Starlight Drive-In
78259 E. Main Street,
Albert Lea,
MN
56007
78259 E. Main Street,
Albert Lea,
MN
56007
1 person
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Carisch Theatres
Architects: Jack J. Liebenberg
Firms: Liebenberg and Kaplan
Nearby Theaters
The Starlight Drive-In was opened July 7, 1949 with Danny Kaye in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. It was operated by the Friedman brothers. Initially it was not a success and they closed in September 1949. By 1950 it had reopened under Ben Friedman and by 1955 was operated by Israel Friedman. It was closed in July 1988.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
I think it is supposed to be “starlight”.
If seen it spelled both ways, that is what is confusing. Here is a page that has some pictures:
View link
The Starlight Drive-In was the work of the Minneapolis architectural firm of Liebenberg and Kaplan. The blueprints are in the collection of Liebenberg and Kaplan papers in the Andersen Library at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. The theater is listed in the papers as the Albert Lea Outdoor Theatre, but it appears to have opened as the Starlight Drive-In Theatre.
“After what they called "a horrible season,” Friedman brothers of Minneapolis have closed their drive-in at Albert Lea, Minn. They termed the operation “the worst project they’ve ever been connected with.” The investment was called a “total loss,” after trying just about every kind of promotional stunt.“ — Showmen’s Trade Review, Oct. 1, 1949
opened July 7th, 1949. Ad posted.
Once operated by Carisch Theatres.
A few parch marks of the ramps remain just to the west of the Ernie’s Canvas Products building. Otherwise, you’d never know a drive-in was once on the property.