The drive-in theater was created in the early 1930's by Richard Hollingshead of Camden, New Jersey. He experimented with this idea by nailing a screen to the trees in his yard. He used a 1928 Kodak projector mounted to the hood of his car and placed a radio behind the screen to test the sound.
The drive-in was most popular during the 1950's and 60's. Admission cost per person in the car included the showing of two or three movies. The typical American family would pile into the station wagon and head to the drive-in for an inexpensive night of entertainment. This was ideal for families with babies and young children, it eliminated the stress of keeping the kids quiet. The drive-in was also very popular with the teenage crowd, it became a place to hang out, meet up with friends or have a romantic date.
Sadly the decline of the drive-in began in the late 1990's when the large plots of land which accommodated the theaters became to expensive for the owners to afford. There are still a few theaters around - so before they are all gone, make plans to head to the drive-in - it's a nostalgic experience under the stars you don't want to miss!
My dad always talks about a drive-in that used to be right across the Tacony Bridge over in Jersey. I can only imagine how much fun it used to be to just go out in the open and watch a couple of movies. Even though the quality of movies now may be better just because of the technology that did not exist back then, I believe that drive-ins were better for the experience. Sometimes technology tries to help but while doing that, it takes some value away. Very nice post!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I wish drive-in movies were still more prominent. I'm aware of some places that are still up and running, however i myself have never been in a drive-in movie theater before. To have a choice between watching and being able to eat anything in the comfort of my car or going inside an elite equipped sound and sight movie theater would be awesome idea in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI remember drive-in-movies. They were so fun to go to especially on warm summer evenings. A carload of people could get in for one price making going to the movies more affordable than they are today. Your post contains lots of interesting information about the person who invented these movies. That is something I never knew. I think drive-in-movies should be reserected. I would definitely go. Thank you for the great post. Mary Ann Reday.
ReplyDeleteI was born in the 90’s and I remember going to the drive in movies and I loved them. It’s a shame there isn’t any around anymore, but back then the technology wasn’t really there so people gathered at drive in movies to communicate with each other. And since technology grew, people can watch a movie anywhere, even on their phone, so it really changed the way people interacted and drive in movies are now in the past.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to a drive-in movie. I have heard of some still being around in this area but have never gone. It is so expensive to go to a movie theater today with your entire family, it would be nice if you could pay one low price for everyone. I have heard of a fire house near me that shows movie outside on a hill and you pay a low price for your family. And you can bring your own food and drinks, which saves a lot of money. When you go to the theater, it seems that the food is the most expensive thing.
ReplyDeleteI never been to a drive-in movie theatre, but I've always wanted to experience one. I hate going to the movies and have to listen to people talk through the whole movie. I would rather be in the comfort of my own home or car. You said they were still around, can you tell me where?
ReplyDeleteI do not experience of drive-in movie,but I like The drive-in theater. the whole family as group to watch movie together. Especially, the small ones can not running around.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate the drive-in. I've never been to one because it's way before my time, but it must have been a neat experience. I like sitting in the movies nowadays, I don't have a beef with that, besides the ridiculous prices and food that I would never buy there. All in all, I think it's obvious that the sound and picture quality at an indoor theatre would be much better then a drive-in one, but the nostalgic experience of the drive-in is one not to pass up on.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I hate go to the movies. They make the chairs to comfy and all the people are annoying. Drive in movies back then were probably no where near as expensive as it is now plus drive in movies are more of a creative adventure.
ReplyDeleteI like that there used to be Drive-in movies. I wish more of them existed today. I would much rather sit in my own car with my date rather than sit next to a bunch of annoying strangers that ruin the movie. Every time I go to the movies, there's always that one kid who points the red laser pointer at the screen. Concession stand food is always way too expensive. I recommend stocking up on candy at WAWA before the movie starts.
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