One Side Trip at a time!

A Night at the Galaxy

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Written by Michael E. Ward

It’s a crisp autumn evening in Texas. The stars are draping down from the sky, and the field I’m standing in is silent save the intermittent low hums of cars and trucks plowing up and down I-45. I look around and find myself surrounded by giant cinematic images flying toward me at 24 frames per second, but no sound.

Sure, I can see Ben Stiller making a fool of himself or Christian Bale attempting to put Russell Crowe on the 3:10 to Yuma. However, if I want to hear anything, I’m going to have to get back into my car and turn on the radio.
Such is the nature of drive-in theatres, one of America’s most nostalgic and curious pastimes. They remain, in many ways, a testament to our desire for individual space and autonomy. After all, when you go to the drive-in, you bring your own seats and room. If the movie isn’t what you thought it would be, instead of stumbling over feet and upsetting bags of popcorn as you grope your way through a black void, you can simply drive off.

Relatively speaking, only a handful of these places still operate today. You can occasionally see the casualties of progress and innovation along roadsides throughout our state. Their vacant screens are warped and strangled by vines and brush in an ironic homage to the campy sci-fi celluloid that was once blasted onto their surfaces.

But tonight, I’m at one of the success stories. Located about 20 miles south of Dallas in the town of Garrett, the Galaxy Drive-In Theatre is perfectly situated. You’re just far enough from home that it feels like a mini-adventure, and the light pollution from the city is dampened, making the stars shimmer, the sky broaden.

Honestly though, from the road, the Galaxy Drive-In looks more carnival than theater. The lights, neon sirens of blue, red, yellow, and green are almost hypnotic and help make it one of the brightest things for miles. And it’s decidedly family friendly, something that is becoming increasingly more important. You can even play a round of miniature golf before your movie begins.

Four screens show 8 movies each night of the week—rain or shine. Although let me state for the record that I still have not seen a movie through the wump-wump of wipers across the windshield. Your ticket price—$6 for adults, $2 for children—includes a double feature. That’s two movies for a price that wouldn’t even get you admission to one in the big city. On weekdays, the first shows start at 7:30PM. On weekends, shows begin at 8:15PM.

There is, of course, food. And, just like the tickets, it’s reasonably priced. You can grab yourself a freshly cooked cheeseburger with fries and a large drink for less than $7.00. Pizza, nachos, corndogs, and other fatty but oh-so-delicious items are also available. Did I mention the popcorn? A Texas-sized bag, which could feed a family of four, is only $5.50.

The Galaxy Drive-In’s a popular date spot as well, teenage shenanigans notwithstanding. Although the theatre prides itself on being family friendly, it does feature R-rated movies. In fact, the night I went, I watched the tail end of “3:10 to Yuma” and all of “The Kingdom.” Starting in November, the theatre will take part in HorrorFest 2007. A “celebration of the horror genre,” the Galaxy will showcase all 8 selections that will surely having you looking in your rearview mirror once or twice as your drive off.

I went on a Thursday night and the place was far from crowded. However, I have it on good authority that the on Friday and Saturday nights, the theatre can be packed. Plan accordingly; it seems I’m not the only one who appreciates a throwback to a simpler time.

I don’t know what spurred the demise of the drive-in theatre—urbanization and cheaper A/C may have played a role.  But the drive-in is something to be experienced whether here at the Galaxy or some other roadside stop in this great state.

Sure, closed theaters are perhaps more convenient, and don’t get me wrong, they certainly have their advantages. However, the drive-in offers a certain cinematic intimacy and nostalgia. These places exist for people who love movies. And, let’s face it, the drive-in may be the only place you’ll ever be completly surrounded by stars.