Drive-In Movies Forever After

Neither Adolfo nor I had been to a drive-in movie since the 1980s, so we were delighted to learn that the old drive-in theater across from our RV park in Idaho Falls is still showing movies. Double features were $6.50—-not bad.

When I called for showtimes, I got a strange recording: Shrek Forever After was to begin at approximately 9:15. I told Adolfo, but he was not satisfied. As usual, he wanted an exact time. I called back to check that I had heard correctly. Approximately 9:15 it was. Finally we realized that it would have to be approximate since the movie cannot start until the sun goes down. So, at 8:45 we saw cars lining up at the entrance. We packed some snacks, water, and blankets and headed for the drive-in.

It was just as I remembered. Before the movie started, trucks pulled in backwards so that everyone could jump into the bed and wrap up in blankets or sleeping bags. Children started running up to the screen, jumping and doing cartwheels. Teens headed for the snack booth to get popcorn and sodas.

We waited, and waited, but the sun was slow to go down. The movie didn’t start until approximately 9:45. How were these people gonna keep all the kids awake for a double feature? Perhaps the idea was that the smaller children would fall asleep, allowing the teens and adults to make out during Ironman II.

As usual, we enjoyed Shrek, but we were too tired to stay for Ironman II (and prefer to make out in the trailer). So, we pulled out during Intermission and made our way to the exit. Perhaps we'll find another drive-in theater during our travels.