Since 1955, generations have rolled up in carloads at the Wallis Mainline Gepps Cross to catch their favourite movies on the biggest screen in town, from Gone with the Wind to The Sound of Music, Jaws to Jurassic Park, Star Wars to Spider-Man and more.

Classic rom-com Roman Holiday starring Hollywood legends Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn was the first film to screen at the open-air venue, which was also a ‘walk-in’ seating 400 patrons.

Even before a reel of 35mm film could be fed into the projector, concerned local MPs debated the moral dangers posed by drive-ins on the floor of State Parliament. The newly elected Member for Norwood, Don Dustan, rose to loudly defend this brash entertainment imported from America.  Dunstan was known for championing unfashionable causes throughout his political life and the drive-in at Gepps Cross was no different.

At its cultural peak, there were over 300 drive-ins nationwide, including 15 in metropolitan Adelaide and a further 22 across the state. Today, only 17 remain.

The drive-in survived the introduction of colour televisions and the home video boom but has struggled in the face of a changing movie industry, rampant film piracy, daylight saving and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last public screening at Wallis Mainline will be in February with final details to be announced soon.

Now let the cameras roll on a trip down memory lane, with South Australians’ favourite tales of the local drive-in.

The good, the bad and the freebie

Did you pay by car or per person? Well, that probably depended on which drive-in you visited. Some used both methods, charging by the person most nights with a bargain flat rate once a week (something like cinema offers with cheap Tuesdays.)  Enterprising cinephiles saved money by hiding in the boot. The designated driver paid for themselves, and maybe a passenger so they wouldn’t arouse suspicion from ticket sellers, before finding a spot on the lot. Playing it cool, they’d get out, walk to the back of the car and pop the boot. Their mates would then climb out and enjoy the movie for free.

Back in the day, we lived right behind the drive-in. We could see the movie screen clearly and picked up the sound on the radio. So, we’d grab some drinks and snacks, take a portable radio up on the roof and watch movies for free.  That was until the trees grew too big and blocked our view.

          BRIDGET, Hillbank.

The sound of bad acoustics

Modern cinemas boast amazing sound while drive-ins have to settle for tinny speakers and FM radio. Hooked over a window, the speaker provided directional sound blasting right into the ear of whoever sat next to it. Radio was a better option, especially if you had a booming car stereo. All you had to do was tune into the drive-in’s FM frequency. However, this could be a challenge for some. Static soundtracks with fuzzy dialogue and crackling ambience were cinematic nails on a chalkboard.

At the end of the night, there was always somebody who would forget to unhook the speaker. They’d drive off like a bat out of hell, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

My wife and I saw Titanic at the drive-in. At the point when they spotted the iceberg – when one of the crew yells: ‘Iceberg dead ahead!’ – a number of cars turned on their lights. The screen went almost blank. I couldn’t see a thing. I turned to my wife and said: ‘No wonder they hit the iceberg.’

          RICHARD, Valley View.

Love, actually

Romance blossomed on bitumen plains. This was where nervous couples went on first dates and young lovers found their perfect match while others just had to settle for the action on the big screen. Cue flashing high beams and honking horns during racy bits. Security was on patrol to make sure patrons didn’t get up to any ‘funny business’ in the back seat. A firm knock on the window and blinding bright light shone from a heavy-duty torch often startled sweethearts into decency. Panel-vans drew particular suspicion from these almighty moral arbiters.

Sunday night at Gepps Cross drive-in was a regular summer thing. One night, I met my future husband there. My car, with my two girlfriends, was parked next to his car – his mates had hidden in the boot to get in for free. We’ve been married 47 years.

          JOY, Wynn Vale.

Good deal hunting

B-grade movies and exploitation flicks were mainstays of drive-in programming long before they went straight to video. Some of these films were a little ‘trashy’. However, as they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, both on the big screen and below it. Many drive-ins doubled as trash and treasure markets, selling toys, sporting goods, bric-a-brac, fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and much more. Hands up if you’ve ever watched a movie late on Saturday night and came back on Sunday morning to pick up a bargain. Gepps X Treasure Markets will still run at the Wallis Mainline venue even after the end credits roll.

The first movies I remember seeing were at the drive-in. We went to see a double feature of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. My brother and I were super-excited and it was a big treat because Dad was a FIFO worker and rarely home. Seeing that with my whole family together is one of the greatest memories I’ll ever have.

          ANNE, Ashford.

It’s a wonderful life

More than anything, the drive-in was about family. We’d pile into the car with our siblings and parents for a great night of belly-laughs, thrills and spills, action and adventure. Once we’d found the perfect spot – halfway down, in front of the middle of the big screen – it was time to hit the kiosk and select our snacks from the junk food smorgasbord. We’d then stuff our faces full of popcorn, choc-tops, hot dogs and chips and wash it down with an ice-cold soft drink. The brain freeze from demolishing an Icee too fast was never fun. Sometimes our parents would bring fold-out chairs and watch movies under the starry night while we desperately fought off sleep to stay up late and see the whole double-bill. Those were the days. While the drive-in may be gone, our cherished memories will last forever.