Back to the Past

 

If you are of a certain age, the drive-in movie theater will be a glorious memory of your childhood.  I know it was in mine.  We frequented the Elmsford, NY drive-in.  I remember my dad cleaning the windshield.   I knew then that a trip to Elmsford was coming that evening.

Well, very few still exist and many have gone out of business.  But, those who were hanging on got a boost in 2020 when COVID hit and your car made for the perfect way to be socially distance at the cinema.  Unfortunately, the resurgence didn't last long and, thanks to Hollywood cutting back on theater releases, drive-in theaters went back to survival mode.

It's that revival and ultimate un-revival that is the subject of April Wright's wonderful documentary "Back to the Drive-In."  Wright spotlights the trials and tribulations of eleven different drive-ins across the nation during the years of 2020 to 2022.  There are ups.  There are downs.  You learn that most such theaters are family-owned...almost mom and pop-like.  These are really small businesses who are committed to providing a service for their community.

One drive-in must deal with a nearby freight train line that blows its whistle every night at 945PM.  Another in Cape Cod often has to contend with fog rolling in from the nearby ocean.  Most of them deal with surly patrons who are acting super-aggressive in light of COVID restrictions.

But you also see the good stories of these people.  Couples who met and married after working at the drive-in since they were teenagers.  Others pride themselves of the snacks and food they offer.  One drive-in actually delivers home-made chocolate chip cookies to cars during the main feature.

It's a slice of a world we love and now miss.  Sadly, one of the spotlighted theaters, very close to me in Los Angeles, has sold their land to a developer.  Hopefully, the other ones in this compelling documentary manage to ride out the storm.

Again, those of a certain age...you will adore "Back to the Drive-In."  And perhaps shed a tear or two.

LEN'S RATING:  Three-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Leftover chicken in vinegar.