Cinema Under the Stars: America's Love Affair with Drive-In Movie Theaters

by Elizabeth McKeon, Linda Everett, Liz McKeon

When Richard M. Hollingshead Jr. first projected a movie onto a white bedsheet stretched between two trees at his home in Camden, New Jersey, in 1933, little did he know that he was on the verge of creating an entirely new entertainment industry. With America just beginning its romance with the automobile, it's no surprise that the general public found this new form of moviegoing irresistible. Fun and affordable, the drive-in quickly gained popularity among families with young children. And, of course, the local drive-in was a favorite weekend hangout for teenagers: a place where they could go just to meet friends or take a sweetheart for a romantic evening of movies under the stars. Although drive-ins are no longer as popular as they once were, in many communities a devoted following still seeks out the open-air theaters at twilight. Cinema Under the Stars"" is a reminder of those wonderful times, as well as a recounting of the history of the drive-in experience. Here is the story, and here are the memories: B movies, concession stands loaded with goodies, screen towers, ticket booths, scratchy speakers, speaker poles, and intermission. It is all here - a nostalgic look at one of America's all-time favorite pastimes.""

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Nicole]

A nice, broad overview of the history and cultural impact of one of my favourite things, drive-in movie theatres. The best thing here is the vast amount of photographs and memorabilia and old promotional films featured that really give a feel for the phenomenon.

[Wade]

Memories came flooding back as I read this book. By the early to mid 70’s when I was attending with my girl, now my wife, theaters were getting run down and the movies were awful but it was still a great time that I miss very much. This book reminds me of a time in my life that I do not want to forget.

[Real 5-Point Likert Scale Reviews]

A brief summary of drive-ins. It could have used better editing. Some things were repeated more than once. Not much depth on the subject.