Drive-in Movie Memories

Drive-In Movie Memories (2001)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Informative documentary about the history of drive-ins in America and the type of films that would often play there. Everything you'd want to know about the drive-in is here and I must say that this was an incredibly entertaining film and when it was over it certainly made you want to hope in the car and find the closest one near you. We start off showing how a few outdoor theaters opened up in the 1910s and 20s and these were mainly due to indoor theaters being too hot in the summer. We then flash to 1932 when the first drive-in opened and we follow the history up to today when most have died out, although there's a comeback trying to happen. There are all sorts of great stuff told here including a device that would allow you to put an item in your car for an air conditioning system. This pipe would hang just like the speakers would but the only problem was that rats liked to eat the insides of the pipe so when people put them in the car and turned it on the air would throw the rats into their cars. We learn how the land was developed to house a drive-in, the various changes made over the years not only in terms of the technology but also the type of films. Back in the early days drive-ins would only get films after they had already been released for months. In the 1950s Hollywood would send major productions out but then things started to change when stuff from AIP and various "Beach" movies started to take over. There's discussion of stuff like THE ALLIGATOR PEOPLE, NOT OF THIS EARTH, I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN and ANGELS WILD WOMEN. Among those interviewed are Leonard Maltin, Joe Bob Briggs, Beverly Garland, Don and Susan Sanders, Sam Sherman, Ann Robinson and many others. If you're curious about the history of drive-ins then this here is a must see.

DRIVE-IN MOVIE MEMORIES by Don and Susan Sanders (the book AND the documentary) harks back to fonder days. I grew up haunting the local drive-in (before it succumbed to Home Video and became a weekend flea market), and it's impossible to sit through a documentary like DRIVE-IN MOVIE MEMORIES (or the even sadder DRIVE-IN BLUES) without breaking down and bawling like a baby. I went for the AMBIANCE: to sit and watch the summer sun set while 50s Rock and Roll wafted from the speakers (IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT by The Five Satins was a favorite) and kids played on the monkey bars or the merry-go-round up near the screen (where the parents could keep an eye on them). There would be trains that passed through at some point (some nights, more than once) and one would often see kids seated on the embankment between the surrounding fence and the railroad tracks, watching the movies for free (and no one bothered to run them off: they were quiet and respectful, like devotees paying homage to some ancient Vision). My favorites, of course, were the ALL-NIGHT HORRORTHONs!, which began at Dusk and ended at Dawn. It was, to coin a phrase, a FILMFAX world, where oldies like the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD played alongside (then) current Fright Films of varying quality. Watch movies like American HOT WAX or American GRAFFITI and you'll understand the kind of Longing documentaries like this one engender. I have an old black and white photo taped to my desk (a postcard, actually), and it's a photo we see in DRIVE-IN MOVIE MEMORIES: There's a single automobile waiting outside for the very first drive-in in this country to open. I look at that old photo and it takes me Back- not THAT far, for sure, but back to a Time when there still WERE drive-ins and on quiet Summer Nights as the sun set you could hear The Five Satins crooning IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT.

Drive-in, who went, since my father loved them (and so do I), I was able to enjoy this most American of entertainments. This is an excellent documentary that, in some places, brought a tear to my eye. The Drive-In was a fun place to go and I always enjoyed it. I can still remember nearly every movie I ever saw at the Drive-In and I wish those that are making a comeback last 100 years.

This is a Great History of the Drive-in Theatres. Some real good old footage is included along with some great pictures of Drive-Ins of the past. I've met Don & Susan Sanders. Some real nice people. Right at an Hour long. I take pictures of Drive-ins (and old Walk-Ins) so this interested me greatly!. I tip my hat to Don & Susan and to all that had a part in making this documentary!! Thanx! Randy Carlisle

From its inception in 1933, the drive-in theater was a huge hit. DRIVE-IN MOVIE MEMORIES tells the tale of the origin, evolution, and eventual demise of this truly American phenomenon.

An exhaustive, fascinating tour through the decades, including: The post WWII boom years, the rise of the teen market in the 1950's-60's, which gave birth to the sci-fi / horror / exploitation film explosion; and the decline into the drive-in porn of the 1970's.

The invention of the car door speaker system and various other contraptions for the patrons' comfort -air conditioner hoses, heaters, etc.- are explored.

Also, the crazy gimmicks, wild promotions, and stunts used to entice prospective moviegoers get their due.

This is a fun, informative, and nostalgic documentary for both the drive-in fan, and those unfortunate enough to have never experienced them...