The Bigger Picture - Drive-Ins - An Endangered Species
June 22nd 2007 18:31
“Branded a Fool . . .
“What will they say . . .
“Monday at School . . . “
Ahhhhh – the heartfelt tome of one John Travolta – who, as part of the Grease phenomenon, serenaded his beloved Sandy in a scene which featured one of the most recognizable icons of the twentieth century – the Drive-In Theatre – which now – sadly, is virtually extinct.
For those of us old enough to remember – the Drive-In was full of nostalgia and childhood memories.
Pyjama clad kids packed in the back of the car – mum and dad in the front trying to quell the excitement of a ‘big night’ out as the squeals of four, five and six year-olds reverberated around the cabin of the old EH.
Queuing for sometimes up to an hour as hundreds of other like-minded pilgrims made their way to the local movie mecca – some having to be turned away as the ‘field of dreams’ strained to house the masses.
The hooking up single cone blue and white metal speakers, the obligatory blasts of horns, flashes of headlights on the screen and of course parked somewhere down the back – the tell tale sign of fervently enthusiastic but sexually bumbling teens – complete with fogged windows.
Yes – the Drive-In was a doyen of discovery – where you could eat, drink and be merry in the comfort of your pride and joy – alas - those days are coming close to being folklore.
As recently as 25 years ago – there were over 300 Drive-Ins in Australia – today only 20 survive!
Sure – there are sanitized multi-cinema megaplexes – the advent of the VCR, DVD and home threatre systems – and a plausible argument for more constructive use of 12 hectares of land (particularly if you’re a developer) – but hey – isn’t it time that those of us weary of rampant commercialism make a stand and look to save the last of this dying breed?
We will probably never again see the proliferation of outdoor theatres contributing to a large percentage of box-office revenue, but ‘re-invented’ they could well entertain a new breed of patron and survive a commercial and cinematic flat-line – it’s all part of the bigger picture you know!
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I grew up on the tail end of the drive-in buzz, got to see Battlestar Galactica, The Thing and a few others..totally alters the viewing experience, to a more social and physical reality.
Could be a real cool thing to bring back.
great post.