American Drive-in Movie Theater (Motorbooks Classic) (Paperback)

by Don & Susan Sanders (Author) "The American automobile and the motion picture were born just 12 years apart..." (more)
Key Phrases: screen tower, neon artwork, theater lot, Los Angeles, Mark Bialek, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Tracing the history, geography, and ideology of the American drive-in movie theater, authors Don and Susan Sanders present a densely illustrated look at American culture at its most shallow, sensual, and delightful. Noting the need of the newly created class of motorized, moneyed teenagers of the 1940s and '50s to find a dark and private place for their pubescent pastimes, the Sanders place the origin of this outdoor entertainment form in the birth of popular culture. The sections on the amusement park-style rides, refreshments, and attractions that were used to lure the bored and their cash to this form of voyeurism are especially delightful (the "Mono-Rocket" ride and the new high-speed food dispensers provide intriguing images of capitalist inventiveness). In spite of its Pollyanna-ish tone, The American Drive-In Movie Theater works as both a celebration and an insightful analysis of this passing phase of pre-couch potato folly. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
The drive-in movie theater brought together two distinct American institutions: cars and movies. Since the earliest drive-ins of the 1930s, these entertainment complexes have been an integral part of American culture. Their appeal stretched to people from all corners of the country, offering a place for social gathering and various amusements. Take a ride down memory lane in this entertaining look at every aspect of the drive-in movie theater: the architecture, the marquees, the cars, the food, and much more. Black-and-white and color photos, along with period ads and other memorabilia, provide a highly illustrated tour from the origins of the drive-in, through its heyday in the 1950s, its decline, and its subsequent revival.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: MBI (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760317070
• ISBN-13: 978-0760317075
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #779,605 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best of all books about the drive-in., August 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The American Drive-In Movie Theatre (Hardcover)

As a former drive-in manager, I look for all books about this topic. The Sanders' book is the best I have seen. If you only want a single book about drive-ins, this is it. The historical survey is concise and well-written, and the photographs are dazzling. I especially appreciated the page devoted to the classic Winston Link drive-in/train photo from the Fifties. This will be a great gift/coffee table book for any of your friends who ever went to the drive-in. Other books about the drive-in culture have been rendered irrelevant by the Sanders' work. Congratulations to them.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Info, October 10, 2001

By	Mr Doug Gordon (Toronto, ON Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The American Drive-In Movie Theatre (Hardcover)

Being a huge fan of drive-ins, I really looked forward to reading this book. The only criticism I have is the sequence of the actual chapter text of the book, and the information inserts that the author has throughout. It is very "chopped" up. Reading the chapter, then turning the page to find there is information pertaining to something else on the next page. The chapter text starts a couple of pages later in some cases, breaking up the continuity. Other than this, it makes for a very interesting read for those who enjoy nostalgia and want to be transported back to a more simpler and fun time.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Loved It!, February 14, 2000

By	Heather Emily Melzig (Richmond) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The American Drive-In Movie Theatre (Hardcover)

This book made me love drive-ins even more! The photos tell a wonderful story, as does the lively text. It will make you remember a better time.