Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: First Drive-in Show

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Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 06-26-2005, 12:29 AM:

Well, I went to the drive-in for the first time. It was...an experience. [Smile]

I'm sure it didn't help that I went on a friday night and they were packed! We didn't get to see the movie we wanted because they were sold out so we went to see Herbie instead (which was pretty cute!).

It's just not what I'm used to between the random headlights on the screen and break lights going on and off in front of us, it was driving me crazy! About 1/2 way through the movie some break lights went on in front of us, I said something to the staff but nothing was done. It just isn't "me" to go up to the people in the car and say something.

I guess its just not for me... we are going to give it another try though, we're planning on going this Tuesday night to try again figuring it won't be as busy. Considering I'm GM of my theater paying $17 a car load (just the two of us) seems like and awful lot (although if you have kids, its really a good deal). But, as anyone that works in a theater knows, going to your theater on a date just isn't really a date, especially if you're the GM! [Smile]

I'll let you know if my opinion changes.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-26-2005, 02:19 AM:

quote: Rachel Gilardi
paying $17 a car load (just the two of us) seems like and awful lot

Sounds like you went to the Mendon. Anyway, congratulations on your first time. I didn't realize you were a "virgin." [Wink]

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-26-2005, 02:31 AM:

...and this is where I started in this crazy business back in 1969. Spent a total of 8 years working at 3 "ozoners."

Now, I'm having those fun times again. For once in a while, I do a shift at a local drive-in. For I do booth (playing with an SA, FM sound, Balco platter, XENEX lamphouse with a 3k bulb) and flipping burgers.

Otherwise, doing service calls there.

..still having lots of fun.

Drive-in atmosphere is completely different than working in a hardtop theatre.

-Monte

Posted by Barry Floyd (Member # 385) on 06-26-2005, 02:35 AM:

If your ever near Nashville, Tennessee, come give us a try. We sold out both Friday and Saturday night for Herbie & longest Yard, but our week nights are pretty slim... 40-60 cars at most.

Congratulations on going to your first drive-in... hopefully it won't be your last.

Monte said it best. At my theatre, I'm the owner, the janitor, the projectionist, the burger flipper, the deep fryer guy, the parking lot attendant, the lawn mower guy, etc...

Your right Rachel... going to your own theatre on a date is NOT a date. My wife and I don't even go to any theatre on a date. She critiques the concessions, and I critique the projection.

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 06-26-2005, 11:57 AM:

When I worked at the Skyline Drive-in, I would make announcements before the show (several times!) and during intermission to the effect of "during the movie please keep foot off the brake pedal as the brake lights create a distraction to the other people behind you".

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-26-2005, 01:12 PM:

$17 a car! [Eek!]

I remember when the drive-in here used to have "dollar a car night."

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-26-2005, 01:44 PM:

Check some different drive-ins Rachel. The experience can vary widely! The best one I have ever been to is the Town and Country in Abilene, TX. Ray Andress (the owner) has got the brightest images I have ever seen at a drive-in and dts sound mixed down into his FM broadcasts. I think he also has the largest screen in Texas. The Abilene clientel seems to be pretty respectful of others trying to watch the movie as well.

Sadly, most drive-ins have muddy audio and godawful picture brightness, not to mention patron courtesy towards other patrons. [Frown]

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-26-2005, 08:05 PM:

This little drive-in that I service and did the shift at (only a 300 car drive-in, and it could use a 4k bulb instead of the 3k that is in there, but the rectifier can't handle the higher wattage ...), there is pretty good courtesy involving keeping brake and headlights off, even during with the late entries, but you do find the occasional one that must be pointed out by the yardboy to get the foot off the pedal.

This place charges six bucks per person and 12 and under free...

This last weekend, they averaged 250 cars each night-it's good to see that drive-ins are far from being dead.

-Monte

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 06-26-2005, 09:55 PM:

quote: Tim Reed
Sounds like you went to the Mendon. Anyway, congratulations on your first time. I didn't realize you were a "virgin."

Nope Tim, guess again, you know where I live! [Smile]

Oh yeah, I should mention that $17 was for a double feature, we just only stayed for the first show. I wasn't in the mood to watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith again.

Actually the reason I went to the drive-in was because my DM was the old manager there. I wanted to check it out. [Smile]

There aren't many drive-ins around this area which is why I had never gone. I think I'm going to be taking a ride out to Wisconsin the end of July, maybe I'll try to find some around there, I know there are a couple...

The picture on the screen actually looked suprisingly good, it was just distracting because the screen we were watching was right in front of a highway so you saw headlights moving on either side of the screen, plus the ransom headlights on the screen from the other patrons. The other 2 screens probably wouldn't be as bad because they weren't in front of a street to my knowledge.

I'm planning on trying again either tomorrow (Monday) or Tuesday night figuring they won't be as busy...and they're my nights off! Maybe it will be like a hardtop theater, I don't like going to them Friday or Saturday nights either!!! Seeing either Batman or The Longest Yard...don't pick on me, I haven't even seen Star Wars yet!!!

I have to say though, I HATE popcorn but for some reason whenever I go to a new theater I have to try theirs to see if its better then mine. This drive-in had the best popcorn and topping that I have ever had. While I wasn't impressed with the self-serve setup it was yummy...

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 06-26-2005, 10:28 PM:

Yup, it is not uncmomon for the independent theaters, drive-ins and small chains have superior quality concession items than the big boys. It's more hands-on. [Smile]

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 06-26-2005, 10:38 PM:

I wouldn't call us independent...but we're no Loews, Showcase, or AMC. [Smile]

Put it this way, the chain I work for - anyone on the north eastern coast that is involved with theaters, they probably use us... [Smile]

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 06-26-2005, 10:38 PM:

$17 a car load. Dang. When I was a little kid our family watched "Jaws" at the Crest Drive-In in Yuma, AZ at a rate of $2 per carload. And that price was good for the whole night. They usually played at least two features there per night.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 06-27-2005, 12:45 AM:

Car load night on a Friday? Are you sure it wasn't just $8.50 a person (which is actually what we charge in CDN funds in Niagara Falls for a double feature, $9 for a triple)?

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 06-27-2005, 01:45 AM:

It said $17 per car.

Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 06-27-2005, 02:50 PM:

..sounds like they want the place to encourage families to come out on a flat rate then, in which that was the main purpose for drive-ins: to get the family out for an evening-and it works very well.

True, it kinda sucks for just two people to come out with that price, but with a carload of people, these people will hit the snakbar and spend a killing there as well - where the profits are very high to keep the drive-in in operation.

One has to remember that with drive-ins, it's like going to a restaurant with all of the delicious goodies out there outside of your mainstream snakbar items of popcorn, candy and drinks.

And this has been going on for years - like when I did that shift out at that one drive-in that I mentioned: I must have flipped 3 dozen hamburgers and 4 dozen hotdogs and at 3 to 5 bucks apiece with the hamburgers and a buck and a half with the hotdog (chorizos were three bucks), I knew that there is a killing in the concession drawers-plus with all the other junk that people bought out there.

-Monte

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 06-27-2005, 06:24 PM:

Wow, I've never heard of car load nights on a non-traditional per-capita night. I guess at $17 the studios figure they'd get just as much anyway (which is about right).

People wonder why I get annoyed by customers that complain about $7 and $15 CDN ($5.60 and $12 US) carload nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 06-30-2005, 09:21 AM:

quote:
Nope Tim, guess again, you know where I live!

(slaps forehead) Doh! The Rustic! I should've known that. [Smile]

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 06-30-2005, 10:53 AM:

Much better! [Razz]

Now, where is this "other" drive-in you speak of...?

Posted by Paul Goulet (Member # 297) on 06-30-2005, 01:33 PM:

Rachel,

http://www.mendondrivein.com/
"The MendonTwin Drive-in was built in 1953 and opened on June 14, 1954. The drive-in has been in operation for 46 years. The current owners, Susan Swanson and Kathy Gorman have operated the drive-in since 1987. Sue and Kathy added a second screen in 1998, increasing the total capacity of the drive-in to 800 cars. Our projection booth is equipped with the latest in sound and picture technology, ensuring our customers the most pleasant movie experience. The sound is broadcasted over AM/FM stereo, either from your car radio or any portable stereo you wish to bring. The drive-in field is covered with grass, so feel free to bring Frisbees, balls, etc."

Directions from Tri-Boro Cinemas:

- Take Route 146 North to the Route 16 East (Uxbridge/Douglas) Exit.
- Follow Route 16 traveling East into Mendon.
- Drive-in will be on the right.

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 06-30-2005, 04:56 PM:

Wow Paul, you're still around!!! It's been quite a while since I've seen you here. [Smile]

Thanks for the directions, maybe I'll try them out next. [Smile]

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 06-30-2005, 07:31 PM:

How in the world is a drive-in being allowed to "stack" War of the Worlds and Herbie Fully Loaded with other movies during their opening week? Or is this a special thing that can only be done by drive-ins? If we ever tried to stack a movie during opening week we'd have our nuts cut off, along with our service.

[Confused]

Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 06-30-2005, 08:30 PM:

Drive-ins can do pretty much what they want.

Posted by Paul Goulet (Member # 297) on 07-06-2005, 10:52 AM:

Wow Paul, you're still around!!! It's been quite a while since I've seen you here

Hi Rachel, I still stop in to rant and rave occasionally!

Also, When you are going to Rustic or Mendon Drive-In and you are driving on Route 295 North or South and you are going by mile marker 23, BEEP your horn because I'll probably be sitting in my Yard by the pool!!

And I meant to tell you before, Route 122 south (which is off of Route 295) has a Bird store with all Birds and supplies if you are looking for a place to get food and stuff. It is about a mile or two south of the highway

Paul