Author Archives: mrdrivein

More video about the tough times in Twin Falls

Posted on by


I know we just talked about the fate of the drive-ins of Twin Falls a few days ago, but you know I’m a sucker for any video with lots of drive-in photos. When I saw that KMVT, Idaho’s First News, prepared a fresh report yesterday, I just had to share it with you.

This video doesn’t cover much new ground, but we get to see a lot of great shots of the Motor Vu and the Grand Vu, along with the face behind the voice of their owner or manager or something, Larry Roper. I don’t know why its player has that “closing” word stuck by itself, but I’m happy to be able to embed it here. Warning: this video is not safe for anyone easily frightened by really large double chins. C’mon, Larry, please get help. We want you to stay with us running those drive-ins till you’re old and gray, okay?

Big Mo is “squirreling away” for conversion

Posted on by

Big Mo marqueeThe Aiken (SC) Standard ran a nice story this weekend about The Big Mo Drive-In in Monetta. Richard and Lisa Boaz, co-owners of The Big Mo are taking a standard, optimistic approach to the movie industry’s transition to digital projection – they’re hanging on to their film projectors for a long as they can while they’re “squirreling away” money to pay for the necessary new equipment.

The Big Mo has been open since 1951, and the current owners bought the place in 1999. Richard has a day job, yet he still finds the time to knit the film from each movie’s reels onto one huge reel, then take them back apart to return them. According to the Standard, the movie trailers come separately, and Richard often keeps them. “Maybe (I’ll) throw up a trailer festival,” he said. That sounds like fun!

So go check out the story with its small gallery of nice photos. Then visit The Big Mo’s Facebook page, where there’s a lot more information, history, and photos, including the photo I grabbed for this note.

Skyline Theater also turns to Kickstarter

Posted on by

Skyline theater screenThe Skyline Drive-In Theater (aha! someone else who spells it -ter) in Shelton WA is the latest drive-in to turn to Kickstarter to raise funds for its conversion to digital projection. As that page describes it:

“Small theaters all over the country are left to fight over the few 35mm prints that are currently being made.The drive-in theater, seen by many as little more than a fossil of movie-going history, is last in line for new movies.The only way to change that is to convert to digital projectors.”

As of this writing, the Skyline has raised less than $9,000 of its $40,000 goal, with a deadline of May 12. If they get enough cash, they also say that they’ll restore its neon sign to its “original 1964 glory”. If you’ve ever been to the Skyline, this would be a good time to show your support.

Update: The Olympian of Olympia WA ran a story about the Skyline’s Kickstarter project. It includes a little more information and a pair of nice photos. Check it out!