Starlight Drive-In

78259 E. Main Street,
Albert Lea, MN 56007

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Carisch Theatres

Architects: Jack J. Liebenberg

Firms: Liebenberg and Kaplan

Nearby Theaters

Starlight Drive-In

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

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

anomie666
anomie666 on February 23, 2006 at 8:28 pm

I think it is supposed to be “starlight”.

anomie666
anomie666 on February 24, 2006 at 4:27 am

If seen it spelled both ways, that is what is confusing. Here is a page that has some pictures:

View link

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on February 17, 2009 at 7:44 pm

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.

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on July 27, 2019 at 7:19 pm

“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

rivest266
rivest266 on February 12, 2024 at 4:27 pm

opened July 7th, 1949. Ad posted.

50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on February 12, 2024 at 6:36 pm

Once operated by Carisch Theatres.

Kenmore
Kenmore on February 13, 2024 at 7:30 pm

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.

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