Dale Mabry Drive-In

Thomas, Since opening in 1949 this theatre has always been called the Dale Mabry Drive-In. Tampa has never had a theatre called Apollo although there is a city called Apollo Beach several miles from Tampa. Maybe you’re thinking of a theatre in that area? Although the Dale Mabry probably did run all the Planet of the Apes films on one evening so it may have been this drive-in you saw them at.

Thanks for the great program! However, “on our giant panoramic screen” is certainly misleading. The Dale Mabry had a small squarish screen during this time. It wasn’t until 1964 when a larger wide screen was installed.

Here’s an aerial of the property as it looks today:
View link

You know I always wanted to see"CASTLE KEEP" I have the one-sheet I got out of the Miller Theatre. I am born on his birthday so I guess I have always been a Burt Lancaster fan.I don’t think “CASTLE KEEP” has ever been out on VHS or DVD.From what I read fans of his just disliked an actor of his staure coming out with an R rated movie,this was the late sixties.John Wayne was smarter,for good or bad,he turned down “DIRTY HARRY”.Those old actors had a group of fans and like John Wayne would say “John Wayne doesn’t to this.”

“The Gypsy Moths” and “Castle Keep” were two back to back R-rated movies that many feel hurt Lancaster with his fans.Nick,they look great.Left you a Thank you on National Hills Theatre.Better to be on CT than in my movie ad collection.

Nice vintage ads Nick.

Nick, also included are a few more theatre stories I wrote.They are not as good as your,but they a few cute stories,like the HOOKERS working a Drive-in.

You are right.nick,did tell me once he finished this long story he too forgot a few stories.I do think had i taken the time like Nick,I wouldn’t have guys from the West coast correcting my dates.I mean you gotta admit it was a screw up to say Columbia1 and 2 opened in 1977,WHEN IT WAS 1976. A little more time looking up facts would have been better.Like Nick. Trying to get TLSLOEWS to write some stuff on Nashville theatres,but he is like me i think in that he doesn’t want to get things wrong about a theatre he worked at. Where is Cathy? Boy.never thought her for the shy one.

Yeah, Nick is pretty good at this. You have to wait several weeks,but when he puts something out you just hope most of the CT fans will read it. I should have,and i told nick this the other night over the phone,I should have just sat down and crafted a story about NATIONAL HILLS and Columbia 1 and 2,with the IMPERIAL to a lesser extent because i did not work there as much,And just write one long story instead of 123 posts.

Mikeoaklandpark, The last day of operation was 7/14/74. By 1983 I doubt there would have even been any semblance of a drive-in remaining on the property. The apartments were probably already up by then or very close to being finished.

Are you certain you remember the 20th Century on Dale Mabry and Columbus Drive? If you lived here beginning in 1983 it couldn’t have been the 20th Century as it closed on Dec. 5, 1980. Perhaps you’re thinking of another drive-in?

I lived in Tampa from 83-96 and don’t remember this theatre. What year did it close? I remember all the other, 20th Century, Auto PArk, Tower, Hillsborough

Thanks for the tip Chuck. That’s just what I thought. I’ve been having problems with my printer/scanner but once that’s taken care of I’ll be ready to roll.

Mike it was the Amish they only watch movies at the drive-in not at home.Not kidding!!!!!!!!Thats what the site said I will I could remember which one.