The classic drive-in movie theater evokes images of cinema's golden years. The first drive-in opened in 1933 and popularized a craze that would endure for 40 years. Suddenly, moviegoers could enjoy a film in the comfort of their own car, a luxury unheard of just a few years earlier. Drive-in theaters were popular because it was one activity the family could do together. Later, however, venues became the domain of love-struck teens seeking a little privacy no matter what was being screened...
After a decline in the 1970s and '80s, the drive-in movie enjoyed a new audience. Today, dedicated venues show the latest blockbusters, with families once again in the driving seat. So, what drove this unique cultural phenomenon?
Click through the following gallery and find out more about the history of the drive-in.