Drive-in movies are a frequent symbol of a simpler American past. Once a familiar sight, drive-in movies are now a rarity in most areas. However, on Oct. 14 2011 the village of Milford hosted its own drive-in movie.
The drive-in was held in the abandoned parking lot of the old Farmer Jack in downtown Milford. The unused lot was the ideal location for the movie, big enough to hold a considerable number of people, and surrounded by businesses with all the movie essentials: candy and pop.
The 1982 version of the timeless classic, E.T was chosen for the feature presentation. It was a good decision for the premier drive-in to play a classic film.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie revolves around an Extra Terrestrial who is left behind by his spaceship and is forced to stay on earth. E.T is soon spotted by a young boy, Elliot. Once Elliot runs into the creature in his yard, he is determined to capture the “iguana.”
By baiting him with Reese’s Pieces, Elliot soon coaxes his new friend into his bedroom, and adopts the alien as part of his family. The relationships E.T. develops with his human friends are universal and everlasting, just like the lessons taught in the movie.
This wasn’t the first attempt the village had at hosting a drive-in movie. A few years ago another drive- in was scheduled in the same location, but the movie was canceled due to inclement weather. Fortunately this time around, the sky was so clear one could see the stars.
“We [the Village] purchased the blow up screen with four other communities and try to utilize it five times a year,” said Lori Hansen, member of the Milford Township Parks & Recreation Board.
At dusk, about 30 cars full of people crowded the parking lot. The audience had the choice of sitting outside or in the front seat of their car, where they could listen to the movie through station 106.3. Those that were close enough could listen through the screen’s speakers.
The movie was set to start at dusk, which ended up being around 7:40 p.m. When the screen lit up and opening credits began, the lot seemed to be silenced. Headlights dimmed and people who were walking around retired to the back of their pick-up trucks. Everyone waited anxiously for the movie to begin.
The night was clear but was a bit cold. The temperature peaked at 56 degrees, with a wind chill of 46. Under blankets and the comfort of cars, spectators seemed to stay warm. Movie-goers that went seemed to enjoy themselves.
In the end, the movie had a good turnout, many cars filled the lot, and each vehicle was filled with families and friends.
Although there was a satisfactory crowd, many more students may have gone if they knew the drive-in was occurring. “Next time they should advertise better,” said high school sophomore Julia Schaeffer. “A lot of people didn’t know the drive-in was going on. Overall it was such a fun time. I think they should definitely have another drive-in; I would go again for sure. It would be really cool if there were drive-ins more often, like once a month.”
E.T. was the perfect choice for the drive-in premier, but if the Village decides to continue regular movie showings, they could increase the genres of movies they show to appeal to specific ages.
Expansion of movie genres would likely attract a wider range of audience, possibly from different communities. Attracting a wide range of ages for the audience would only increase the popularity of the drive-in.
As E.T. and Elliot flew across the moon on a bicycle, horns honked and through closed windows one could hear the cheers of enthusiastic movie-goers. This alone is proof that the Milford drive-in was a complete success. Historic Milford Village again revived part of America’s past by creating an instant drive-in movie theater. If the Village decides to continue the drive-ins, popularity will only increase and Milford may even be able to cement drive-ins as part of its history.