THEY began nearly 100 years ago in the United States, becoming an icon of the country's history. Now, as the world faces adjusting to a new-normal ahead, the drive-in movie seems set for a global renaissance.

 

It’s as American as the stars and stripes?

Drive-in movies became an integral part of the teenage experience in the US as they reached peak popularity from the 1940s to the 1960s.

 

Post war boom?

After the Second World War, couples were reunited and as well as a baby boom, car ownership rose, as did suburban populations. By the early 1950s, the number of drive-ins in the US reached over 4,000, up from 155 in 1947, and as well as being venues for couples dating, they became the recreation of choice for families at the weekend.

 

It began…

…in Camden, New Jersey, when movie fan, Richard Hollingshead, was inspired by his mother's complaints of discomfort sitting in cinema seats. He came up with the idea of an open-air movie screening, practicing with projection and sound techniques in his driveway. When he held the first one in 1933, airing British comedy, ‘Wives Beware’, it was an instant hit and its popularity spread.

 

Pop culture?

Its place in American cultural history is evidenced with an array of references across movies, literature and song, including John Travolta’s Danny in the classic, Grease, singing sorrowfully of being “Stranded at the drive-in”; The Beach Boys’ “Drive-in” and Nanci Griffiths’ “Drive in movies and dashboard lights”.

 

However?

Times change, of course. As home entertainment improved, with bigger and better TVs, satellite options and video rentals, and also the rise of the cinema multiplex, the 1970s marked the downward trend for drive-ins. 

 

Now?

Although its popularity around the world was never at the same peak as in the States, in recent years, it became a novelty trend for pop-up drive-ins to show movies around the UK, notably with showings of Christmas films. And with the pandemic gripping the world, it’s seen as an ideal way forward for the movie industry.

 

It’s already rocketing in popularity again Stateside?

They are back up and running and drawing in thousands of customers. The UDITOA (United drive-in Theatre Owners’ Association) confirmed there are over 300 drive-in theatres remaining across America and sales are spiking.

 

Social distancing drive-ins?

Service providers are tweaking the drive-in to enable customers to still use additional services such as buying food and drink, such as ordering from your mobile phone and having items delivered to your window.

 

Scotland?

This July, itison Drive In Movies, which has operated drive-ins across Scotland for the last seven years, is returning,, but this time they say they are ready to launch "Scotland's first socially-distanced drive-in”.

Measures to ensure social distancing will see tickets scanned through closed car windows, cars spaced 2m apart, snacks and treats delivered to vehicles and "socially-distanced queuing for toilets" with cleaning after each use.