvd. in Pomona, CA. [rogue13xmen13]
LOL Are you trying to get us to tell our age? No really, there is one drive-in theater here in Lubbock, TX but I rarely go to a movie at all. If I were going to go to a movie I'd prefer a drive-in because I don't like to be in a crowded room. Even if the parking lot is full at a drive-in, you're not technically in a crowd. When my older kids were teens and preteens, there was a drive-in a short distance from our house. All the movie theaters were 40 miles or more away, so if there was a movie I deemed "special" enough to spend money on, I'd take them to the drive in. They still remember Grisly Adams, and Return to Witch Mountain, simply because it was family night and that's where I took them. Nice memories. Yes, my teens and preteens did enjoy those movies! [thebeaddoodler]
Most people here are baby boomers, so we all are similar, right? Some are younger, but they can remember time when they were kids. I think that video and movie rentals pushed most drive ins out of business in the end of 80's [polachicago]
There are a few,but you have to look pretty hard to find them. I think eventually they will be all but extinct. I used to go there all the time with my parents when i was a kid. I was like a monthly experience for us. I went with my husband last summer and our car battery died because we had the radio on so long. [snowy22315]
I never think about possible battery problem.... [polachicago]
I remember drive-in movies with great fondness. They provided major family treats when I was a child. We lived in the desert southwest in the days before widespread air-conditioning, and a night at the drive-in provided cool air (well, as cool as it got), rare fast-food goodies, and the chance to lay on a quilt tossed out on the hood or the top of the car (blankets were too hot and scratchy). It was F-U-N. The movies themselves were almost secondary. They were almost always Westerns, my Dad's favorite. [LovesTravel]
Yes, always grade B movies, but t was all about going pout with friends and family... [polachicago]
I remember them. I and my sister used to work in one many years ago.She worked in concessions and I sold tickets in a ticket booth. I remember one night in particular,It was storming and I could not see anything except when it would lightening.Every one started leaving,I assumed it was because you could not see the movie. I was right,You could not see the movie because when it lightened again,I saw there was no screen! Seems a tornado had whipped right through there and took the screen! I love the days of drive-in movie theaters.I do have the opportuniy to go again as there is one about 25 miles from my home.But I have not been to a movie at all in 12 years.To hot here to go. [patricia4225]
Great story....no screen, no movie...lol I was thinking to go to drive in soon it is far, but I can do it on my way when on vacations.... [polachicago]
There is one in Tulsa that often plays double-features. I haven't been there in years, but I know it's still open. I'd love to go there again sometime. As a kid half the fun was wandering around "lost" going from the car to the concession stand and back. I guess that's not a safe thing for kids to do nowadays, though. [gantwick]
I don't think it would be safe for kids now.... I can easy get lost on the parking lot, often looking for my car...lol [polachicago]
The last drive-in where I live closed several years ago. The land now houses a Wal-Mart Super Center. The closest drive-in still open is in a city about 45 miles away. [jtr115]
same here, about 45 miles away.... [polachicago]
I miss going to the Drive-in, There are a couple still here in California but they are far away. It was so much fun. [patriciaqualls]
yes, it was, I miss not the movies but fun....happy [polachicago]
used to go when I was a kid. They were so fun [lora2507]
it used to be fun....happy [polachicago]
We still have a drive-in in my area that is open. You can go see movies there every Friday and Saturday night between Memorial Day and Labor Day. [hcromer]
It is great. I wish to have one close by.... [polachicago]
I can kinda remember them, I've been to them when I was younger but its hard to remember when it was. Up until about 6 yrs ago, they still had a working one in a town about a hour away from me, I think we watched Me, myself and Irene with Jim Carey. But just right after that it got demolished by a tornado and they never rebuilt it. But it was fun, everybody just sit outside on their tailgates or lawnchairs and had a good ol' time eating popcorn. I miss that...lol. [walijo2008]
yes, summer nights with friends....lol [polachicago]
We still have a drive about 6 miles down the road from us. Its about the only one I know of around here that is still open. We never did go to movies much when I was growing up so I didn't go to the drive in too many times. [lucy02]
Its been a long time since I've been to the drive in but I would like to go if I could get hubby in the mood. There's a movie that just come out he says he wants to see. Maybe they will play it at the drive in. [lucy02]
there used to be a local church that showed movies after church on sunday nights - it used to be the local hangout for a lot of youth in the city! as for drive ins, i remember going to them, even when i was young and there are still a few around here (in southern ontario, canada) and they are still open. [cher913]
It used to be...yes, a lot is gone...great that you have few open... [polachicago]
i remember those times. u could relax in the car while watching the movie. u didn't have to worry about anyone causing a distraction so u couldn't hear what was going on. u could wear your pajamas if u wanted to. the kids could dress for bed in the backseat eating the food u bought from the consetion stand. those were the day. as far as i know, they closed it down. [Cocoa33]
hey, good point, how about wearing pj and watch movie, I like it....lol [polachicago]
Luckily, I still have one that's about less than an hour away from me. The one I'm talking about is in Warwick, NY. I've been there a couple of times in the last eight years. The last time I went it was for that War of The Worlds movie. Whish is a waste of time, anyway. I like watching a movie outdoors like that. The whole movie going experience is heightened. [Xdrowninghavocx]
lucky you to have it so close. I am going to find close by locations and drive there if I am close by.... [polachicago]
pola, there is a drive in theater open on weekends out in my neck of the woods. I haven't driven by it in awhile and cannot remember if it is on Route 20 near Villa Olivia or on Route 64. Now I am going to have to find it and let you know. It may take me awhile as I don't travel those routes very often. I can remember going to them in the 60's with my Dad and brothers to watch a James Bond movie and The Green Berets. It was the only way Dad could afford to take us all out to the movies as a family. It was a blast and we got to lay down in the station wagon to watch the show. As I got older, I can remember hiding several people in the trunk and smuggling them in. We were so daring back then....rasp PEACE [fpd1955]
Yep, it is. I went down Route 20 to my mom's house yesterday and didn't see it so I figured it was on North Ave. We used to be able to see the movies from the street driving by, but they changed that. We are having some friends and their kids coming down from New York in July. I think I may suggest going to the drive-in, as the kids have never been to one. Oh what fun it will be! PEACE [fpd1955]
I remember someone else asking this questions and yes i do remember drive-in theaters. There use to be one in the town that I grew up in but I know it's not still running anymore. I have no idea if they have built anything in the place where it use to be. It would be nice if they still had them though; right now would be a good time to go. [twallace]
yes.... When I was searching under discussions, nothing come out, and after I start my discussion I noticed that similar question was asked about 3 months ago. for sure discussions search is not that good.... Summer is always good to see movies... [polachicago]
That's a real memory from my past...LOL. When my grandmother, mother and I used to vacation in Lancaster, Pa we used to go to the drive-in theatre while there...I bet that movie theatre isn't even there anymoresad...that was a Looonnnnggggg time ago In fact, one time out of curiosity, I was trying to find the motel we were always staying at...unless it changed it's name, it's no longer there--it was the Colonial Inn...and one summer that was where I met Soupy Sales as he was staying there at the time...gee...this really brings back memories [pyewacket]
Maybe one of my girls night out will be in one of those places.... I miss drive-ins.... [polachicago]
Oh, I so enjoyed going to drive-in movies!! It was a special treat to go. By the time I was an adult, only one was left in our area. I was sad to see it go. People are too busy these days to take the time to do it. With DVD's, Pay-per-view, movie downloads, etc., it's been hard for the movie business as it is. That's why they now do the multi-plex movie theaters. Some things should go back to the way they were and some not. I think this would be a great thing to have back again. [nanajanet]
On of those things we used to have fun, different fun than when watching movies on DVD.... [polachicago]
The last time I was at a drive in theatre was about 11 years ago Then they tore it down and built a Home Depot My girls got to go to one a couple of years ago when we were in Nebraska [mfpsassy]
I bet they like it....happy [polachicago]
i've never tried it it though, it's a shame but given a chance, I would really love too! I love the vintage feel of drive-in movie theaters ;] [musecontrol]
It is fun when going to see movie with friends.... [polachicago]
Valparaiso, Indiana! The 49er drive-in. It's only 15 minutes away from us and we love it! [rowantree]
lucky you.......happy [polachicago]
Hello my city does not have drive in movies or drive in theates. I had visited one around ten years ago, it was a pleasant experience though. Now a days we enjoy movie in tv and using cd or dvd, the movie halls are closing down one by one. [bhubaneshwars]
and we are not as social as before...sad [polachicago]
You are so much lucky to have it in America. I heard there is one not far from here in Monaco but I never had the chance to get there. I find it's one of the most romantic thing! [Cannonball]
I would say yes....very romantic....cool [polachicago]
I wish there were more... i think theres one about an hr. away from me, and i would have liked to go there somtime... Take some lucky girl there in a convertible... that would be nice. [nate_d099]
nice and very romantic...happy [polachicago]
I loved the drive in theatre. However last year was the final year for our famous Odeon Drive In. They were talking about closing it down the year before last and they stayed open for the season. However this year it is not open. The concession, the screen and all the stuff is still there. There is a peition going around here in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. However known across Canada that the Odeon was the longest running Drive In so far. There none left that are open in Canada and most have been closed down for several years. [nicholejade]
I guess people are more and more watching movies on DVD... [polachicago]
I wish I have. I think I'm to young though I think they all are closed now. But I did recently buy a projector which allows me like I 10 foot screen but it is nothing like what it would be like to go to a drive in theater. [Bertman410]
Drive in theater is more about social event.... [polachicago]
Yes! I miss it every time I drive past the place it used to be! It was beautiful, in my sense. In the construction sense it was a hazard! But, I recall my mom having us lay down in the back so she would just have to pay for herself and then we would have more money for snacks and the like! I remember seeing the Second Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Star Wars Episode 1 there! Now theres a walmart in its place....I still like to reminisce though! [TheatreDude08]
I miss it very much. I found few still open around my town, 25 miles away. [polachicago]