The Drive-In – whatever happened to . . .
Stranded at the Drive-In . . .
“Branded a Fool . . .
“What will they say . . .
“Monday at School . . . “
Ahhhhh – the heartfelt tome of one John Travolta – who, as part of the Grease phenomenon, serenaded his beloved Sandy in a scene which featured one of the most recognizable icons of the twentieth century – the Drive-In Theatre – which now – sadly, is virtually extinct.
For those of us old enough to remember – the Drive-In was full of nostalgia and childhood memories.
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Pyjama clad kids packed in the back of the car – mum and dad in the front trying to quell the excitement of a ‘big night’ out as the squeals of four, five and six year-olds reverberated around the cabin of the old EH.
Queuing for sometimes up to an hour as hundreds of other like-minded pilgrims made their way to the local movie mecca – some having to be turned away as the ‘field of dreams’ strained to house the masses.
The hooking up single cone blue and white metal speakers, the obligatory blasts of horns, flashes of headlights on the screen and of course parked somewhere down the back – the tell tale sign of fervently enthusiastic but sexually bumbling teens – complete with fogged windows.
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Yes – the Drive-In was a doyen of discovery – where you could eat, drink and be merry in the comfort of your pride and joy – alas – those days are coming close to being folklore.
As recently as 25 years ago – there were over 300 Drive-Ins in Australia – today only 20 survive!
Sure – there are sanitized multi-cinema megaplexes – the advent of the VCR, DVD and home threatre systems – and a plausible argument for more constructive use of 12 hectares of land (particularly if you’re a developer) – but hey – isn’t it time that those of us weary of rampant commercialism make a stand and look to save the last of this dying breed?
We will probably never again see the proliferation of outdoor theatres contributing to a large percentage of box-office revenue, but ‘re-invented’ they could well entertain a new breed of patron and survive a commercial and cinematic flat-line – it’s all part of the bigger picture you know!
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May 25th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
I miss the drive-in. I have so many great memories of fun nights out with the family…and being one of those fumbling teens
I think they should bring them back so a whole new generation could discover the delights. It’s nice being at home watching a DVD but it’s not the same as filling your car with junk food and heading for a night out where you can wear your pyjamas if you want. Maybe we’re just getting old and nostalgic *sigh*
May 25th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I remember as a little girl going to see Star Wars at the Drive In!
We have a functional Drive-In near where I live. Although it only seems to play the most obnoxiously awful movies, I still like to go every once in a while. It is just such a great experience!
May 25th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Cheryl
Good news is there is still one left in Sydney – believe it or not.
The Dr and his family make a regular pilgrimmage – and guess what – it’s still great!
But hurry – otherwise it will be just another faded memory.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Nat
The queues to get in. The line-up at the kiosk. Kids in their PJ’s. Speakers on windows and swings et al under the big screen. And as for some of the gosh awful movies – well that’s what makes it such a great night out.