Drive-in movie theaters were considered a brilliant new idea back in the '50s. They had a magnetic allure, much like the smartphones of today; everybody had to experience them! The concept was introduced in the '30s, and spread like wildfire. Drive-in theaters reached peak popularity when the '50s came. It was the quintessential romantic date idea: a lovely summer night, snuggled up in the privacy of your car, watching a movie with your loved one. It became such an integral part of society in the '50s that it’s often the first image that pops up when talking about the decade.
When the 1950s came, there were already 5,000 drive-ins across the US alone. With WWII finally in the past, the parents of the baby-boomer generation were enjoying the social comforts brought on by peace. After years of chaos, people were thrilled to see the emergence of new technology geared towards entertainment. It’s no wonder drive-in theaters hit such a high during the decade. The best drive-in places had snack bars that offered hamburgers, drinks, pizzas, and young ladies wearing roller skates to serve your orders. Customers didn’t even have to leave their cars to get snacks. Each space had a microphone into which you could place your order.
The revolutionary concept started on June 6, 1933, and was invented by Richard Hollingshead. He named it the “Automobile Movie Theater,” but the rather clunky title soon evolved into the catchier “Drive-In Theater.” One of the first movies shown was Wives Beware, which was released in 1932. Tickets were priced at 25 cents for every car and an additional 25 cents per person. At the time, the drive-In price was a little bit higher compared to regular cinema prices.
Drive-in theaters came with a host of benefits: people could smoke without worrying about any violations; kids could sleep in the back seat so parents could save baby-sitter money; you could eat privately inside the car; and there would be more space for heavier individuals. Speakers were brought in to cater for the arrival of audio in movies, and that's when things really took off for drive-in theaters. Despite the immense surge in popularity, however, the drive-in was destined to meet its fateful demise by the end of the era.
Another thing that made drive-in theatres such a hit in their heyday was the fact that they catered to all demographics. A drive-in was the perfect place for families to spend quality time together, yet it was also ideal for rebellious teenagers and couples on dates. Drive-in theatres offered an escape from the 1950s “puritan” rules.The magic these places created for the people who lived in the '50s could never be replicated by any modern technology
Indeed, the '50s wouldn't have been quite as magical as it was if it weren't for drive-in theatres. Could a drive-in resurgence happen in this day and age? And, if so, would it be as magical as it once was?