Drive-in loudspeakers annoy neighbors

According to the Roanoke Times, the Starlite Drive-In of Christiansburg VA is running into problems with its neighbors. The problems started when it switched from in-car speakers and FM radios to a sound system at the concession stand.

By now, we know the problems with traditional drive-in movie audio. In-car speakers get snapped off when forgetful drivers leave. Radios can drain car batteries if the ignition key is set wrong. But with outdoor speakers, it’s hard to strike a balance that’s loud enough to hear but quiet enough to keep the neighbors happy.

It’s funny sometimes how technology can come full circle. When drive-ins first popped up in the 1930s, they used loudspeakers to play the sounds of each movie. Some used a single speaker; some scattered a few speakers on poles. There really weren’t any good alternatives until RCA invented individual car speakers, which weren’t deployed until after World War II. That technological advance was one of the sparks of the postwar drive-in theater boom.

Kerry Segrave wrote in his book Drive-In Theaters that loudspeakers were the greatest source of friction between early drive-ins and their neighbors. Several run-ins with the law are documented, including the 1935 arrest and conviction of a Los Angeles drive-in owner for violating a noise ordinance enacted with outdoor loudspeakers in mind.

The Times article didn’t mention whether Starlite owner Peggy Beasley and manager Brian Atkins were aware of that history, but they’re reliving part of it. Their neighbors complained, so Christiansburg Police Chief Mark Sisson dropped by to impose a volume level to line up with the town’s noise ordinance. That left the sound too low to hear some dialogue, Beasley said. “People who had been here couldn’t come back because they couldn’t hear the movie.” Business has been bad, so they’re asking the city to revisit the drive-in’s allowable volume.

No one asked me, but the obvious, tested solution is FM radio sound plus cheap rental radios. Till they figure that out, the Times has much, much more about the townspeople backing the Starlite and the neighbors who keep calling the police, so you should go read it!

Elm Road celebrates Wicked Weekend

Long-time readers of this blog know that I love to have the opportunity to embed some drive-in video. Today’s video is courtesy of WKBN, Youngstown’s News Leader, which recorded Elm Road Drive-In‘s annual Wicked Weekend celebration last weekend in Warren OH.

Sheri Hocevar, granddaughter of the guy who opened the Elm Road in 1950, now manages the place with her husband Mark. The theater has grown from one screen to three, but like all drive-ins, it’s dependent on good weather. An early end to winter got 2016 off to a good start, and they plan to continue the season until it gets too cold.

That’s about all there is to it, but I always enjoy spreading the word about an old drive-in that’s still doing well. And the video makes me feel like I’m there.

Another new Texas drive-in about to open

Drive-in view from inside a restaurant

Artist’s rendering from the Coyote web site

Is the Coyote model the future of drive-in theaters? After successful openings in Fort Worth TX and Leeds AL, another Coyote Drive-In is scheduled to open in Lewisville TX before the end of October. The Lewisville Texan Journal ran a story with plenty of the details.

The newest Coyote will open with five screens, and the Texan Journal says it’ll expand to six next year. It will include the Coyote signature touches of an indoor/outdoor restaurant and kids play area. The Lewisville drive-in has been under construction for months, and was originally scheduled to open in July.

Coyote Chief Operating Officer Steve Winn said the special reflective material on the screen will make the movies as easy to watch as indoors. “I think people will find it’s the brightest image they’ve seen on a drive-in ever,” he said.

In February, Lewisville granted over $300,000 in incentives to the Coyote in exchange for allowing the city to use it for special event parking and for hosting an annual city event. “We are thrilled (Coyote) chose Lewisville and think they have a lot to bring to our community,” city spokesman James Kunke said, “and we want to support their success.”

It’s great to see another city recognize the value of a good drive-in. The Lewisville Texan Journal has a lot more on the story, including a fine photo, so go read it!