Funky layout for this little drive-in. It was outlined in a 1973 topo map but was gone by the 1980 edition. By 1993, the site was a full-blown housing development.
The 1958-70 Motion Picture Almanacs had it as the “#47”, capacity 200, owned by J. J. Petersen and M. W. Gieskeing. By 1972, the MPA began calling it the Outdoor Cinema, capacity 250 – a rare update to its drive-in lists during that period. It fell off the MPA list in 1977.
In both the drive-in lists and theatre circuit holdings, the 1977-88 Motion Picture Almanacs showed the Sunset owned by Commonwealth, which didn’t include it in its 1976 holdings. Aerial photos confirm that by 1999, the site was a Wal-Mart.
The Burlington’s first appearance in the Motion Picture Almanacs' annual drive-in list was the 1980 edition, and it stayed there through the final MPA list in 1988. There was never a mention of capacity. The owner was J. Edmundson.
Based on the aerial photos, the Kar-Vu opened after 1949 and was completely replaced by 1991. Let’s check the paper trail.
The June 24, 1953 issue of the Exhibitor reported, “Other Atlas Theatres changes included the promotion of Mel Madero from manager, Kar-Vu Drive-In, Brighton, Colo., to city manager at Salida, Colo., where he succeeds Warren Butler, resigned.”
The new manager must not have worked out, given the news in the July 22, 1953 issue of the Exhibitor: “Atlas Theatres disposed of its interests in the Kar-Vu Drive-In, Brighton, Colo., to its partner, Elden Menagh, who also owns the nearby Star, Fort Lupton, Colo.”
The Jan. 19, 1955 issue of Variety reported, “Elden Managh sold the Kar-vu drive-in, Brighton, Colo., to Sam Feinstein and Arlie Beery.”
Motion Picture Exhibitor, May 20, 1959: “Sam Feinstein setting dates for his Kar Vu Drive-In, Brighton, Colo.”
In Feb. 1976, the Greeley Tribune (newspaper of the Weld County seat) reported that Kar-Vu Drive-In Theatre, Inc., had sold $86,000 of real estate to Rollande L. Prevost.
Motion Picture Almanac drive-in list mentions:
1951-54: 350, Atlas Circuit
1955-56: 350, E. K. Managh
1957-66: 350, Sam Feinstein
1967-76: 350 (no owner info)
1977-82: 300, A. Prevost
1983-88: 1 screen, A. Prevost
The 1952 Theatre Catalog showed the Kar-Vu with a capacity of 350, owner Dave Davis of the Atlas Circuit. For the 1955-56 edition, the owner was Sam Feinstein.
The May 24, 1950 issue of The Exhibitor provided a few more details, including a reason why Lee’s company was called Kar-Vu:
“The Kar-Vu Drive-In, first to get an inside-Denver permit, will feature an unusual setup in the concession stand. It will be of a horseshoe type, 60-feet long, and will be operated cafeteria style, with two cashiers to speed up operations. The refreshment stand will feature many items, including fried chicken, popcorn, etc. In order to get rapid turnover, customers will not be able to see the screen while in the refreshment stand. The ozoner will have room for 726 cars and about 150 walkins, will cost about $145,000, and will be opened next month.”
Minor update to the 1956 ownership transfer date: The Feb. 25, 1956 issue of the Motion Picture Herald reported, “Wolfberg Theatres has taken over the Monaco Drive-in, formerly operated by L. K. Lee and Phil Rothman. Wolfberg Theatres now has six drive-ins here, and the Paramount, first run.”
Maybe Lee and Rothman sold because they were fed up with not being able to bid on first-run movies? Variety reported that on Jan. 24, 1956, “Kar-Vu Theatres Inc., operating the Monaco and Centennial drive-ins, has sued eight distributors and two theatre companies.”
The start of a three-page story in the March 3, 1956 issue of BoxOffice:
“Supported by excellent patronage from its opening night, May 28, 1955, the Chocolate Bayou Drive-In at Houston has become one of the most successful innovations in the Texas entertainment picture. The theatre was built by Roland Torn, former FBI operative, who conceived the idea of a de luxe operation as a constructive step toward good race relations. Torn chose as his manager George Haynes, a former member of Louis Armstrong’s band.
“In the ten months since the drive-in opened, there have been several notable promotions. One was a dusk-to-dawn show, beginning at 6 p.m. and running until 8 a.m., during which period 12 feature films were shown. The charge was $1 per person and Haynes estimated that about 1,100 patrons turned out for the marathon show. The event proved so popular that Haynes received many requests to repeat the promotion on New Year’s Eve. On several occasions the drive-in has accommodated 1,400. although the parking area is equipped with just 660 speakers and 200 walk-in seats in front of the concessions stand.
“The usual boxoffice price is 50 cents for adults, which includes all over 12 years of age. Children under 12 are admitted free, even when they are not with their parents. Haynes says that there are many small
children of the immediate neighborhood who wander in and out at will during the evening performances.”
There are many more details, including a doughnut machine that creates them to order, well-graded ramps to prevent the region’s typical mud issues, a 64x90-foot plywood screen, and minimal vandalism because “patrons wish to show appreciation to the management for providing such a pleasant entertainment spot that is open year-round.”
From the March 3, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “Purchase of the Barksdale Drive-In, on Old Highway 80 north of Barksdale Air Force Base, by McElroy Theatres, Inc., was announced Monday (2) by Tom McElroy, head of the company. The drive-in was purchased from Mrs. Lillian Lutzer, Dallas, for an undisclosed amount and becomes the McElroy circuit’s ninth theatre.”
From the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “CARROLL, IOWA – Notice of dissolution of the Carroll Outdoor Theatre Corp. has been filed here by the company’s assistant secretary, Gertrude Framhein.”
“Bob Getter said he is putting on a gravel and blacktop surface at the Tee-Pee Drive-In, and is making ready for an early spring opening.” — BoxOffice, Feb. 4, 1956
The 1955-56 Theatre Catalog included the 63st Street, capacity 700, owners Shniderman and Sutter. Which lined up with this note from the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “The suit filed by Harold Lux against the E&S Theatre Enterprises, operating the 63rd Street Drive-In, as been settled out of court on a nuisance value basis. E. S. Sutter and Alex Shniderman, partners in the company, said $900 was paid, including the amount to Lux and his attorneys and the court costs.”
“WEST FRANKFORT, ILL. – The Roxy Theatre, 500-seat unit of the Fox Midwest Theatres circuit, has been closed indefinitely. Since January 5, the house had been operating on a ‘family’ basis with subsequent run product.” —BoxOffice, Feb. 4, 1956
ST. LOUIS – The demolition of the 40-year-old Capitol Theatre, closed since Feb. 27, 1953, following sale of the property to the May Department Stores Co., started Monday (30) to make way for a parking lot for May’s Famous-Barr department store.
The theatre was built in 1916 and operated for some years under a lease by Sigmund E. Freund. Warner Bros. used it for the St. Louis premiere of the revolutionary Vitaphone sound process in 1926 with “Don Juan,” starring John Barrymore.
From the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “Martin Butler has bought the Star Drive-In, Albuquerque, and has added it to his Tesque (sic) and Sunset drive-ins. He bought it from T. E. Ribble.”
“Earl Seitz, Sandusky, O., owner of both indoor and outdoor theatres, recently acquired the Blue Sky Drive-In, Wadsworth, O., from Dale Morrison.” — The Exhibitor, Jan. 30, 1952
From the Dec. 12, 1951 issue of The Exhibitor: “Reports are that Mr. and Mrs. George Harris received $40,000 for the Skyvue property, which includes 11 acres of land near Jackson, Miss. This was revealed in a deed filed with the Hinds County Chancery Clerk. The purchasers were M. A. Lewis, Jr., Richard Parker, and unnamed associated of the Skyvue Corporation, which owns and operated the 51 Drive-In. Richard Parker also owns and operated the Starlite, Canton, Miss.”
The evidence is strong that there were two Canyons, this one about a half-mile north of the original.
Checking the aerial photos for 3805 SW 117th Avenue, Beaverton, that address was vacant in 1960, a drive-in in 1970 & 1981, then a shopping center parking lot in 1995.
On the other hand, the aerials also show another drive-in on old Oregon Highway 10, current address 11601 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97005. That site was a drive-in in 1952 & 1960 but was gone in the 1970 aerial.
The 1951-66 Motion Picture Almanacs listed a Canyon Drive-In, capacity 500, owner A. W. Adamson. The 1977 MPA updated that capacity to 350. Since the MPA didn’t update much of anything from 1967-76, the move probably happened in the mid to late 1960s.
Checking the aerial photos, this site was vacant in 1970, a four-screen drive-in in 1981, 1990, & 1994, and some kind of bus or truck parking lot, screens still intact, in 2000.
A close address for the Sky-Vu, east of Springfield, is 2020 GA-21 S, Springfield, GA 31329, currently a floor covering store.
From the May 2, 1953 Motion Picture Herald: “The Sky-Vu Drive-In theatre, Springfield, Ga., owned and operated by Pat Ingram and Rufus Wilson, held its formal opening April 22.”
From the Oct. 8, 1949 issue of Showmen’s Trade Review: “Moonlite Movies, a new drive-in located near Santa Clara, Calif., owned by Golden State Theatres, is slated to open Oct. 21. The open-airer will be equipped with individual car-heaters for winter operation. Ben Stevenson has been named manager. He was formerly at the Parkside Theatre where Bud Sears is now in charge. Roy Young, assistant manager of the Noe Theatre, was made manager when Sears left for the Parkside.”
More spellings from the Showmen’s Trade Journal of Oct. 1, 1949, take your pick. On one page: “A 350-car, $75,000 drive-in has been opened at Alliance, Neb., by Charles Britton, Jr., Arthur Dobson and Fitch Burdette, using Brenkert booth equipment and RCA car speakers, bought through Western Service and Supply.”
On another page, same issue, under New Theatres: “Omaha — Charles H. Brittan, Jr., Park Dobson, Jr., and Burdett Fisher, a 300-car drive-in north of Alliance, Neb.”
“After what they called "a horrible season,” Friedman brothers of Minneapolis have closed their drive-in at Albert Lea, Minn. They termed
the operation “the worst project they’ve ever been connected with.” The investment was called a “total loss,” after trying just about every kind of promotional stunt.“ — Showmen’s Trade Review, Oct. 1, 1949
The Frontier debuted in the 1956 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac series, listed as owned by Herbert Gumper. It fell off the MPA list in 1985.
Funky layout for this little drive-in. It was outlined in a 1973 topo map but was gone by the 1980 edition. By 1993, the site was a full-blown housing development.
The 1958-70 Motion Picture Almanacs had it as the “#47”, capacity 200, owned by J. J. Petersen and M. W. Gieskeing. By 1972, the MPA began calling it the Outdoor Cinema, capacity 250 – a rare update to its drive-in lists during that period. It fell off the MPA list in 1977.
In both the drive-in lists and theatre circuit holdings, the 1977-88 Motion Picture Almanacs showed the Sunset owned by Commonwealth, which didn’t include it in its 1976 holdings. Aerial photos confirm that by 1999, the site was a Wal-Mart.
The Burlington’s first appearance in the Motion Picture Almanacs' annual drive-in list was the 1980 edition, and it stayed there through the final MPA list in 1988. There was never a mention of capacity. The owner was J. Edmundson.
Based on the aerial photos, the Kar-Vu opened after 1949 and was completely replaced by 1991. Let’s check the paper trail.
The June 24, 1953 issue of the Exhibitor reported, “Other Atlas Theatres changes included the promotion of Mel Madero from manager, Kar-Vu Drive-In, Brighton, Colo., to city manager at Salida, Colo., where he succeeds Warren Butler, resigned.”
The new manager must not have worked out, given the news in the July 22, 1953 issue of the Exhibitor: “Atlas Theatres disposed of its interests in the Kar-Vu Drive-In, Brighton, Colo., to its partner, Elden Menagh, who also owns the nearby Star, Fort Lupton, Colo.”
The Jan. 19, 1955 issue of Variety reported, “Elden Managh sold the Kar-vu drive-in, Brighton, Colo., to Sam Feinstein and Arlie Beery.”
Motion Picture Exhibitor, May 20, 1959: “Sam Feinstein setting dates for his Kar Vu Drive-In, Brighton, Colo.”
In Feb. 1976, the Greeley Tribune (newspaper of the Weld County seat) reported that Kar-Vu Drive-In Theatre, Inc., had sold $86,000 of real estate to Rollande L. Prevost.
Motion Picture Almanac drive-in list mentions:
The 1952 Theatre Catalog showed the Kar-Vu with a capacity of 350, owner Dave Davis of the Atlas Circuit. For the 1955-56 edition, the owner was Sam Feinstein.
The May 24, 1950 issue of The Exhibitor provided a few more details, including a reason why Lee’s company was called Kar-Vu:
“The Kar-Vu Drive-In, first to get an inside-Denver permit, will feature an unusual setup in the concession stand. It will be of a horseshoe type, 60-feet long, and will be operated cafeteria style, with two cashiers to speed up operations. The refreshment stand will feature many items, including fried chicken, popcorn, etc. In order to get rapid turnover, customers will not be able to see the screen while in the refreshment stand. The ozoner will have room for 726 cars and about 150 walkins, will cost about $145,000, and will be opened next month.”
Minor update to the 1956 ownership transfer date: The Feb. 25, 1956 issue of the Motion Picture Herald reported, “Wolfberg Theatres has taken over the Monaco Drive-in, formerly operated by L. K. Lee and Phil Rothman. Wolfberg Theatres now has six drive-ins here, and the Paramount, first run.”
Maybe Lee and Rothman sold because they were fed up with not being able to bid on first-run movies? Variety reported that on Jan. 24, 1956, “Kar-Vu Theatres Inc., operating the Monaco and Centennial drive-ins, has sued eight distributors and two theatre companies.”
The start of a three-page story in the March 3, 1956 issue of BoxOffice:
“Supported by excellent patronage from its opening night, May 28, 1955, the Chocolate Bayou Drive-In at Houston has become one of the most successful innovations in the Texas entertainment picture. The theatre was built by Roland Torn, former FBI operative, who conceived the idea of a de luxe operation as a constructive step toward good race relations. Torn chose as his manager George Haynes, a former member of Louis Armstrong’s band.
“In the ten months since the drive-in opened, there have been several notable promotions. One was a dusk-to-dawn show, beginning at 6 p.m. and running until 8 a.m., during which period 12 feature films were shown. The charge was $1 per person and Haynes estimated that about 1,100 patrons turned out for the marathon show. The event proved so popular that Haynes received many requests to repeat the promotion on New Year’s Eve. On several occasions the drive-in has accommodated 1,400. although the parking area is equipped with just 660 speakers and 200 walk-in seats in front of the concessions stand.
“The usual boxoffice price is 50 cents for adults, which includes all over 12 years of age. Children under 12 are admitted free, even when they are not with their parents. Haynes says that there are many small children of the immediate neighborhood who wander in and out at will during the evening performances.”
There are many more details, including a doughnut machine that creates them to order, well-graded ramps to prevent the region’s typical mud issues, a 64x90-foot plywood screen, and minimal vandalism because “patrons wish to show appreciation to the management for providing such a pleasant entertainment spot that is open year-round.”
From the March 3, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “Purchase of the Barksdale Drive-In, on Old Highway 80 north of Barksdale Air Force Base, by McElroy Theatres, Inc., was announced Monday (2) by Tom McElroy, head of the company. The drive-in was purchased from Mrs. Lillian Lutzer, Dallas, for an undisclosed amount and becomes the McElroy circuit’s ninth theatre.”
From the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “CARROLL, IOWA – Notice of dissolution of the Carroll Outdoor Theatre Corp. has been filed here by the company’s assistant secretary, Gertrude Framhein.”
“Bob Getter said he is putting on a gravel and blacktop surface at the Tee-Pee Drive-In, and is making ready for an early spring opening.” — BoxOffice, Feb. 4, 1956
From the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “The Pines, a Video theatre in Tulsa, will shutter on or about February 4, according to present reports.”
The 1955-56 Theatre Catalog included the 63st Street, capacity 700, owners Shniderman and Sutter. Which lined up with this note from the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “The suit filed by Harold Lux against the E&S Theatre Enterprises, operating the 63rd Street Drive-In, as been settled out of court on a nuisance value basis. E. S. Sutter and Alex Shniderman, partners in the company, said $900 was paid, including the amount to Lux and his attorneys and the court costs.”
“WEST FRANKFORT, ILL. – The Roxy Theatre, 500-seat unit of the Fox Midwest Theatres circuit, has been closed indefinitely. Since January 5, the house had been operating on a ‘family’ basis with subsequent run product.” —BoxOffice, Feb. 4, 1956
From the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice:
ST. LOUIS – The demolition of the 40-year-old Capitol Theatre, closed since Feb. 27, 1953, following sale of the property to the May Department Stores Co., started Monday (30) to make way for a parking lot for May’s Famous-Barr department store.
The theatre was built in 1916 and operated for some years under a lease by Sigmund E. Freund. Warner Bros. used it for the St. Louis premiere of the revolutionary Vitaphone sound process in 1926 with “Don Juan,” starring John Barrymore.
From the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “ST. LOUIS – The Amythis, operated by Marvin Banks, was scheduled to close indefinitely January 30.”
From the Feb. 4, 1956 issue of BoxOffice: “Martin Butler has bought the Star Drive-In, Albuquerque, and has added it to his Tesque (sic) and Sunset drive-ins. He bought it from T. E. Ribble.”
“Earl Seitz, Sandusky, O., owner of both indoor and outdoor theatres, recently acquired the Blue Sky Drive-In, Wadsworth, O., from Dale Morrison.” — The Exhibitor, Jan. 30, 1952
From the Dec. 12, 1951 issue of The Exhibitor: “Reports are that Mr. and Mrs. George Harris received $40,000 for the Skyvue property, which includes 11 acres of land near Jackson, Miss. This was revealed in a deed filed with the Hinds County Chancery Clerk. The purchasers were M. A. Lewis, Jr., Richard Parker, and unnamed associated of the Skyvue Corporation, which owns and operated the 51 Drive-In. Richard Parker also owns and operated the Starlite, Canton, Miss.”
The evidence is strong that there were two Canyons, this one about a half-mile north of the original.
Checking the aerial photos for 3805 SW 117th Avenue, Beaverton, that address was vacant in 1960, a drive-in in 1970 & 1981, then a shopping center parking lot in 1995.
On the other hand, the aerials also show another drive-in on old Oregon Highway 10, current address 11601 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton, OR 97005. That site was a drive-in in 1952 & 1960 but was gone in the 1970 aerial.
The 1951-66 Motion Picture Almanacs listed a Canyon Drive-In, capacity 500, owner A. W. Adamson. The 1977 MPA updated that capacity to 350. Since the MPA didn’t update much of anything from 1967-76, the move probably happened in the mid to late 1960s.
Checking the aerial photos, this site was vacant in 1970, a four-screen drive-in in 1981, 1990, & 1994, and some kind of bus or truck parking lot, screens still intact, in 2000.
A close address for the Sky-Vu, east of Springfield, is 2020 GA-21 S, Springfield, GA 31329, currently a floor covering store.
From the May 2, 1953 Motion Picture Herald: “The Sky-Vu Drive-In theatre, Springfield, Ga., owned and operated by Pat Ingram and Rufus Wilson, held its formal opening April 22.”
From the Oct. 8, 1949 issue of Showmen’s Trade Review: “Moonlite Movies, a new drive-in located near Santa Clara, Calif., owned by Golden State Theatres, is slated to open Oct. 21. The open-airer will be equipped with individual car-heaters for winter operation. Ben Stevenson has been named manager. He was formerly at the Parkside Theatre where Bud Sears is now in charge. Roy Young, assistant manager of the Noe Theatre, was made manager when Sears left for the Parkside.”
More spellings from the Showmen’s Trade Journal of Oct. 1, 1949, take your pick. On one page: “A 350-car, $75,000 drive-in has been opened at Alliance, Neb., by Charles Britton, Jr., Arthur Dobson and Fitch Burdette, using Brenkert booth equipment and RCA car speakers, bought through Western Service and Supply.”
On another page, same issue, under New Theatres: “Omaha — Charles H. Brittan, Jr., Park Dobson, Jr., and Burdett Fisher, a 300-car drive-in north of Alliance, Neb.”
“After what they called "a horrible season,” Friedman brothers of Minneapolis have closed their drive-in at Albert Lea, Minn. They termed the operation “the worst project they’ve ever been connected with.” The investment was called a “total loss,” after trying just about every kind of promotional stunt.“ — Showmen’s Trade Review, Oct. 1, 1949