Is there any way to get even a rough estimate of how many operating drive-ins are left in the US? I think the peak was in the thousands back in the early to mid 50s.
I had a similar experience. I went out taking pictures on a Sunday morning and wandered into several theater/churches to check out the interiors. About half the time I was questioned, although I was never asked to leave directly.
I have my doubts as to whether the building is still there. There’s not much left on that part of Temple Street, west of downtow. I will swing by and take a look the next time I’m down there.
We don’t have much of a problem with listings here in LA. It’s Oscar season from October to February, more or less, so the studios and agencies usually pay for large ads, which incidentally tell the Academy members where the films are showing.
Is there any way to get even a rough estimate of how many operating drive-ins are left in the US? I think the peak was in the thousands back in the early to mid 50s.
I will be in that area tomorrow. I will take some photos.
I had a similar experience. I went out taking pictures on a Sunday morning and wandered into several theater/churches to check out the interiors. About half the time I was questioned, although I was never asked to leave directly.
Here is a December 1967 ad from the NYT:
http://tinyurl.com/2faxyj
Here is a September 1969 ad from the NYT:
http://tinyurl.com/2uuddn
I was watching the pilot episode of Baretta tonight, and there was a night shot of the Linda Lea with the marquee lit up. Very nice.
Here is a photo circa 1988:
http://tinyurl.com/2ckrnr
Here is some detail from the upstairs lobby ceiling:
http://tinyurl.com/2ldyax
That was a couple of albums ago. You’ve got to get up to speed.
The west is the best. Get here, and we’ll do the rest.
Here is a view of the box office, circa 1974:
http://tinyurl.com/27ch54
Here is a view of the box office circa 1976:
http://tinyurl.com/2z9mn5
Here is a photo circa 1974:
http://tinyurl.com/2zbyrk
I have my doubts as to whether the building is still there. There’s not much left on that part of Temple Street, west of downtow. I will swing by and take a look the next time I’m down there.
That’s the last of them. Check the images of america section at Barnes & Noble and look for LA theaters.
Here is a 1941 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/3e49c5
We don’t have much of a problem with listings here in LA. It’s Oscar season from October to February, more or less, so the studios and agencies usually pay for large ads, which incidentally tell the Academy members where the films are showing.
Here is a 1943 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/22386q
Here is a 1937 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/yttc8x
Here is a 1942 photo of the Granada:
http://tinyurl.com/2cdl5q
Here is a 1938 photo of the Victor:
http://tinyurl.com/3c8q5p
Demolition awaits in 1965:
http://tinyurl.com/33efdv
Here is a 1956 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2yhrp7
Here is a 1940 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/25qg4q
Here is a view of some detail from the lobby, probably taken in the mid 70s:
http://tinyurl.com/285qt9