The American Drive-In Movie Theatre

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"Once An American Phenomenon"The authors collect photographs and history of the American Drive-In theaters that once dotted the American landscape. Every town had one, and they drew families in their automobiles out for a movie in their own living room - the car! Perhaps the height of the drive-in theaters came in the 1950s, with monster films and teenagers on dates. Today they are gone, but their memory remains with those who grew up in that decade of fast cars, invaders from Mars, and a neat place for teenagers to neck without parents watching from over the couch. In the book also are pictures of the Snack Bars - remember "It's Intermission Time, Folks" - and the playground up front for little brother to vacate the car while big brother sneaks a kiss from his date.I came out of the 1950s generation, and remember the drive-in theaters with fond memories. Living in Wichita Falls, Texas, I went to the Seymour Road Drive-In, as well as the Twin Falls Drive-In, and probably several others. I also went to the Brazos Drive-In Theater in Seymour, Texas as well as San Antonia, Texas, but don't remember the name. I do remember the last time I went to the drive-in, it was to see "Damnation Alley" in Grand Forks, North Dakota in the late 1970s. The San Antonio drive-in had "dollar night", and my wife would pop popcorn and make cool-aid, and we went quite often. It was cheap entertainment at the time, and we loved it.This book will bring great memories back to those who remember them, and introduce those who never knew them to an American icon of a bygone day.

This is an interesting book chock full of information about the history of Drive-In Movie theaters. It focuses heavily on the Fifties and Sixties, which is perfectly natural since that era was the golden age for Drive-In Pictures. I was hoping for a little more on the 1970's and early 80's which were the years associated with my personal Drive-In movie experiences as a child and a teen. But there's almost nothing on that time period here.

Do you remember the first time you were in a normal theater watching a movie? I don't. But I remember the first time I saw Star Wars was in the drive-in theater while on top of the station wagon. I remember watching Herbie going bananas in a drive-in and the Apple Dumpin Gang in a drive-in. I was lucky enough to visit the Drive-In Theater in the last days of its winter. Kind of.This book brought back memories. Of course I was not there when it was born, I was not there for the post-war boom or when it went from a Family Night Out to a teenage passion pit, nor did I watch adult films in it. I don't remember getting any food there - I think we brought in our own - but I do remember the playground, the speakers in the window and the star filled sky.A Drive-In Theater is a part of history, like those old fashion full service gas stations or old fashion diners. When food was fatty, cars were huge, movies were fun, and people liked it that way.The book is full of facts, photos and tons of humor. So grab it now and visit the nearest drive-in theater! One with second run films, mustard covered hot dogs, and lots of artwork.

A fun to read book with lots of cool photos, and some surprising facts!

I have had this item on my Wish List for just under a year but it was priced like a collector's item because it had been published in 1997! Then the book was re-published THIS YEAR!! It is a beautiful hardback book with fun pictures and great information. I'm an east coast person so I wish there was a higher representation of our theaters (NJ/PA) but it is still a great book! Don & Susan are my new favorite people and I intend on sending them a letter to thank them for the book.Background: I own two other Drive-In books and have been visiting abandoned drive-in sites, as well as two operating ones. I intend to see at least three open drive-ins this year (in addition to Delsea Drive-In, my regular drive-in).

This somewhat "overproduced" volume is nonetheless valuable as yet another contribution to a vanishing American Landmark. From Cornfields to elaborate "Citified Monuments", the Drive-In Theater strutted and played out its part on the American Stage. It will, I think, be missed.

Being a huge fan of drive-ins, I really looked forward to reading this book. The only criticism I have is the sequence of the actual chapter text of the book, and the information inserts that the author has throughout. It is very "chopped" up. Reading the chapter, then turning the page to find there is information pertaining to something else on the next page. The chapter text starts a couple of pages later in some cases, breaking up the continuity. Other than this, it makes for a very interesting read for those who enjoy nostalgia and want to be transported back to a more simpler and fun time.