Drive-In (1976)

**_Drive-in shenanigans in the mid-70s_**

Several different sets of people, young and older, go to a drive-in outside of Dallas on Friday night. Some just want to enjoy a cheesy 70’s disaster flick while others want to romance or rumble. A couple even want to rob.

“Drive-In” (1976) is basically “American Graffiti” set at a drive-in in Anytown, USA, except that it throws in some hammy humor, unlike that more popular coming-of-age flick. I had a ‘meh’ attitude for the first half hour, although it wasn’t bad; I just had a bad attitude. However, when people started to arrive at the drive-in in their vehicles there are three laugh-out-loud jokes one after the other, which won me over. From there on, I just rolled with what the movie had to offer and had a good time.

The leader of the wannabe thieves is reminiscent of Brian Johnson, who would go on to helm AC/DC less than five years after this was shot in mid-October, 1975. Meanwhile Glenn Morshower emerges as the main protagonist, Orville. This was his first feature film and he went on to a prolific second-tier acting career.

Brunette Lisa Oz (Glowie) and redhead Michelle Franks (Omalee) stand out on the beauty front. Blonde Linda Larimer is also worth a mention as the cashier at the entrance to the drive-in.

At the end of the day, I’d watch this over the overrated “American Graffiti” any day.

It runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Terrell, Texas, which is a half hour drive east of Dallas.

GRADE: B

A small-town in Texas, one sweaty summer night, and every teenager within a 50-mile radius crammed into The Alamo drive-in to watch a gloriously fake disaster flick called "Disaster '76." Rod Amateau's Drive-In throws rival gangs, awkward first dates, and two absolutely clueless would-be robbers into a blender and hits purée. The acting is so-so, the jokes land with a thud as often as they land at all. But somehow, this scrappy, Southern-fried time capsule is so disarmingly sincere that you can't help but root for everyone on screen. It's American Graffiti after three Lone Star beers — sloppy, warm, and weirdly wonderful. The sound track features a who's who of 70s country artist too!!