The American Drive-In movie theater has celebrated its 81th birtday . During its peak, drive-in theaters were all the rage. In 1958, there were approximately 5,000 American drive-ins; whereas today, there are only about 400.
The first drive-in opened June 6, 1933, in Camden, N.J. The marketing of this first drive-in helps to explain its once long-held appeal to patrons: “A place where the whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.”
And since day 1, the drive-in has embraced this mantra of being a place where young and old, quiet and loud, singles and couples, groups of friends or entire families could go and enjoy a double feature. (In some cases three distinct movies may be shown, and in most cases, the lead-in movie is shown again after the second movie.)
Based on theater box office numbers and video rental numbers, it is clear, we still love to watch movies; but apparently, we prefer the comfort of a movie plex or our own living room. But there is something special about watching a movie outdoors, under the stars, or in some cases, under a barrage of rain. Either way, the drive-in show must go on!
I think more people should go to drive-in movies, especially those who think it is okay to use their cell phones to talk or text, or those who talk during the movie. To them, I say, “Go outdoors!”
Most drive-ins today offer recently released films, not just the “B” movies that seemed to dominate the screens of the past. I, myself, have numerous fond memories of going to the drive-ins (although I must admit, it has been a long time since I last went to a drive-in).
For example, I remember watching “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” at the drive-in when I was a teenager. I will never forget when, at the very moment the first bloody chainsaw killing was occurring, some other movie patron started up his own chainsaw (that, apparently, was in the drunk of his car)! No, he wasn’t a killer, he was playing a prank. The type of prank you could not get away with today! Seems no one has a sense of humor any more, lol!
Usually, I went to the drive-in with my girlfriend. “Back in the day”-as they like to say-young couples would attend the drive-ins to make out, and yes, maybe do other things as well! On many occasions, numerous couples (who were all friends) would park their cars side-by-side and party together during the first movie, and then quietly disappear to their own cars during the second one.
Drive-ins come equipped with a snack stand filled with goodies. Then again, you could bring your own food and no one cared. The movie plexs frown upon outside food being brought into the movie theater.
The drive-in movie is really a part of American culture. It combines many of our favorite past-times, going on a date, being with friends or family, watching movies, and, of course eating.
Other countries have drive-ins as well. In June, 1999, on my first visit to Russia-I was in St. Petersburg-there was much fanfare surrounding the first drive-in to open in that former USSR nation. The English-newspaper, The St. Petersburg Times, had this front page caption: “Drive-In Movie Culture Makes Debut in Russia.” The drive-in located in Moscow.
Most drive-in patrons raved about this form of American culture, even though they paid “a New York-style entrance fee of 195 rubles ($8) per person.” There was one major glitch, however. Customers were told to tune their car radios to a certain frequency to pick up the soundtrack. Nothing too unusual about that, except, few Russians had car radios in those early post-USSR days. Needless to say, a number of people were frustrated with this unplanned silent movie presentation!
Although that specific drive-in has since closed, many drive-ins still operate in Russia. And, most Russian autos come with radios today, so they have closed the drive-in movie theater gap.
As I write this article, I have become even more nostalgic for the “good old days” of drive-in movies. Mmm, maybe I should see what’s playing at my local drive-in (yes, there is one only a few miles away) this weekend…
Either way, the drive-in show must go on!
Published original on June 12, 2008 by Tim Delaney, Ph.D.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/media-stew/200806/what-ever-happened-the-drive-in-movie-theater-culture
Hade helt glömt din ide Lars.
Du måste visa mej platsen så vi kan ta upp tråden igen.
Carl.
Javisst Carl . Huvva. Den perfekta drive in bio miljön. När vi får tid. När vi får tid.
sånt skulle man kunna ha på dom större bilträffarna,
hade ju varit skoj en varm sommarkväll
Classic Car Week i Rättvik kör alltid två kvällar med Drive-In bio på travbanan, brukar vara söndag och tisdag. Filmer som haft premiär nyligen.
Unlock the potential of your business with our expert SEO services. Drive traffic, boost rankings, and dominate search engine results today!
Discover the elegance and beauty of Afrozeh bridal dresses. Experience the essence of luxury and style for your special day.
Discover the latest collection of Pakistani clothing brands at Ramsha. From traditional to modern designs, we offer a wide range of trendy clothing options.
Elevate your scent game with ECS’s best perfume for men. Discover top-notch fragrances tailored to enhance your style. Shop now and find your signature scent!
Discover the latest ready to wear collections from Ammara Khan, offering elegant and timeless pieces for the modern woman.
Find the best hyaluronic acid serum in Pakistan with Her Beauty. Achieve youthful, glowing skin with our top-of-the-line skincare products. Shop now
Discover the ultimate leather wallet for men at Hang Ten. Our high-quality wallets are stylish, durable, and sure to make a statement.
Discover the latest chiffon dress design at Xpressions Pret. Elevate your style with our exquisite collection of chic and elegant dresses.
Discover the latest collection of stylish bags for women at Adoro. Shop now and elevate your accessory game with our chic designs.
Explore Delcare’s luxurious unstitched dresses collection. Customize your style with premium fabrics and stunning designs, perfect for any occasion. Shop now and create your unique look with Delcare!
Discover Jazmin’s collection of Pakistani ready to wear dresses, blending traditional elegance with contemporary style. Each piece is crafted with premium fabrics and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring you look sophisticated and fashionable for any occasion.
Shop the latest Soraya UK wedding dress collection at Qamaash Online in UK. Each gown is crafted to make your special day unforgettable, featuring timeless elegance and luxurious fabrics. Explore classic and modern designs tailored for the perfect bridal look.
Discover the finest women ready to wear collection at Nishat Linen. Shop stylish and elegant outfits crafted with premium quality fabrics. Perfect for every occasion, our latest designs offer unparalleled comfort and sophistication. Shop now and elevate your wardrobe!
Funny t-shirts are a unique blend of humor and self-expression, often featuring witty slogans, playful graphics, and clever puns that catch the eye and provoke a smile. They serve as great conversation starters, instantly breaking the ice in social situations and inviting laughter among friends and strangers alike. From tongue-in-cheek remarks about everyday life to playful nods to pop culture, these shirts resonate with a variety of audiences, making them a staple in casual wardrobes. Perfect for relaxed outings or simply lounging at home, funny T-shirts remind us to embrace our quirks and approach life with a sense of humor, adding a touch of joy to our daily attire.
Elevate your business with expert NetSuite Support Services from Cloud Nexus Lab. Ensure smooth operations, rapid issue resolution, and tailored solutions to optimize your NetSuite ERP investment fully.