Starlite Drive-In

The concept of segregated drive-in theatres is an interesting subject that should be thoroughly researched for its historical value, since it was the walk-in theaters that traditionally implemented this practice. According to the book ‘The American Drive-In Movie Theatre’ by Don and Susan Sanders, there was one such “ozoner” in Fort Worth in operation sometime from the early- to mid-‘50s called the “Lariat”. I did a little research and couldn’t find a drive-in with that name, but I found one called the Kar-Vue, located on Rosedale Ave./Spur 303, just to the west of where South Loop 820 is located. I’ve had one person say that they recall seeing a drive-in in that particular area. So far, the information I have on it is scant at best. Hopefully, someone here can shed some more light about it, if possible.

ken mc’s photo is interesting because it shows how the Starlite was modified for the projection of cinemascope movies – simply stretched the screen tower out from the left edge, as evidenced from the different shade of shingles (probably asphalt) used for the extension. Other styles of screen towers didn’t lend themselves to such a straightforward modification. Some had to have a second screen mounted on struts extending out from the original square one; this allowed for installation of a curved screen, something the Starlite and others of this style obviously didn’t have.

The Starlite and the King were right next to each other on South Lamar as I recall. During the late 1970’s these theaters (I’m not certain they were both still open) showed R rated, X rated films. I was a Police Officer working that area at the time.

Here is an undated photo from Life Magazine:
http://tinyurl.com/5e3zcj

That’s an interesting photo. I hadn’t considered the concept of segregated drive-ins before, but it went with the times, I suppose.