Drive-ins Movies

 

When I was a kid, the only way I saw movies was from the back seat of my family's car at the drive-in.    Forest Whitaker

It was silent theater in the sense that this was a drive-in,

which meant that I often saw the films going with no sound.

But I learned to tell stories through action.     Twyla Tharp

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Drive-in movies have been around for a long, long time.  The first one was built in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey in 1933.  Long before I was born.  The admission price was 25¢ for each car and an additional 25¢ for each person, somewhat higher than the prevailing price at the indoor houses at the time.  Today, those still open are about the only place to show double-features - imagine, two movies for the price of one.  Later in the year, and early Spring, there would be two showings, starting at dusk.  In the Summer it might not get dark until almost nine and the number of showings would drop to one.

 

They were also the best places to show off your wheels - just don't forget a date.  Many of us would 'hang out' at a local drive-in restaurant afterwards, like in that movie Grease.  No, the waitresses didn't wesr roller-skates.  Later, the drive-in  hangout became more important than the Drive-in movie.

 

Many had large trees and wooden fencing to prevent people from seeing the screen but because the screen as at least 12 feet from the ground those fences were never high enough. I remember the ground was paved with gravel and oiled to keep dust down and discourage mosquitoes. The cars would park on a series of terraced ramps whose height increased as you parked closer to the screen.  You would place a small speaker on the drivers window for sound. That sound was supplied by RCA speakers and could be heard from miles around on some nights!  Mustn't forget that all-important concession stand, they gave the guys a chance for a cigarette while buying popcorn and hot dogs.

 

On a clear night we could watch the movies under the stars.  Families would forget the babysitter and let the very little ones sleep on the backseat with their favorite blanket and pillow. Some would bring snacks from home to save even more money.  We might see such movies as

 Grease

 

 

Cool Hand Luke

 

Lawrence of Arabia

 

Pulp Fiction

 

Scareface

 

Public Enemy

 

 Young Frankenstein

 

 

The next time you want to go to a movie check out a local Drive-in for an economical and highly enjoyable summer outing. It might make memories that will last forever.

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