Drive-in Theaters: A History from Their Inception in 1933 [Paperback]

Kerry Segrave (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786426306 | ISBN-13: 978-0786426300 | Publication Date: April 7, 2006 | Edition: 2nd

A primarily American institution (though it appeared in other countries such as Japan and Italy), the drive-in theater now sits on the verge of extinction. During its heyday, drive-ins could be found in communities both large and small. Some of the larger theaters held up to 3,000 cars and were often filled to capacity on weekends. The history of the drive-in from its beginnings in the 1930s through its heyday in the 1940s and 1950s to its gradual demise in modern-day America is thoroughly documented here: the patent battles, community concerns with morality (on-screen and off), technological advances (audio systems, screens, etc.), audiences, and the drive-in’s place in the motion picture industry.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Drive-in theaters, a uniquely American institution, prospered in the suburbs of the postwar 1950s, when the whole family could go to the movies in that newfound symbol of independence, the automobile. Subsequent decades saw the number of drive-ins decline, owing to the encroachment of home television and a number of other socioeconomic factors skillfully delineated in this well-researched study. The recollections of drive-in patrons as well as theater owners enrich the narrative, and there are valuable appendixes, including the text of the original patent for the drive-in theater, statistics covering the number of theaters (overall and by state) operating through the years, and revenues of indoor vs. outdoor theaters. Though this is an academic study, it is filled with the nostalgia of tinted windshields and free children's playgrounds. Highly recommended for serious film collections.
- Richard W. Grefrath, Univ. of Nevada Lib., Reno
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“A well-researched study...filled with nostalgia of tinted windshields. Highly recommended” --Library Journal

“[A] very thorough and straightforward history of the ‘ozoner’ industry...recommended” --Choice

“Everything I wanted to know about drive-in theaters” --Big Reel

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company; 2nd edition (April 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786426306
• ISBN-13: 978-0786426300
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,380,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, in-depth look at the history of drive-ins., April 4, 2005

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Drive-In Kid (Michigan) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Drive-In Theaters: A History from Their Inception in 1933 (Hardcover)

If you are looking for a book with basic info and lots of pictures then you are better off buying "The American Drive-In Movie Theater" or "Drive-in Movie Memories" by Don and Susan Sanders. If you are looking for a well-detailed research book, then this is really the only choice. The author discusses the inception of the drive-in concept, the growth years, the difficulties that drive-in owners faced, and the eventual decline, backing it up with good data along the way. There is much more to the story than people realize and it is all in here. For example, the initiative to create a "daytime screen" to extend the hours in which a drive-in could remain open is covered in great detail, the legal issues, the battles with the studios and the distributors and on and on. Highly recommended!