06-10-2024 - on This Moment in Film History

Film History - Daily

10-06-2024 • 2 Min.

On June 10th, 1933, the first drive-in theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, marking a significant milestone in the history of cinema. The idea for the drive-in theater was conceived by Richard Hollingshead, a young entrepreneur who wanted to create a comfortable and convenient way for people to watch movies from their cars.

Hollingshead began experimenting with the concept in his driveway, mounting a projector on the hood of his car and using a screen nailed to trees in his backyard. He tested various configurations to ensure that all cars had an unobstructed view of the screen and that the sound was audible.

After perfecting his design, Hollingshead obtained a patent for his invention and opened the first drive-in theater, called Park-In Theaters, on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden. The theater had a 40x50 foot screen and could accommodate up to 400 cars. Admission was 25 cents per car and an additional 25 cents per person.

The opening night featured the British comedy film "Wives Beware," and the theater quickly gained popularity among moviegoers who enjoyed the privacy and convenience of watching films from their own vehicles. The drive-in theater became a cultural icon, particularly in the United States, and reached its peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.

Drive-in theaters not only provided entertainment but also served as a social gathering place for families and friends. Many drive-ins featured playgrounds, concession stands, and other amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Although the popularity of drive-in theaters has declined since the advent of home video and multiplex cinemas, they still hold a nostalgic appeal and have experienced a resurgence in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing measures made them a safer alternative to indoor theaters.

The opening of the first drive-in theater on June 10th, 1933, marked the beginning of a new era in cinema history, one that would create lasting memories for generations of moviegoers and leave an indelible mark on American popular culture.