Bellwood Drive-In
9201 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Richmond,
VA
23237
9201 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Richmond,
VA
23237
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The Bellwood opened its gates on May 28, 1948 with Randolph Scott in “Gunfighters” along with two shorts (one of which was listed as “Animal Speaks” which I don’t know where that came from) and a cartoon.
The Bellwood closed for the final time on September 26, 1986 with “Haunted Honeymoon” and “Summer Rental” at Screen 1 and “Shanghai Surprise” and “Fire With Fire” at Screen 2.
According to a photo caption published May 20, 1948 in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Bellwood was scheduled to open “on or about May 27” that year.
well then debbie riddle bell any interest in reopening the drive-in
I worked there occasionally as a projectionist when it was a single-screener. The Simplex X-Ls and Peerless Hi-Candescent carbon arc lamps put out a beautiful picture, both flat and scope. I still drive by it occasionally, and it is sad to see it with the screens missing.
I have been involved with the Drive-in Flea Market since I was 2 years old. I just celebrated my 33rd year working for them. My parents met there and have been managers since I was 2. My entire family has worked there including mother, father, sister brother, nieces and nephews, brother in law and husband. Anyone who has been there will know my family. I really miss the drive in and wish that it was open now. I think that it would bring some crowds back in. There is nothing left in our area anymore besides in Midlothian and colonial heights. I invite everyone to come out and browse our wall of photos past and present.
One of the biggest crowds we ever drew here were to see a New York rapper live in person. She was “The Real Roxanne” and rapped on top of a flatbed truck bunted like a stage. We showed rap films BEAT STREET, etc. after the performance and the crowd was so large the hotels complained about the noise.
I never knew that Michael DeAngelis built a drive-in. Amazing talent. Thanks Joe as I enjoy your posts.
My 1956 motion picture ALMANAC has this drive in parking only 800 cars,not 1015. It was owned by Petersburg Pike Drive-in Theatre Corp. Of all the Richmond Drive-ins it was the largest.
The Bellwood Drive-In was designed by Michael J. DeAngelis, according to Boxoffice of February 5, 1949.
Links to some photos from 1948 are on this page:
http://driveins.4t.com/va-richmond-bellwood.htm