Lariat Drive-In

140 Perry Lane,
Kermit, TX 79745

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Previously operated by: Video Independent Theaters Inc.

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Lariat Drive-In

Based on a story in the Odessa (Tex.) American two days later, the Lariat Drive-In showed its first movie, Marlene Dietrich in “Rancho Notorious” on September 19, 1952. The 60-foot screen tower was composed of asbestos rather than sheet metal. It was owned by Video Theaters, Inc., and its capacity was 446 cars.

“The bold white front, with its dark green base, is decorated with the sign, "LARIAT” and the figure of a man stands below and holds the end of a rope which loops over the name. This sign measures 32 feet high and 32 feet across, but is dwarfed by the size of the tower". It had closed by 1968.

Contributed by Michael Kilgore

Recent comments (view all 5 comments)

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on April 21, 2020 at 2:46 pm

A 1968 aerial photo showed a drive-in on the west side of Kermit at about 140 Perry Lane, actually the northeast corner of Perry and Texas Highway 302.

Kenmore
Kenmore on April 22, 2020 at 7:54 am

The property is now home to C&H Water Company. Although a June 2019 Google Street view shows quite a few RVs and trailers in the back. They are spaced as if people are living in them, but I cannot be sure.

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on May 29, 2021 at 3:06 pm

The Exhibitor, Dec. 3, 1952: “The new Lariat Drive-In has been opened at Kermit, Tex., by Kermit Theatres, owned by Video Theatres, Inc. The drive-in has a 466-car capacity, and will be managed by Jack Peercy. Frank Love, manager, Kermit Theatres, handled the opening ceremonies.”

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on April 10, 2022 at 6:24 pm

Jal (NM) Record, Sept. 18, 1952: “Kermit, Texas, Sept. 20 - The grand opening of the newest addition to Kermit’s theaters will be held this week end when the Lariat Drive-In Theater will welcome guests at an open-house celebration to be held from 2 until 10 p.m. Thursday, with opening night set to begin at 6:30 Friday night. The 446-car capacity theater will show first-run movies … Opening night picture will be Rancho Notorious, starring Marlene Dietrick, Arthur Kennedy and Mel Ferrer, which will be shown Friday and Saturday nights.”

Kenmore
Kenmore on April 11, 2022 at 6:27 am

The 1968 aerial shows the screen is not present. It appears this drive-in was long closed by 1968.

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