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Drive-In Movie Theaters

USPS 1999 Drive-In Movies commemorative stamp          short history

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     S H O R T
     H I S T O R Y
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          h e r e

Books About Drive-In Movie Theaters

Drive-In Theaters / History  "Drive-In Theaters: A History From Their Inception In 1933" [1992]
by Kerry Segrave

McFarland & Co. 9x6 pb [4/2006] for $35.00
McFarland & Co. 9¼x6¼ hardcover [10/2001] out of print/used
Flamingo Rising novel by Larry Baker  "The Flamingo Rising" [fiction 1997] by Larry Baker
A warm-hearted tale of two feuding families on the Atlantic coast of Florida: one operates a drive-in movie theatre and the other a funeral home next door
Ballantine 8x5¼ pb [7/98] for $10.36
Knopf 9.6x6.6 hardcover [9/97] out of print/used
Random House audio [9/97] out of stock/used
American Drive-In  "The American Drive-In Movie Theatre" [1997]
by Don & Susan Sanders

Motorbooks Intl 10¼x10¼ hardcover [9/97] for $20.97
authors' website
Cinema Under The Stars  "Cinema Under The Stars: America's Love Affair With The Drive-In Movie Theater" [1998] by Elizabeth McKeon & Linda Everett
Cumberland House 10x8 pb [12/98] for $14.95
Drive-In Movie Memories book & docufilm  "Drive-In Movie Memories: Popcorn & Romance Under The Stars" [2000]
by Don & Susan Sanders

Carriage House 10½x8¼ pb [7/2000] out of print/used
authors' website
Hershenson Vol 18: Drive-In Movie Posters  "Drive-In Movie Posters" [2002]
by Bruce Hershenson & Richard Allen

self-published 11x8¾ pb [7/2002] for $20.00
Pocket Drive-in Locator (4th edition)  "Pocket Drive-in Locator" [2004]
by Jennifer Sherer Janisch

Kindle Edition from Trafford [2004 edition] for $3.99 {sic}
Trafford mass pb [7/2006] for $16.65
The Saco Drive-In book by Camille M. Smalley  "The Saco Drive-In: Cinema Under The Maine Sky" [2014]
by Camille M. Smalley

Maine's first drive-in movie theater opened in 1939, fell into disuse, and was restored to seasonal operation in 2013
Kindle Edition from The History Press [6/2014] for $9.99
The History Press (Landmarks) 9x6 pb [6/2014] for $15.09
official drive-in website
Michigan's Drive-In Theaters book by Harry Skrdla  "Michigan's Drive-In Theaters (Images of America)" [2014]
by Harry Skrdla

Kindle Edition from Arcadia Publng [7/2014] for $9.99
Arcadia Publng 9¼x6½ pb [7/2014] for $21.99
Arcadia Publng 9½x6¾ hardcover [7/2014] for $26.99
The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In book by Karen Dybis  "The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In: Cars, Candy & Canoodling In The Motor City" [2014]
by Karen Dybis

Located in Dearborn (Detroit), Michigan since 1950; America's largest drive-in theater with 9 screens and parking for 2,500 cars; open Fri-Sat-Sun during Winter
Kindle Edition from The History Press [8/2014] for $8.99
The History Press (Landmarks) 9x6 pb [8/2014] for $19.99
official drive-in website


'The Drive-In' book by Joe R. Lansdale  
'The Drive-In' book II by Joe R. Lansdale  
"The Drive-In" trilogy by Joe R. Lansdale
An all-night horror film marathon at the local drive-in movie theater turns bizarre when mysterious forces prevent people from leaving . . . (Book 2 is a road trip, with dinosaurs; Book 3 features a catfish the size of Moby-Dick.)
"The Drive-In, Book 1: A B-Movie With Blood and Popcorn, Made In Texas" [1988]
Kindle Edition from Crossroad Press/Macabre Ink [11/2013] for $3.99
Bantam Spectra Books mass pb [7/88] out of print/used
New English Library Ltd. mass pb [12/89] out of print/used
"The Drive-In, Book 2: Not Just One of Them Sequels" [1989]
Kindle Edition from Crossroad Press/Macabre Ink [11/2013] for $3.99
Bantam Spectra Books mass pb [6/89] out of print/many used
New English Library Ltd. mass pb [1990] out of print/used
Kinnell hardcover [4/90] out of print/used
"The Drive-In, Book 3: The Bus Tour" [2005]
Kindle Edition from Crossroad Press/Macabre Ink [11/2013] for $3.99
Subterranean Press 9x6¼ hardcover [2005] out of print/used
graphic novel (4 comics issues) illustrated by Andres Guinaldo
Avatar Press 10¼x6½ pb [1/2006] out of print/used
Complete Trilogy: with Introduction by film director Don Coscarelli
Underland Press 9x6¼ pb [4/2010] out of print/used
Complete Trilogy: with Introduction by film director Don Coscarelli, Illustrated by David Ho
Centipede Press 9x6 limited edition SIGNED hardcover [11/2015] for $142.16 {sic}
Complete Trilogy, German Translation [2015]
Kindle Edition from Heyne Verlag [8/2015] for $14.99
Heyne Verlag 8x5¼ pb [8/2015] import/used


V i d e o s

Drive-In movie 1976  "Drive-In" feature film [Columbia May 1976]
Directed by Rodney Amateau ('Dukes of Hazzard')
Hi-jinks over the weekend at a Texas drive-in
DVD/Blu-ray not available • Sony Home Ent. color VHS [11/87] out of prodn/used
full credits from IMDb
Drive-In Massacre exploitation movie  "Drive-In Massacre" [indep 1977]
Low-budget horror film with unknown killer dispatching patrons of a rural drive-in theater using several swords. "Filmed entirely in bloodcurdling Gore-Color" Co-written & directed by Stu Segall; co-written by John F. Goff & George 'Buck' Flower; poster lists actors Jake Barnes, Adam Lawrence, Douglas Gudbye, Newton Naushaus, Norman Sherlock & Valdesta; IMDB credits: John F. Goff, Steve Vincent, Verkina Flower, Robert E. Pearson, Catherine Barkley, John Alderman, Jacqueline Giroux, Bruce Kimball & George 'Buck' Flower as 'guy with machete'
Cheezy Flicks Ent. color DVD [11/2007] for $8.99
full credits at IMDbmovie entry at Wikipedia

American Drive-In movie  "American Drive-In" [indep 1985]
A showing of "Hard Rock Zombies" at the local drive-in theater attracts everyone in town: a mayor-wannabee, rapist thugs, the drunken projectionist, two little old ladies, a prostitute hoping for business, prankster kids, and various couples. Rated R for good reason. Co-produced, co-written & directed by Krishna Shah; starring Emily Longstreth, Patrick Kirton, Danny Nucci, Misty Hall, Rhonda Selesnow & Deke Anderson • full credits at IMDb
Blue Laser Films color DVD [9/2004] for $16.05
Vestron Video color VHS [1998] for $4.97
watch full movie [1:32:18] online at YouTube {requires signin}

After Sunset  "After Sunset: The Life & Times of The Drive-In Theater" [indep 1995]
45-minute documentary directed by Jon Bokenkamp; featuring John Carpenter. John Bloom {aka Joe Bob Briggs} & Samuel Z. Arkoff
Janson Media color DVD [4/2005] for $24.95
Janson Video color VHS [11/96] out of prodn/used
full credits at IMDb
Drive-In Movie Memories documentary film by Kurt Kuenne  "Drive-In Movie Memories" documentary film [indep 2001]
75-minute documentary written & directed by Kurt Kuenne; featuring Leonard Maltin, John Bloom {aka Joe Bob Briggs}, Samuel Z. Arkoff, Jon Bokenkamp, and Don & Susan Sanders
Janson Media color DVD [3/2006] for $24.95
credits at IMDb
At the Drive-In concert film from 2003  "At The Drive-In" concert film [P.B.S./WLIW-TV Dec 2003]
105-minute concert taped at Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas in August 2003 with aging performers that were hits in the 1950s & 1960s. • Hosted by singer Fabian, featuring Jan & Dean, Bobby Vee and The Vees, The Surfaris, The Rip Chords, Chris Montez, Merrilee Rush, Ray Peterson, The Orlons, Dodie Stevens, and The Nelsons
WLIW New York widescreen color DVD [undated] out of prodn/used
full credits at IMDbofficial movie site
Classic Drive-In Intermission Ads on DVD  
"Classic Drive-In Intermission Ads" on DVD [2010]
136 minutes of intermission ads from the heyday of drive-in movie theaters for drive-in snacks such as hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, pizza, candy, popcorn, ice cream, snow cones, and more!
PR Studios color DVD [12/2010] for $14.99

watch "Let's all go to the lobby!" concessions ad [0:40] online at YouTube
watch 1-hour compilation of vintage drive-in intermission ads [1:01:41] online at YouTube


Active & Inactive Drive-In Theaters

Lawrence Bridges' Guerrilla Drive-In [CA, TX & NY]
Rolling Roadshow {portable drive-in theater} based in Austin, TX
Mobile Movies: The Drive-In That Drives In [est. Nov 2004]
Rooftop Films screenings of New York City
WestWind Drive-Ins & Public Markets in Arizona, California & Nevada

WestWind Glendale 9 Drive-In Theater in Glendale, Arizona
Scottsdale 6 Drive-In Theater in Scottsdale, Arizona {lost lease & closed 9/2011}
Diamond State [1949] near Felton, DE
Starlight 6 Drive-Ins in Atlanta, GA
Swan Drive-In [1955] in Blairsville, GA
61 Drive-In in Maquoketa, IA
Spud Drive-In in Driggs, ID
Skyview Drive-In [est. 1949] in Belleville, IL
Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville, IL
Cinema 67 Drive-In in Spencer, IN
Starlite Drive-In in Wichita, KS
Saco Drive-In [est. 1939, open May-Oct], 969 Portland Road in Saco, Maine
Wellfleet Drive-In [est. 1957] on Cape Cod, MA
Bengies Drive-In [est. 1956] in Baltimore, MD
Capri Drive-In [est. 1964] in Coldwater, MI
Ford-Wyoming Drive-In [est. 1950, open year-round] in Dearborn, Michigan
Cherry Bowl Drive-In [est. 1953] in Honor, MI
66 Drive-In [est. 1949] in Carthage, MO
Badin Road Drive-In in Albemarle, NC
Bill's Belmont Drive-In [early 1950s] in Belmont, NC
Eden Drive-In in Eden, NC
Weirs Drive-In in Weirs Beach, NH [est. 1949]

  Badlands Drive-In [open 2/2021], at Highway 314 and Morris Road in Los Lunas, NM
85 Drive-In Theater in Raton, New Mexico
Fiesta Drive-In in Carlsbad, New Mexico
Fort Union Drive-In Theater on Seventh Street in Las Vegas, New Mexico
Route 25 Drive-In [closed], 3251 Broadway SE in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Silver Dollar Drive-In [closed 1980], 6000 San Mateo NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Star Drive-In [closed 1975], 5400 Second Street NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Midway Drive-In [1948] in Fulton-Minetto, NY
Transit Drive-In [1952] in Lockport, NY
Hollywood Drive-In [1952] in Troy, NY
Holiday Auto Theatre [1948] in Hamilton, OH
Hi-Road Drive-In in Kenton, OH
Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre [1965] in North Ridgeville, OH
Tower Drive-In in Poteau, OK
Motor Vu Drive-In in Dallas, OR
99W Drive-In [1953] & Cameo Theater [1937] in Newberg, OR
Becky's Drive-In [1946] in Berlinsville, PA
Columbia Drive-In in Columbia, PA
Haar's Drive-In in Dillsburg, PA
Family Drive-In [1952] in Kane, PA
Galaxy Drive-In in Vandergrift, PA

South Carolina Movie Theatre & Drive-In History [est. 2005]

Sandell Drive-In in Clarendon, Texas
Showboat Drive-In [est. April 2006] in Hockley, Texas
Chief Drive-In [abandoned] in Quanah, Texas
Rodeo Drive-In [1946 United] in Bremerton, WA
Wheel-In Motor Movie [1952] in Port Townsend, WA
Gemini Drive-In in Eau Claire, WI
Skyway Drive-In [1950] in Fish Creek, WI

Drive On In! presents Drive-Ins.com website


Active Drive-Ins in California

The California Tour [traveling screenings at drive-ins around California]

Skyline Twin Drive-In in Barstow, CA
Motor Vu Twin Drive-In in Imperial, CA
Southbay 3 Drive-In in Imperial Beach, CA
Vineland 4 Drive-In in La Puente, CA
Marysville Drive-In [1966] in Marysville, CA
Harbor Drive-In in National City, CA
Mission Drive-In Fourplex in Montclair [Pomona area], CA
Van Buren Cinema 3 Drive-In in Riverside, CA
Rubidoux Cinema 3 Drive-In [est. 1948] in Riverside, CA
Santee Drive-In in Santee, CA
Smith's Ranch Drive-In in Twentynine Palms, CA


Lists of Active & Inactive Drive-Ins
list of still-active drive-ins in California
Drive-Ins Down Under - Worldwide / USA page
The Guide to Drive-In Movie Theaters - USA
The Guide to Drive-In Movie Theaters - Canada
drive-in webpage links (active & memorial)
Tim Thompson's Drive-In Theater Website
Marysville links page + page two
BigScreenBiz drive-in links page


Related Links
'drive-in theaters' entry at Wikipedia
Sal Garcia's 'Tribute to SoCal Drive-Ins' site
Drive-In History pages
Drive-In Theatre Museum
Drive-In Theater WebRing
Drive-In & Hardtop Intermission Films Archive
Brad Light's Drive-In Theatre Workshop
Joe Bob Briggs's Drive-In Report
Roadside Peek's drive-ins photo gallery
Brian's Drive-In Theater site
United Drive-In Theatre Owners Assn. [est. 1999]
Outdoor Cinema Network {urban outdoor movies in WA & CO & MO}


here on the Drive-In Movie Theaters Page at Magic Lantern Video & Book Store
top of page   •   books   •   videos   •   active & inactive drive-Ins   •   links

Gilmore Drive-In, next to Farmers Market, Los Angeles, California
This and other original nostalgia art prints available from Stan Cline


Online sales in association with  books about drive-in theaters at Amazon

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