Watch At the Drive In

At the Drive In is a heartwarming documentary film that tells the story of the Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Pennsylvania, a beloved cultural institution that has been showing classic movies to audiences for over seven decades. The movie features interviews with the owner and operators of the theater, as well as with devoted fans who have been coming to the drive-in for generations.

The film is directed by Alexander Monelli and produced by Brockton McKinney. It stars Jeff Mattox, Virgil Cardamone, and Matt McClanahan, who all have a deep connection to the theater and its history. Mattox is the current owner of the Mahoning Drive-In, while Cardamone is the theater's head projectionist, and McClanahan is a longtime fan and supporter.

The movie opens with a nostalgic montage of vintage movie trailers and advertisements, set to an upbeat rockabilly soundtrack. It then introduces the viewer to the Mahoning Drive-In and its rich history, beginning with its opening in 1949 and continuing through its ups and downs over the years.

Through interviews with Mattox, Cardamone, and others, we learn about the challenges of running a drive-in in the 21st century, including the rise of multiplexes and streaming services. The movie also explores the unique charms of the Mahoning Drive-In, such as its 35mm projectors and its commitment to showing only analog film prints.

One of the key themes of At the Drive In is the sense of community that the Mahoning Drive-In has fostered over the years. Interviews with fans reveal how the drive-in has been a gathering place for families and friends, and how it has helped to create lasting memories and traditions.

The movie also touches on the darker side of the theater's history, including a devastating tornado in 1998 that destroyed much of the property, and the struggle to keep the business afloat in the face of changing technology and audience tastes. But despite these challenges, the Mahoning Drive-In has endured, and continues to be a beloved destination for movie lovers of all ages.

Throughout the film, we see footage of classic movies being projected onto the giant screen of the drive-in, from horror classics like Night of the Living Dead to family favorites like The Goonies. The movie captures the excitement and joy of watching these movies in a communal setting, surrounded by fellow fans and the comforting hum of the projector.

At the Drive In is a celebration of not only the Mahoning Drive-In Theater, but of the enduring appeal of the drive-in movie experience. It's a film for anyone who has fond memories of going to the drive-in as a child, or who simply appreciates the magic of the movies.

Overall, At the Drive In is a heartwarming and engaging documentary that will appeal to anyone who loves movies, history, or community. It's a tribute to a cultural institution that has stood the test of time, and a reminder of the power of film to bring people together.

At the Drive In is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.