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Jul 10, 2007 11:42 pm US/Central
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Nostalgic Trip To The Fading Drive-In Theater
by Bill Hudson
Lake Elmo, Minn. (WCCO) ―
The idea was hatched in 1928 with an old projector mounted to the hood of a car. The drive-in theatre was soon born.
On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in theatre opened in Camden, N.J. It rolled the black and white comedy "Wife Beware."
In the decades since their heyday outdoor theatres are quickly fading into oblivion but there is at least on Twin Cities' theater still entertaining audiences from the comfort of the vehicles.
Since reaching their popularity in the early 60's, drive-ins like "Vali-Hi" are among the last. The Highley family comes to the Lake Elmo screen religiously.
"It was really great family night because the kids could get in free. They could watch the kid feature in the beginning and then the pop in the back seat. Let them go to sleep and we could watch whatever happened next," said outdoor movie fan Stephanie Highley.
The drive-in culture is largely the same: Grilling burgers, playing catch and trips to the concession stand all under the glow of the silver screen.
There have been a few 21st Century adjustments.
"The cars have changed from cool cars to SUVs and mini vans," said Vali-Hi manager John Murr.
"We have a drive-in list on the computer," said outdoor movie fan Ken Highley.
Sadly, the list of movies keeps shrinking. Drive-ins have been driven out of business by the public's changing entertainment and technological tastes.
"I'm having a good time. I'll remember this for awhile. I hope they don't shut it down anytime soon," said Josh Highley.
On a typical weekend, 500 to 600 cars jam in front of Vali-Hi's big screen. Right now it's showing some of the newest releases like "Transformers."
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)