Fiesta Drive-In

When I worked in the film industry in L.A. in the 70s and 80s, I would hear about X-rated drive ins. My boss, who had worked in film all over the country, told me that they exist mainly as ‘cruising’ spots, like the hardtop theaters. People constantly walk or drive around the field, looking for a sex partner. When they hook up, most of them go to the back of the field, or some find some obscured spot out in the open. The porn store on the premises allows the owners to make money during the day. I never found out if the films were hardcore, especially if the screen was out in the open and not surrounded by trees, like the Apache in Texas. Going to an X-rated drive in was cheaper than buying drinks in a bar, and the chances of scoring were a lot better.

I really don’t know Mike.I am researching out of a 1956 Motion Picture Almanac. I try and add whatever I can out of the book,And Boy does Texas have a lot of Drive-ins.

MikeRogers, you must be talking about the Fiesta Drive-In on N. Mesa Road, which was opened 1950-1981.

Mike, I had no questions about the State. I think it was Mariusz that asked you about the State Theatre

I lived there during that time, and the Fiesta on Mesa closed around the time the Fiesta opened on Montana. If memory serves me correctly, it was a move from Mesa Dr. to Montana. Just a simple marquee, and cheap screen.

BBE View

Cool flyers, Mike. You have one of The State. I used to go there too! It was literally across the street from The Capri. However, let it be known that The Capri was my favorite.

Thanks for this, man.

The Fiesta was (and is, presumably) quite unique. Growing up in El Paso, we kind of took it for granted, esp. ‘cos it’s way out of town. Almost outside the city. I went there once in high school with a bunch of people. We were just trying to explore the place. It turns out it’s not only a drive-in, but a porn shop as well! Bizarre. As for how and what kind of projection they run there, I’m sure it’s not digital I can tell you that much. That said, it’s one of the few (if not the only) drive-ins left in El Paso. If you’re ever there, check it out – just for historical purposes, of course.

There used to be so many drive-ins in El Paso when I grew up there in the 60’s. The Fiesta used to be located on Mesa Drive back then, and it eventually moved to it’s current location out on Montana St. And yes, I have been there once…

How do they run movies on the screen? Is it video projection which I doubt would be bright enough? XXX films have not been produced for many years in 35mm. There was a porno drive-in theatre in Scranton PA till the late 90’s.