Author Archives: mrdrivein

Northfield announces its plans tomorrow

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Northfield Drive-In TheaterThe Recorder of Greenfield MA ran an article and an editorial this week about the Northfield Drive-In, just barely across the border from Northfield MA in Hinsdale NH. This Saturday, on the Northfield’s 65th birthday, owner Mitchell Shakour plans to announce whether he’ll invest in digital projection equipment and all of the updates it wil require. For the drive-in, it could be a matter of life and death.

Shakour, who has run the theater with his wife since 1978, told The Recorder that he didn’t know what his decision would be. “Were looking at it seriously,” Shakour said. He has visited similar, eponymous drive-ins in Mendon MA and Milford NH, and he planned to visit the Hollywood Drive-in near Troy NY on Thursday. “The trip to Troy should be the final straw,” he said.

Meanwhile, kudos to The Recorder for stepping up with an editorial in favor of the Northfield’s survival. Shakour had said that we was uncomfortable accepting donations, but The Recorder suggested a Kickstarter campaign. It also suggested that patrons could visit the Northfield’s Facebook page to let the owners know how they feel about the drive-in. The editorial concluded, “Let them know that they want the Northfield Drive-In to be back for many summers to come, and would be willing to kick-start that effort.”

For much more on the history of the Northfield, and to learn which way Shakour said he’s leaning, go read it!

Blue Starlite concept about to spead

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A few months ago, I had to admit that I wasn’t sure whether the Blue Starlite in Austin TX is a real drive-in. I’m still sure that “drive-in nights” in the park with temporary screens and no cars definitely aren’t drive-ins. The Blue Starlite’s screen still looks pretty temporary, but they play movies every week in season and folks really drive in to watch them, so I guess I’ll have to say that it qualifies.

Which is important, because now there’s a report that the Blue Starlite’s founder, Josh Frank, has moved to Miami and plans to start another “mini urban drive-in” there. The Miami New Times has the story of what Frank did in Austin and what he hopes to do in Miami. I hadn’t realized that he bought real drive-in speakers and restored them to use at the Blue Starlite. Cool!

This is a very intimate experience,” Frank explained to the New Times. “Having a drive-in that catered to so few people, where each car feels like it’s their night, that was a big lightbulb.”

There’s no opening date yet, but Frank said he wanted it ready by October. He’s hoping for a location in the Wynwood Art District, but hasn’t zeroed in on any one in particular. For more details if and when they arrive, check out the Blue Starlite Miami web site. For much more story about Frank’s reasons for spreading his vision to Miami, go read it!

Weirs’ projectionist keeps it running

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Weirs Drive-In TheaterIt’s a little unusual for a newspaper’s article about a drive-in to feature just one person. But that’s what happened this week when the Concord (NH) Monitor gave us a look at what it’s like to be a projectionist for a night. The place was Weirs Drive-In in nearby Laconia, and the projectionist is Paul Rouillard.

The article starts with Rouillard watching a particular light on a pole behind one of the Weirs’ four screens. “When that light gets wicked bright, I can reflect the picture,” he said, adding that he has to disregard patrons’ pleadings to start early. “I gotta wait, and as soon as that light goes on, I start the first movie.”

And then we’re off, following Rouillard as he managed the four projectors and huge platters of film. That’s not all he does; the article says that “He readies the concession stand area, performs maintenance on anything that breaks and assists with directing cars to the screen of their choice.” And besides all that, he’ll also jump-start your car after the show, according to the Weirs’ FAQ page.

For the rest of the story, we’re treated to a relaxing slice of life at the historic Weirs, one of the first drive-ins to open after World War II. Nobody said anything about digital projection, so let’s hope that it’s planned for the coming off-season. Till then, to see a few photos and experience what it’s like at the Weirs’ “dungeon,” go read it!