Movies Under the Stars
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
Motor Vu Twin Drive-In courtesy of Cinema Treasures LLC
I saw Detroit Rock City and Deep Blue Sea at the Motor Vu Twin Drive-In in Imperial, California when I was living in the Imperial Valley. It was the first time that I had been to a drive-in since I was a child. Wilmington, North Carolina had a number of drive-in theaters when I was young. Shame that they closed. Shame that the Motor Vu Twin Drive-In is now closed as well.
In my travels through Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, I have come across a handful of drive-in theaters still in operation. Considering the social distancing edicts issued by state and local governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a drive-in movie was generally considered an acceptable way for a household to watch a movie together outside of the home. It is my understanding that a number of drive-in theaters were open last year. I haven’t gotten to a show since I moved to Northern Illinois, but I hope to do so this year or next. Toughest thing about making it happen is my work schedule and the fact that a number of these theaters are only open over the weekend and closed for the colder months.
Ifyou are fortunate enough to live within driving distance of a drive-in theater or your travels take you near one, consider taking in a show (or a double feature as I did). If you have been to a drive-in theater before, it will be a fun taste of nostalgia. If you have never been to a drive-in movie before, it will offer you a fun taste of Americana. 🎥 🍿 🚗
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