77 Drive-In
9301 S. Shields Boulevard,
Oklahoma City,
OK
73160
9301 S. Shields Boulevard,
Oklahoma City,
OK
73160
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The Odom Drive-In opened in 1947 and was owned by R. Lewis Barton and Peerless Theatres Inc. After a year of operation the name was changed to the 77 Drive-In.
It was a single screen and could accomodate 948 cars. The 77 Drive-In was closed in 1975.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
X rated films were shown at this drive in theatre during its last two years of operation. A tornado blew down the screen tower forcing closure.
The below site will lead to a 77 Drive-In Theatre c 1949 photo. In seach area type in word “theatre”. Once 77 Drive-In image appears, click on it again for a large view -
View link
Car capacity in 1975 was 800.
Up the the very end the 77 Drive-In had beautiful, manicured landscaping. An overabundance of fragrant flowering bushes. After dark lighting effects were most colorful and dramatic.
A 2007 photo of the property is here. Click on the photo to expand it.
800 is correct on Car capacity.
Please correct address to:
9301 S. Shields Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73160 United States
Opened at a cost of $139,000 on a 15 acre plot, the initial car capacity was listed at 948. The sign and the marquee as well as the changeable letters were done by Wagner Sign Co. The theatre name was outlined with red and green letters. As mentioned it initially opened in 1947 as the Odem Drive-In. The screen measured 62' wide by 42' high. The new theatre was equipped by National Theatre Supply.
In the late 50’s and early 60’s this theater was managed by “Rusty” Steel. My father & I organized the 4th of July fireworks there for at least 3 years running. I loved firing the big mortar bombs. One year a spark from one of the big overhead shots landed in a box of smaller fireworks and we had an exciting finish.
From the AIDA database:
Odom Drive-in Theatre (Barton’s 77 Drive-in Theatre) (article, ad)
Opened July 2, 1947
Closed Dec 7, 1947 as Odom, reopened Friday, Mar 6,1948 as Barton’s 77
Closed 1974 Did not reopen for the 1975 season
Final showing, week of Aug 27, 1975. See picture of Daily Oklahoman
Location 9301 S. Shields Blvd.
1948-49 Theatre Catalog lists as 77 Drive-in Exec RL Barton M8-C900-CH3
1949-1950 Theatre Catalog lists RL Barton as owner M9-C1000-D7*
1965 IMPA lists RL Barton as owner
1965 IMPA lists capacity as 800
Location by GPS N 35º 22.396’ W 97º 30.226’
1974, July 25, Drive in movie operator charged
Last movies shown, Burt Reynolds in “The Longest Yard,” and “The Gambler”
Wesley Horton AIDA
Up loaded Goggle Earth view 2011