Drive-in Theaters
A History from Their Inception in 1933
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Book Presentation:
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.
About the Author:
Cultural historian Kerry Segrave is the author of dozens of books on such diverse topics as drive-in theaters, lie detectors, jukeboxes, smoking, shoplifting and ticket-scalping. He lives in British Columbia.
Press Reviews:
A Library Journal Starred 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; "a rich trip down memory lane. Segrave tells this riveting story in a very enjoyable style…a fascinating look at the figures in building and operation"—Old Cars Weekly.
> From the same author:
Actors Organize (2007)
A History of Union Formation Efforts in America, 1880–1919
Subject: Jobs and Trainings
> On a related topic:
Flickering Treasures (2017)
Rediscovering Baltimore's Forgotten Movie Theaters
by Amy Davis
Subject: Economics
When Movies Were Theater (2016)
Architecture, Exhibition, and the Evolution of American Film
by William Paul
Subject: Economics
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