Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1963)

WIDEST SCREEN IN NORTH CAROLINA' Overall view of the new Forest Drive-In Theatre, Raleigh, N.C., shows its 8,784-square-foot screen, the concessions and projection building and its grass-covered ramps. The theatre was formerly located just outside the city limits on U.S. I North, but was forced to relocate approximately four miles outside the city limits on the same highway because of construction of the Raleigh beltline, with the result of a finer and bigger theatre. By RAYMOND LOWERY A NEW AND larger Forest Drive-In Theatre — one able to accommodate 800 cars — recently opened on U.S. 1 North, four miles outside the Raleigh, N.C., city limits. The $250,000 facility was built for yearround screenings by Consolidated Theatres of Charlotte, which also operates the Village Theatre in the Cameron Village Shopping Center here. The new Forest layout, on a 20-acre site surrounded by heavily wooded land, was designed for the comfort of patrons and for easy handling of traffic. Colorful attraction board at the drive-in entrance dominates the highway at that point. Beyond it is a long entrance drive which accommodates 300 cars to cvnid traffic baching up on the highway. The standout feature of the drive-in is its screen, consisting of 8,784 square feet. A tower 72 feet high supports a 52x120foot picture screen, widest outdoor screen in the state and one of the widest in the southeast. The approach to the drive-in is made exciting by an impressive, colorful attraction board. A long entrance drive will hold 300 cars so that traffic will not be backed up on the highway. A 750-foot corrugated fence keeps car lights off the viewing area. Twin boxoffice windows enable cashiers to serve two lines of traffic. Among other features are 14 Bermuda grass ramps and 800 wide-spaced speakers. An extra-wide exit drive has been blacktopped. So has the entrance drive. There are two rows of lights on a pole at a high-rise spot at the rear of the site. The four amber and green bulbs across the top give a moonlight effect, lighting the way for comers and goers but not disturbing viewers. The four white bulbs on the bottom row are used before the show goes on and at intermission. In the approximate center of the drivein, a concrete block building contains the projection booth, restrooms, spacious kitchen, breezeway with canopy and a concessions area with twin serving lanes. Up to 2,000 persons may be accommodated inside the building, which is brilliantly lighted. Colorful, divided aisles control the crowds so that they may move along in an orderly manner. The glass front on the building and indoor speakers allow customers to follow the movie in progress while waiting in line or making purchases. Everything is selfservice and payment is made to the cashier where the serving lanes converge. The menu includes Charco hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries — all wrapped in tinfoil bags — ice cream, coffee, soft drinks, popcorn and candy. DESIGNED FOR EASY MAINTENANCE A terrazzo tile floor is in a pattern of yellow, tangerine and aqua. Counter paneling is Formica, counter tops are stainless steel, lane dividers are diamond -shaped mesh metal. All equipment — grills, French fry units, preparation bars, ice machine units, drink dispensers, etc. — is at least six inches off the floor to make for easy cleaning. Restroom and toilet facilities are roomier than at any drive-in theatre in this area. A playground and recreation center will be constructed in the near future. The old Forest, formerly located just outside the city limits on U.S. 1 North, was compelled to relocate to make way for a leg of the Raleigh beltline now under construction. The night before the new drive-in opened to the public, Consolidated held a cocktail party at the city’s luxurious Velvet Cloak Inn for business and civic leaders, press, radio and television representatives. On opening night, the screen program was preceded by a special two-hour program of live entertainment. Prizes valued An attractive, two-lane boxoffice was gaily decorated for opening night, with a down on hand to delight the kiddies and girls to pass out favors to patrons in the approaching cars. The entrance drive is blacktopped, as is the extra-wide exit drive. The drive-in is well lighted along both entrance and exit drives. 52 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION