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!
I've never been to a drive-in. I think there is one near us, but I've not been able to get the movie schedule in sync with our family schedule. It's honestly on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteRabia, it's a fun family night and the kids love it! Good luck on your bucket list :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE GREASE!! We don't have a drive-in in NZ (well, we don't in my city) - I would love to go to one though, especially after seeing them in movies like Grease. We do have Movie in the Park nights once or twice a year, so i might drag my family out for a Fun Night At the Movies the next time they are in town :)
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many times I've seen Grease! Never get sick of it. Movie in the park sounds like a great time!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the suburbs of Niagara Falls, NY in the 70s and at the end of the road that my family and I lived on there was a drive-in movie theater. As a kid, I can remember going to drive-in movies with my parents quite often on warm summer evenings. My mom would pack snacks and drinks. We'd all pile in the car and go (all 5 of us). I loved those nights! As a teenager.... well, just like you said above - the drive-in was definitely the place to be. Great memories. :)
ReplyDeleteMarcia, sounds like you had some great times! We make sure we go at least once or twice every summer :)
ReplyDelete