80 Drive-In
1101 US-80,
Jackson,
MS
39204
1101 US-80,
Jackson,
MS
39204
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Paramount-Gulf States
Previous Names: Silver Slipper Drive-In, Drive-In, Hi-Way 80 Drive-In
Nearby Theaters
The Silver Slipper Drive-In was open on October 23, 1939 with Barbara Stanwyck in “Red Salute”. It was the first of 3 drive-in’s in close proximity to Jackson. On October 17, 1941 it was taken over by new operators and renamed Drive-In. On January 23, 1951 it was renamed Hi-Way 80 Drive-In. It was operated by Paramount Gulf Theatres Ct. operating as the 80 Drive-In from February 22, 1954 it was renamed 80 Drive-In. It was closed on May 28, 1961 with Hugh Marlowe in “The Long Rope” and Gregory Peck in “The Big Country”.
Today no trace of the drive-in remains. Hayles Towing & Recovery now occupy the site.
Contributed by
Paul Kennett
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
Approximate opening date was October 23, 1939.
Opened with Barbara Stanwyck in “Red Salute” (unknown if extras added).
Closed on May 28, 1961 with “The Long Rope” and “The Big Country” (unknown if extras added). It was last known as 80 Drive-In.
The Silver Slipper was purchased by new operators in August of 1941 and they gave the ozoner a new look with new technology at its relaunch on October 17, 1941 as Drive-In Theatre - likely on a 20-year lease.
Half-way through the venue was rebranded as the Hi-Way 80 Drive-In Theatre on January 23, 1951 with “West Point Story.” On February 22, 1954, it was advertised as the 80 Drive-In likely with a new widescreen tower. And closed at the end of its 20-year leasing agreement in 1961.
An article said that the property had been designated for the Interstate project that would become I-20; and although very close by, the I-20 project didn’t use the exact location of the 80 D-I.
A closer address is 1805 Hwy 80 W, Jackson, MS.
This puts it right next to where the entrance of the drive-in once existed.
A 1963 aerial shows the screen gone. By 1966, the drive-in was demolished with only the outline, ramps, and entrance/exit roads remaining. By 1968, construction of I-20 was fully on the property with only hints of ramps to the south remaining. And today that is all gone.
https://tinyurl.com/ywd4xrnx