Remember the drive-in movies? Remember double features?
This Gallery contains a collection of films that were the drive-in movie equivalent of the TV commercial break. Each film is actually a compilation of shorts-instructions, PSAs, commercials for local businesses. But make no mistake about it, the message of these films is VISIT OUR REFRESHMENT STAND: a dizzying variety of exhortations—animated and live action, color and black-and-white—to consume hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs popcorn, soda, candy, ice cream, Chilly Dilly Pickles, and Flavo Shrimp Rolls. And of course there are the handy reminders of how much time is left get to the refreshment stand on the minute.
Just in case the patron is unfamiliar with the mechanics of enjoying a drive-in movie, there’s instruction on how to place the speaker on the window (and please don’t drive off with them). There are ads for heaters for inside the car and something called “Drizzle Guard”, a little tent for rainy day viewing, in Drive In Intermission 3.
The Public Service Announcements include encouragements to drive safely, register to vote, see your doctor once a year and worship regularly, as well as a chiding that “Public Demonstration of Affection Will Not Be Tolerated Here.” ‘Nuff said?”
My favorites are the two jazz-themed Dr. Pepper ads. At the 10:13 mark on Drive-in Intermission 1 is the beatnik-cool- jazz daddy-o commercial, and on Drive In Intermission 3 at 11:02, you’ll find the dixieland jazz ad.
All-in-all, it’s a fun and interesting look at a disappearing piece of mid-twentieth century America.
Read more:
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-drive-in-movie-theater-opens