When David and I dated in the 70s, our friend Caroline took us to the drive in movies so we could be “alone” in the back seat. We weren’t really alone, because Caroline was in the front seat, but she watched the movie, and we might have watched a little of the movie. Neither one of us drove yet. David was 15, and I was 16 and hadn’t gotten the confidence to get my license yet.
At the Drive In, (why do I capitalize that?) you pulled up to a pole with the metal speaker attached, then you put the speaker in the window and rolled the window up (with a handle) to hold the speaker in place. I saw a lot of movies at the Drive In. It was cheaper than going to the regular indoor movie. Maybe it was hot and buggy in the summer, but I don’t remember that. Sometimes we’d sit on the hood of the car, and sometimes we play on the playground in front of the big screen after the little kids went to bed in their parents’ cars. But it seems like there weren’t a lot family movies at the Drive In by the time I was a teenager. Things could get pretty wild at the Drive In once I was in my twenties. There was a lot of running back and forth between cars.
By the time I was in my late teens, I worked for a movie theatre chain so got in free. By that time David had moved back to Connecticut. Things were very different, less innocent. Not going to go into detail about that. Where’s that thing I saw on FB….
It would probably be best to stop there as far as my personal adventures at the Drive In Movies. Oooh, but once they had an all night marathon of all the old Planet of the Apes movies. That was cool. it was probably one of the last times I went to the Drive In. I’ve heard they have been revived during the pandemic. It’s a good idea to have options and be able to take kids who could play and fall asleep in the back seat and maybe mom and dad would make out in the front seat. I wonder if my parents did that. Probably not so much since I was a night owl.
I remember going to see The Bird Man of Alcatraz at a Drive In as a kid with my parents in the front seat. It was a memorable movie. That must’ve been at a drive in on a military base in the 60s. Come to think of it, my older sister met her husband at a drive in. He was in the Marine Corps and worked at night as a projectionist at the base drive in movies. But that’s another story.
The Bird Man of Alcatraz was based on the true story of Robert Stroud (played by Burt Lancaster), a prisoner who befriended and studied birds to the point that he became and expert. I hope you can hear all of the video. Some audio has been stopping in the middle.
~~~
Today’s prompt was: βdrive.β Use it any way youβd like. Have fun!
For move SoCS posts and rules, visit out wonderful host, Linda Hill at:
The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 12, 2021 | (lindaghill.com)
June 12, 2021 at 10:31 am
Thank you for sharing!!… there is always proof because of the memories, do not need the internet or Google… your thoughts bring back some memories of my own and the words to a song… π
Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
(Mary Hopkin)
Until we meet again…
May you always be blessed
with walls for the wind,
a roof for the rain,
a warm cup of tea by the fire,
laughter to cheer you,
those you love near you,
and all that your heart might desire.
(Irish Saying)
June 12, 2021 at 2:57 pm
I remember that song. Those were the days, my friend…. π Then there’s the Carly Simon song, “Anticipation,” which ends with “These are the good ol’ days.” May all of our days be special. https://youtu.be/4NwP3wes4M8
June 12, 2021 at 10:42 am
I can’t wait until the cinema opens up again. I loved it. I’ve never been to a drive in cinema though. No such thing where I come from… back in the 80’s anyway. Not sure about these days. Sounds like fun!
June 12, 2021 at 3:14 pm
It was easier to be distracted at the drive in, but still fun and comfortable in the privacy of one’s own car. I’m looking forward to going into the dark theatre with no distractions from the story on the big screen. I think some are open here in the US, but I’m waiting for something special. Thanks for stopping by, Gloria!
June 12, 2021 at 11:31 am
JoAnna, a very engaging and nostalgic post. Sure brings back a lot of memories! π
We used to take our kids to a drive-in movie in Sunrise Florida that had seven screens, one of them gigantic! The same place had a huge flea market and a circus where we once rode an elephant.
Have a great weekend! π π π
June 12, 2021 at 3:19 pm
I’m glad you found my post engaging. Wow ! 7 screens and a circus! There’s a flea market at the drive in where I live now. I hope you have a great weekend, too! π
June 12, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Of all the things I’ve done in my life, I’ve never been to a drive-in. I feel deprived….
June 12, 2021 at 3:51 pm
Oh no! Maybe you’ll still get to go one night. Anything is possible. During the height of the pandemic, they set up an outdoor screen near a large parking lot in downtown Wilmington. They’ve also shown outdoor movies on the fantail of the Battleship NC which is permanently docked here, though I’ve never gone to these. One drawback to drive ins is that one can be easily distracted from the movie. It’s easier to be engaged in a movie on the TV screen in a dark living room or in a movie theatre.
June 12, 2021 at 1:19 pm
A nostalgic post, JoAnna. In the sixties and seventies, we didn’t have a car to go to the one drive-in cinema, located outside the city limits. I used to go with the family who lived next door.
June 12, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Those sound like good memories, Rosaliene – going with neighbors.
June 13, 2021 at 1:48 pm
They are good memories, indeed!
June 12, 2021 at 1:34 pm
I remember the Bird Man of Alcatraz. Good movie. They’ve started reviving Drive Inns in my neck of the woods too. We nearly went last night but it was fully booked.
June 12, 2021 at 4:12 pm
I’ll remember to book early if they get a drive in going here. Thanks for sharing your memories of the Bird Man! I remember asking my parents a lot of questions during the movie.
June 12, 2021 at 1:58 pm
I used to go to the drive-in too, JoAnna, and it was the same as your experience. The sound was usually pretty poor but it was so much fun.
June 12, 2021 at 5:44 pm
I’m glad you could relate! Now that you mention the sound, I remember driving around to find a good speaker if we got there early enough. Even then we might have to jiggle the wire or knob.
June 12, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Drive-in movies and drive-in restaurants were a big part of the teen dating scene in the late 60s. I think I liked the drive-in restaurants better.
June 12, 2021 at 11:59 pm
Yeah. I didn’t do anything embarrassing at drive-in restaurants. At least nothing I remember.
June 12, 2021 at 8:00 pm
I do remember Drive In movies., and drive-in burger joints. Thanks for the memory job, JoAnna.
June 13, 2021 at 12:17 am
You’re welcome, Dan. My mom loved the drive in burger joints, especially their mustard. We still have a Sonic drive in here.
June 13, 2021 at 6:37 am
We had Eatβn Park. The restaurant chain is still active, sans drive in service, but my daughter and I always stop there when we go to Pittsburgh.
June 14, 2021 at 10:37 pm
I love those travel stop traditions.
June 13, 2021 at 12:39 am
I remember only a few times going to the Drive In and don’t remember at all what movies I saw, for I likely fell asleep by the time the opening credits were finished! I have also never seen the Birdman of Alcatraz, but this clip made me want to watch the whole thing, so I shall add it to my tbw list! Thanks, JoAnna!
June 14, 2021 at 12:37 pm
I only remembered bits and pieces of Birdman, so I went back and watched some clips that made me want to watch it again. Interesting man with specific genius traits. Seems there were some moving statements about prison, power, and freedom.
June 13, 2021 at 7:01 am
You saw a good film at the Drive In. I’ve never been, although we do currently have one in the New Forest
June 14, 2021 at 10:41 pm
I was thinking that maybe you’ll go to the drive in at New Forest some day. But then, I don’t like to drive much after dark anymore unless I have to.
June 15, 2021 at 12:19 am
Good thinking
June 13, 2021 at 8:32 pm
Lately I know I am βoldβ when I see such memes. I still wish I lived during an earlier time when it was safer to βhave fun.β Naturally, I do and will worry about the future for my daughter. I have very few drive-in memories. It was nice to read yours. But I have to find (and make) more hope.
June 14, 2021 at 10:47 pm
I still worry about my grown up children and have been trying to transform this to gratitude and hope – giving my good imaginings equal time. I’m sending you hugs and wishes for an abundance of comforting hope.
June 14, 2021 at 4:54 am
We had the drive-in in Zimbabwe and ohh, such happy memories. Thank you, JoAnna for sparking them. β€
June 14, 2021 at 10:54 pm
My pleasure, Jane! I’m very happy to spark happy memories! β€
June 14, 2021 at 3:01 pm
I loved the drive-in. I have blogged about the fond memories. Glad to know others enjoyed it too.
June 14, 2021 at 11:13 pm
Drive-ins were special places – entertainment, freedom, privacy if you wanted it… Lots of possibilities, and fond memories that stay with us. Thanks for enjoying the memories with me!
June 15, 2021 at 3:20 am
A pleasure