Drive-In Movie Nostalgia: Our Personal Tips If You Plan To Visit A Drive-In Movie Theater

Written by Lynnette on September 17, 2005 | Comments (3)

If your idea of a drive-in is SONIC, then you need to read this.

It's time to take a step back in time.

My first drive-in movie was with my MOM (circa 1976) and we went to see the double-feature: "Ode To Billy Joe" and "Return To Macon County". I was about 10. But I remember it like it was yesterday... (From that day forward, Robby Benson posters from Tiger Beat magazine lined the walls of my room!)

The only other time I went to a drive-in was in college when I saw the double-feature: "Soapdish" and "Beetlejuice". That one was with a date... not a great date... not great movies.

Fast-forward to present day...

Jim and I went to a drive-in movie the other night. We had a blast, and we learned a few things about drive-in movie theaters at the same time!

Drive-In Movie Theaters: Making A Comeback

First, to give you an idea of the rise and fall of drive-in theaters through the years, consider the fact that Tennessee alone has gone from a high of 112 drive-ins (1958) to an all-time low of only 14 (1999).

Fortunately today, drive-ins are starting to make a comeback. There are approximately 17 drive-ins currently open in Tennessee, and every so often you hear of another one that someone decided to fix up and open back up again. (...we love ya man!)

I guess everything old IS new again ...if you wait long enough!

As a tribute to what was good and now is gone... check out the MANY Tennessee Drive-Ins that are no longer with us! (...or search "open" or "closed" drive-ins in any state)

Here's an entire list of Tennessee Drive-Ins

Why Go To A Drive-In?

Truth is, drive-ins are...

...a low-cost form of entertainment for the whole family
...nostalgic -- a blast from the past
...great for dates
...a way to enjoy the great outdoors
...the closest thing to being at home watching a movie
...yet another fun thing to do in a convertible
...one of life's simple pleasures

I think there are two main factors at play here, which will serve to increase the number of drive-in theaters across the country:

1. Everyone's enjoying this whole "retro" style right now... from the clothes we're wearing to the games we're playing and the way we're decorating our homes. Today, it's "cool" to take a step back in time!

2. Aside from the fact that movies in theaters are getting so darned EXPENSIVE, people are seeking enhanced movie-going experiences these days. Who can afford to take the entire family to a movie these days? Depending on where you live, movie theater ticket prices range from $8.00-$11.00 (per person), while drive-in theater ticket prices are only $5.00-$6.50 ...and that's usually for a double-feature!

Drive-ins are America's answer to "family entertainment on a budget".

Big Mo... the Monetta drive-in near Aiken, South Carolina.

Great Things About Drive-Ins

In case you're thinking that today's drive-ins are only showing "old" or "out-dated" movies... consider the fact that MOST drive-ins are showing current releases; the two of us saw two movies ("The Wedding Crashers" and "Red Eye") for only $12 total.

We also took in a Big & Nasty burger and fries (I mean Big & Tasty!) for our pre-show entertainment, some M&M's for dessert (which also provided another source of entertainment), and we purchased some classic movie-theater buttered popcorn and soda at the concession stand. Mmmmmm... What a great date!

Here are some other great things about drive-ins:

You (almost always) get a double-feature... that's two movies for LESS than the price of one in a "regular" theater.

You get to bring in your own pre-popped popcorn, candies and drinks -- or even a Big Mac if you like!

Kids (usually) get in FREE!

You don't have to worry about crying babies or ringing cell phones (yours or someone else's) because everyone's in their own car and the speakers drone out any "extraneous sounds".

You don't have to put those awkward, clunky speakers on your window anymore... these days you simply tune your radio to a set station.

While I'm not in favor of smoking, those who smoke will appreciate the fact that you can puff till your heart's content at the drive in theater.

You're not squeezed into one room with a few hundred of your closest friends (as in a "regular" theater) with people talking through the whole movie.

A Review Of Our Experience At The Pink Cadillac Drive-In

Jim's take: "You go to a drive-in for the atmosphere and the novelty of it. It's a great date, but probably not the best way to see a movie you've had your heart set on seeing."

... the small drive-in screens that have weathered years of abuse in the great outdoors don't even come close to matching the quality of today's multi-story projection screens found at "regular" movie theaters.

... for most of us, there's no comparison between the standard car speakers found inside our vehicles and the dolby digital surround-sound found at traditional movie theaters.

My take: Drive-ins are a great piece of history that I, for one, would like to preserve. There's nothing like a movie under the stars... especially in a convertible (like a Jeep). Truth is, the movie itself doesn't even have to be that good. It's the whole package that makes a drive-in worth going to.

One thing's for sure, we'll be visiting the drive-ins around here a couple times each summer. There's just nothing like it...

Things To Take If You Go To A Drive-In...

Window cleaner -- those disposable window cleaner wipes are great in times like these; whether you do it before you go or while you're waiting for the movie to start, make sure you windows are clean!
Something to block the dashboard lights in your car -- we found the bright lights which display the digital radio station to be annoying (until we covered it up with an old map). Others might find a red ignition light or some other dashboard light glowing all night.
Pillows -- for added comfort, even blankets if it's going to be chilly or you plan on sitting outside the car (many do).
Bug spray -- mosquitoes can be a pain at certain times of the year.
Penlight or handheld flashlight -- great for making your way to & from the bathroom or concession stand.
Wet Ones -- I add this one for those who take kids, and for those who don't enjoy "the great outdoors". A drive-in is not the cleanest of environments... kinda like a bowling alley!

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3 Comments

Rezzi said:

Wow just had our first Drive in Movie experience at the Stardust Drive in Ayr Australia, Not only do you get BIG FM stereo sound in your car we got 2 movies for under $10, Popcorn and the food was priced right and plenty of it, not only can you see a movie at the Drive In you can also see one in the Galaxy Sit-In Cinema, I found the people and staff a lot more friendlier than those multiplexes, when you visit the drive in get there early as the have a 18 Mini Golf Course (movie themed of course) which was outta this world, maybe thats why its called Wacky Planet, the kids loved it.
So my wife and 2 kids had a full day out at the Stardust with movie Mini Golf all for under $50 which is hard for families to find these day's.
Simply outstanding and is a credit to its owners

http://driveins.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cg...;num=1137627528

www.stardust.8m.net

February 15, 2008 9:33 PM | Reply to this Comment

Melissa Curtis said:

I was looking at pictures of pink cadillacs to use for a logo, and my search of pictures brought up the Pink Cadillac Drive-in Theater's Marquee, so of course I clicked the picture and found this site. We just happened to own the Pink Cadillac Drive-In. It was great to see it and read the comments about our drive-in, thank goodness you were gracious to us. Yes the screen is weathered! We wanted to repair it last season, but we just didn't get to it and then before we knew it the season was over. One of the problems we are facing is that school start earlier every year. So our season is getting much shorter. We love the drive-in and the drive-in business and we love our customers. I'm so greatfull for people like you who love it also and thank you so much for doing your part to keep drive-in theaters a thing of the future, not the past. We look foreard to seeing you at the drive-in soon. Thanks, Melissa

December 7, 2006 4:05 PM | Reply to this Comment

Chuck Lund said:

The Drive-in is My favorite weekend outing. I almost re-opened a local Drive-in that closed back in the early 70's,(the LAKE) but a Grocery Chain conglomerate beat Me to the site. But...! They were not allowed to build another of their Super Stores on the property. Too many of them in our area now. So, for the past 15 years, they were stuck with the property.
They paid a lot more for the property then I would have. Hence,.. their ability to get it before I could. They destroyed everything on the property except the speaker poles, because the town Fathers told them they did not want another one of their stores in our area. (Waterbury, Conn.) I often get to help out at a Friends Drive-in, and He is very happy with the re-surgence of Drive-in's all over the Country. Only hope they don't see the possibility of makng Big Bucks! That would only put the Drive-in's back in decline, as People do not want to pay the same price as at a Hard-top. (indoor Theatre)
There are only two drive-in's left in Connecticut. I hope one day to make that "Three"! Tell Everyone to patronize their local, or Favorite Drive-in's.
They just may not be around the next time they want to go to one. Just one more thought!
"Long Live those Drive-in Nights"
Chuck "NiteOwl" Lund

July 7, 2006 12:53 PM | Reply to this Comment