Drive-In

I've figured out where everyone is on Saturday nights in Lubbock. They are at the Stars & Stripes Drive-In. I have been thinking about creating an assignment where my students go to a movie theatre to observe audience behaviour. The students who go to the drive-in will have a lot to talk about.

First, there's the long line of cars to get in, which backs out onto the highway, making for an exciting driving experience. Once you get your ticket (an amazing bargain - $6 for a double feature), you tune your radio and listen to the announcer advising you to head to the concession stand to try the "Famous Chihuahua Sandwich" - made from Chihuahua cheese, one hopes. There are three screens at the Stars & Stripes, and there are staff in each zone to direct traffic, including armed police officers. I wanted to ask if there have ever been any shoot-outs, but I was afraid of the answer.

Transformers 2 (a film of dazzling stupidity) was well-attended to the point of gridlock. I parked near the edge, and as the movie quickly convinced me that it did not require my attention, I enjoyed walking among the cars (trucks, actually). The first thing I noticed was that all the pick-up trucks were parked backwards, so that the beds could be used as viewing platforms tricked-out with inflatable love seats, electric fans, extra speakers, and fold-out picnic tables. I was impressed at the care and attention people put into their truck-bed lounges. I need to befriend some truck owners.

Since West Texas is flat and largely treeless, one can see great distances at any given moment, and the drive-in is no exception. Viewers had the option of watching the movie, but during the course of the screening, one could also watch a thrilling lightning storm to the south, a fireworks show to the south-east, the city lights to the north-east, and a passing freight train to the north. Never a dull moment.