The Queen Drive In was built by Howell Theatres, of Smithfield, NC. Rudy Howell was the owner of that company. Phil McKinney, the manager mentioned above, was indeed 6'9" tall, and a very fine man. He lived on the street leading to the exit. Phil hailed from Bakersville, NC. Along with his brother Bob, he worked for many years for Howell Theatres, and then Piedmont Theatres. Piedmont was owned by the above mentioned L L “Doc” Theimer and my father, C C “Bill” Talbert. They were in business together from the early 50s until around 1990.
It did not open in the 40s. It was built in the early 60s, about one mile north of the old Pineville Road Drive In.The original marquee “needle” still stands.
The Visulite Theatre utilized rear-screen projection, possibly the only such installation in Charlotte. It was an intimate space, with the feel of a real art house.
The Queen Drive In was built by Howell Theatres, of Smithfield, NC. Rudy Howell was the owner of that company. Phil McKinney, the manager mentioned above, was indeed 6'9" tall, and a very fine man. He lived on the street leading to the exit. Phil hailed from Bakersville, NC. Along with his brother Bob, he worked for many years for Howell Theatres, and then Piedmont Theatres. Piedmont was owned by the above mentioned L L “Doc” Theimer and my father, C C “Bill” Talbert. They were in business together from the early 50s until around 1990.
It did not open in the 40s. It was built in the early 60s, about one mile north of the old Pineville Road Drive In.The original marquee “needle” still stands.
The Visulite Theatre utilized rear-screen projection, possibly the only such installation in Charlotte. It was an intimate space, with the feel of a real art house.