Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-in Movie

Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-in Movie is a heartwarming, nostalgic tribute to the quintessential American experience that is the drive-in movie. Released in 2013, the documentary takes us on a captivating journey through the rise, decline, and revival of drive-in theaters across America. It is starring Charles Bruss, Riley Cooke, Roger Corman, and many others who share their experiences and thoughts about this unique silver screen phenomenon.

The spellbinding documentary, directed by April Wright, delves deep into the early history and evolution of the drive-in movie industry. With over 4000 drive-ins across America at its peak, the film endeavors to unravel how drive-in movies became an integral part of American culture and why they hold a special place in the hearts of the American populous.

The film's narrative kicks off by exploring the early 1930s when Richard Hollingshead Jr. invented the concept of drive-in theaters in New Jersey. The movie then traverses through the economic, social, and technological shifts of subsequent decades – from the affordability of cars in the post-WWII era, the baby boom, the advent of television, to the encroachment of land developers – all of which played a role in shaping the drive-in theater industry.

The film beautifully weaves personal narratives into this larger social narrative of the drive-in. Interviews with industry insiders and enthusiasts—including Charles Bruss, Riley Cooke and Roger Corman—provide an intimate perspective on the cultural significance of the drive-in. These industry insiders recount amusing anecdotes, experiences and personal stories, proving that drive-in theaters were more than just venues for movie screenings, they were community centers, family outings, and symbols of freedom and independence.

The film also features the stories of resilient drive-in owners, who have continued to keep their places running despite many challenges and setbacks, embodying the never-say-die American spirit. Moreover, the archival still photos, film clips from vintage drive-in intermissions, and promotional shorts capture the magical aura of the drive-in experience, from twinkling starlight screenings to lovers' quarrels in backseats.

The highlight of the film is documentary director Roger Corman, known famously as the 'King of B-Movies'. His role in the drive-in movie era as a producer and director of low-budget films contributes an incredibly insightful perspective to the film. Corman’s recollections bring alive the business dynamics and the creative challenges that existed during the heydays of drive-in theaters.

Going Attractions also explores the darker side of drive-in theaters and their depiction in popular culture as sites of teenage debauchery, horror shows, and ‘passion pits’, providing a complete picture of the societal reactions towards this phenomenon. This adds a touch of reality and grounds the narrative, keeping it from slipping into over-romanticism.

As a documentary, Going Attractions walks the fine line between nostalgia and factual storytelling. It manages to create a vibrant picture of the past without forgetting to touch upon the social, economic, and technological factors which caused the decline of drive-in theaters. However, it also explores the recent resurgence in popularity of the drive-in experience, opening discussions on its potential future in the digital age as an alternative, retro cinephilic experience.

Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the American Drive-in Movie is not just a film about cinema history; it’s a love-letter to a unique American institution. Combining historical footage, interviews, and facts, it paints a spellbinding portrait of an era now passed and the journey of a cultural phenomenon that continues to enchant generations of moviegoers. This film is a must-watch for all cinephiles and those nostalgic for a slice of Americana.