Beacon Drive-In
2404 S. Division Street,
Guthrie,
OK
73044
2404 S. Division Street,
Guthrie,
OK
73044
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Related Websites
Beacon Drive-In Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Video Independent Theaters Inc.
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Nearby Theaters
One of the oldest drive-in movie theatres in Oklahoma that is still operating. It has been run for three generations of the Powell family. It was built in late-1949 and opened April 22, 1950 with Joel McCrea in “Ramrod”, it was operated by Video Independent Theaters Inc. and A.R. Powell, Sr.
In 1986 when Video Independent Theaters Inc. were selling out, the Powells choose not to sell the Beacon Drive-In, and it has been in the family ever since. It was closed in 2024.
Contributed by
Tyler Powell
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
No, this theatre was not used for the movie Twister. I spoke with the owners, the Powells, and they confirmed this. A Drive-in was built and destroyed especially for the movie. This Drive-in was in Guthrie, but it wasn’t a real one. The Beacon did send over all its trash for the movie to add realism. They also popped all the popcorn used, but the Beacon wasn’t used in the movie. I hope this clears up the “Twister” confusion.
I’ve got lots of new pictures to post of this great Drive-in, too! Again, a.s.a.p.
Mid page on this online gallery can be seen an image of the Beacon Drive-In Theater…
http://66.221.1.53/states/ok.htm
The caption for the image shown may need to be changed. It says it is the DI used in ‘Twister,’ But stated above the owners say it isn’t.
The Beacon, looking good in spring 1993:
View link
View link
The fine web site has a historical outline and color shots of the Beacon,
View link
I wonder if anyone still has a copy of the Grand Opening program. From the May 27, 1950 issue of BoxOffice:
Al Powell, co-owner and manager of the affiliated Griffith Theatres in Guthrie, Okla., recently opened the Beacon Drive-In, an event that was marked by special cooperation from local merchants.
Powell prepared a special 48-page souvenir program giving complete details on the service and comforts offered by the new operation, biographical information on all executives in the organization, and a list of future attractions booked at the three local theatres.
Merchant ads covered complete cost of the program.
Opened with Joel McCrea in “Ramrod” (unknown if any extras added but a fireworks display was presented after the movie).
This appeared to have closed in 2024. Last movie shown per official site: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Is it a just a single feature or a double feature?