The Drive-In -- A Modern Day Link to the
Past
In the post-World War II years, the car became more than a
means of transportation; it became a symbol of freedom and prosperity.
An improving road system meant people could travel the roads just
for the fun of it.
The landscape of America changed. Roadside burger stands and diners
popped up all over the place, filling the need for people who
wanted to grab a quick bite before hopping back into their cars
again.
Possibly the greatest icon of America's love affair with the automobile
at this time was the drive-in movie theatre.
In the early 1950's, drive-ins opened up all over the country
at an amazing rate. They were the ultimate in convenience- you
didn't even have to leave your car!- and they were a lot more
fun than fighting all the traffic downtown to go to the regular
movie theatre.
In time, theatres changed to accommodate their clientele- multiple
screens with more time and show options, air conditioning, surround
sound- and the drive-in theatre, in most areas, became a relic
of the past.
Today, there are fewer than 15 drive-ins operating in Missouri.
Amazingly, two of those theatres are located right in our area,
where you can go back in time to a thrill of the past while enjoying
a top-quality, first run movie.
Pine Hill Drive-In near Piedmont and 21 Drive-In between Ellington
and Van Buren offer a unique entertainment experience at lower
prices than most regular movie theatres.
Both of these theatres were built during the drive-in heyday of
the late '50s, were closed and reopened several times by various
owners since then, and are now thriving operations once again.
Both theatres also try to provide a fun atmosphere for families.
Kids under age 11 (age 12 at Pine Hill) get in free with an adult-
try getting that deal at the cineplex- and food and drink prices
are lower as well. While it is a sad fact of life in our society
that movies in general are not as family-friendly as they once
were, both operators said they try to choose movies that will
be popular with everyone but are less offensive.
Both theatres are a beehive of activity hours before the movie
starts. The grassy area between the parking area and the screen
at both theaters is a popular place for kids to play while waiting
for the show. They toss frisbees, footballs, and even hit baseballs
around. 21 even has a playground set for kids to play on.
Unlike the customers at the old drive-ins, most folks who come
to Pine Hill or 21 do not sit in their cars. People bring lawn
chairs or blankets or sit in the back of their pickup trucks and
watch the movie under the stars.
The Pine Hill Drive-In is located about two miles east of Piedmont
on Highway 34. It is open Thursday through Sunday nights during
the summer months.
Co-owner Randy Burlbaugh says that between 500 and 700 cars come
past him at the gate every weekend, regardless of what the weatherman
says.
"They come when raining, hard wind blowing, whatever. It's
amazing," says Burlbaugh.
Come through the gate, and if it weren't for the modern cars in
the parking lot, it would feel like a scene from 40 years ago.
Music from the 50s and 60s plays on the theatre's radio frequency
and on the speakers at the concession stand.
The concession stand has changed little since it was constructed,
from the antique sign out front that reads, "Popcorn, Coca-Cola,
Hot Dogs" to the pine tree decor all over the inside.
The most unique item at the concession stand is the famous Pine
Hill juicyburger, made from a secret recipe passed down from owner
to owner at the drive-in.
"We have people who come here just to get a juicyburger,"
Burlbaugh said.
21 Drive-In owners Cecil and Diane Price have worked hard to modernize
their theatre. They show a double feature every Friday and Saturday
night during the summer.
After being dark for more than 10 years, the drive-in was reopened
in 1999. Despite their not being used for so long, the theatre's
old hang-on-the-window speakers still work.
"We put the sound on the radio, but lots of people still
like the old speakers," said Cecil Price.
Last year, the Prices moved the projection room from the concession
stand to a new building near the gate. The projector is 535 feet
from the 36x85 foot screen, which Cecil says is the farthest distance
of any theatre in Missouri.
"We think it actually provides a clearer picture. At night
the fog used to roll in the valley and interfere with the picture,"
he explained.
The extra room allowed the Prices to expand their concession area,
which now includes a large picnic area and video games to pass
the time before the movie starts.
The drive-in experience brings in people from all over the area.
"We have a lot of folks who come from Ellington, Van Buren,
and Ellsinore, of course, but we also have folks who come all
the time from Poplar Bluff, Doniphan, West Plains, and all over,"
said Diane Price. "They want to be a part of this unique
experience."