Drive-In Reminiscing

I saw this picture going around Facebook - does anyone remember these?  Well, as a child of the 60’s and 70’s, I sure do!!  In fact, I’m lucky to live near a place where these are still being used – the Drive-In movie theater.  The antique looking speakers are still in position at one of the few drive-in theaters we have left in Minnesota.

 I have both past and present memories of going to the drive-in!!  I recall the drive-in in my hometown and my best memory, as a teen, was seeing the movie “Halloween.”  The movie is where Jamie Lee Curtis first came on to the scene as an actress.  “Halloween” was probably the first horror movie I remember seeing at the drive-in theater.  It was pretty creepy watching it in the outdoors, where possibly, Michael Myers was stalking our car.  Then that eerie music would play in my head and he’d jump in the car at any moment where I’d be his next victim.  It could happen…yeah, it REALLY could!!

Another hometown drive-in moment was going there for my high school “Senior Skip Day.”  The drive-in was the place to be and hang out.  Groups from our senior class would overrun that night with shenanigans and, of course, the classic attempt had to be done – a couple of us hid in the trunk to get in without paying.  Don’t remember if I volunteered for that or if I was nominated!  I’m sure I volunteered. Ha!  However, I have no idea what movie was playing that night.  Yes, I did eventually get out of the trunk!!!!

Now, fast forward, to the fairly present when Mister O and I started bringing our kids to the drive-in.  It’s a great nostalgic family night out!  We’d pack up the hamburgers and hot dogs then grill from the tailgate before the movie started.  We’d load up on snacks and bring out the blankets and pillows to pile in the back of our pick-up where the kids would snuggle in for a three movie extravaganza.   We’d make bets on who would fall asleep first.  It was usually me or, occasionally, Mister O would reach dreamville before me.  Though, I don’t think any of us have ever made it to the beginning of the third movie.  My daughter, who is now a young adult, goes to the drive-in with her friends to make her own fun memories.  I think that’s pretty cool.

Hopefully, you have wonderful memories of the drive-in and you’re lucky enough to make some new ones before the drive-in experience disappears.   Feeling reflective? Here are some memorable movies that have well-known drive-in scenes, Grease and Twister.  Oh and don’t forget the opening to the Flinstones TV show.

Along with your popcorn and, why not more than just “a square of chocolate,” watch my favorite drive-in scene from Grease.

Put your smile on,

Laurie O

Feel free to share a square!