In 1976, when drive-in theaters were all the rage, Columbia Pictures released a comedy film called “Drive-In.” Directed by Rod Amateau and written by Bob Peete, this movie captured the charm and spirit of small-town America. With a cast of new faces, “Drive-In” offers a light-hearted and humorous look at a typical night at a drive-in theater.
Plot Overview
The plot of “Drive-In” centers around “Disaster ’76,” the latest disaster film playing at The Alamo, a drive-in theater in a quaint Texas town. The screening becomes a melting pot of diverse characters, including a young couple, rival youth gangs, two thieves plotting a heist, a jittery doctor, and several other colorful town residents.
Their interactions and escapades create a tapestry of comedic events that reflect the lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere of drive-in theaters during that era.
Storyline
As night falls at The Alamo drive-in theater, the anticipation builds for the showing of “Disaster ’76,” a film that promises thrills and excitement. Among the attendees is Glowie Hudson, a high school student who is eagerly looking forward to a date with her boyfriend, Little Bit. Their night, however, is far from romantic as they find themselves caught in the midst of chaos.
Two rival youth gangs, led by Orville Hennigson and Widow Maker, bring their long-standing feud to the drive-in, resulting in a series of comical confrontations. Meanwhile, a pair of bumbling thieves, Enoch and Spoon, hatch a plan to rob the drive-in’s concession stand, only to be thwarted by their own incompetence and the unexpected vigilance of the theater staff.
Adding to the mayhem is Dr. Demars, a nervous doctor who becomes increasingly anxious as the night progresses. His wife, Mrs. Demars, tries to keep him calm, but the doctor’s paranoia leads to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and mishaps.
The drive-in manager, played by Louis Zito, and the cashier, Linda Larimer, attempt to maintain order as the night spirals out of control. The various storylines intertwine, leading to a climactic showdown that is as funny as it is heartwarming.
Cast
The film featured an ensemble cast with performances that added to its charm:
- Lisa Lemole as Glowie Hudson
- Gary Lee Cavagnaro as Little Bit
- Glenn Morshower as Orville Hennigson
- Billy Milliken as Enoch
- Lee Newsom as Widow Maker
- Regan Kee as Spoon
- Andy Parks as Widow Maker
- Trey Wilson as Gifford
- Gordon Hurst as Will Henry
- Kent Perkins as Bill Hill
- Ashley Cox as Mary Louise
- Louis Zito as Manager
- Linda Larimer as Cashier
- Barry Gremillion as Diddle Brown
- David Roberts as Gear Grinder
- Phil Ferrell as Gear Grinder
- Joe Flower as Gear Grinder
- Carla Palmer as Glowie’s Friend
- Carrie Jessup as Glowie’s Friend
- Gloria Shaw as Mrs. Demars
- Bill McGhee as Dr. Demars
- Jessie Lee Fulton as Mom
- Robert Valgova as Boss
- Michelle Franks as Omalee Ledbetter
- Jack Isbell as Divinity Student
- Dejah Moore as Waitress
- Curtis Posey as Deputy
- Billy Vance White as Deputy
- Hank Stohl as Sherman Vance
Reception
“Drive-In” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release.
- Lawrence Van Gelder of The New York Times noted the film’s “virtue of fresh faces” but criticized it for “uneven acting” and “occasional overwriting,” ultimately describing it as “basically a juvenile story.
- Arthur D. Murphy of Variety found it to be an “easy-going and likeable” production, appreciating how Amateau’s direction and Peete’s script turned the low-budget production into an asset through “simplicity and sincerity.”
- Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film two out of four stars, criticizing the humor as “insult comedy typical of TV shows like Hee Haw” and expressing a preference for seeing the fictional “Disaster ’76” movie instead.
- Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times called it “a shrewdly made exploitation picture,” noting its broad humor intended for “the most unsophisticated of audiences” but acknowledging that it remained “consistently funny.”
FAQs
What is “Drive-In” about?
“Drive-In” is a 1976 comedy film set at The Alamo, a drive-in theater in a small Texas town. The film follows a series of comedic events involving various characters who gather to watch the disaster film “Disaster ’76.”
Who directed “Drive-In”?
The film was directed by Rod Amateau.
Who wrote the screenplay for “Drive-In”?
The screenplay was written by Bob Peete.
When was “Drive-In” released?
“Drive-In” was released on May 26, 1976.
Who are the main cast members of “Drive-In”?
The film stars Lisa Lemole, Gary Lee Cavagnaro, Glenn Morshower, Billy Milliken, Lee Newsom, and Regan Kee, among others.
What themes are explored in “Drive-In”?
“Drive-In” explores themes of community, chaos, and humor through the interactions of various characters at a drive-in theater.
How was “Drive-In” received by critics?
The film received mixed reviews. Critics appreciated the fresh faces and simplicity but criticized the uneven acting and juvenile storyline.
Is “Drive-In” based on a real drive-in theater?
The Alamo drive-in theater in the film is fictional, but it represents the typical drive-in theaters popular in the 1970s.
What genre does “Drive-In” belong to?
“Drive-In” is a comedy film.
Can I watch “Drive-In” today?
Availability may vary, but “Drive-In” can be found on various streaming platforms or through DVD purchases.
Conclusion
“Drive-In” serves as a charming time capsule of 1970s drive-in culture, bringing together a variety of characters and storylines that reflect the lively spirit of the era.
Despite its mixed critical reception, the film’s humor and nostalgic setting have continued to resonate with audiences who appreciate its simple, sincere approach to comedy. Through its portrayal of a night at a Texas drive-in theater, “Drive-In” remains a fond reminder of a bygone era in American cinema.
