The Rise and Decline of Drive-In Cinemas in the United States

40 Pages Posted: 22 Jan 2020

See all articles by Mark Fox

Mark Fox

Indiana University South Bend

Grant C. Black

University of Missouri at Saint Louis - Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Education

Date Written: February 22, 2010

Abstract

This paper contrasts the drive-in cinema experience to that of traditional, indoor cinemas. We examine the factors that led to the dramatic growth of drive-ins in the post-WWII period and how drive-in owners encouraged addictive consumption by patrons. We also examine means by which drive-ins encourage considerate conduct by patrons. Reasons for the decline of drive-ins are examined as are a modern alternative to drive-ins, namely Guerilla drive-ins and MobMovs.

Keywords: Drive-in cinema, Addictive consumption, MobMovs, Guerilla drive-ins

JEL Classification: L82

Suggested Citation

Fox, Mark and Black, Grant C., The Rise and Decline of Drive-In Cinemas in the United States (February 22, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1557403 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1557403

Mark Fox (Contact Author)

Indiana University South Bend ( email )

South Bend, IN 46634
United States

Grant C. Black

University of Missouri at Saint Louis - Center for Entrepreneurship & Economic Education ( email )

607 Tower
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121
United States

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