The 41 Outdoor Theater

Anthony Borgo July 2024

At one time, Whiting, Indiana was a hub of entertainment venues.  Though it may be hard to believe, over the years there have been four other movie theaters, besides the beloved Hoosier. In addition, Whiting also had a grand opera house to captivate audiences.  But, none of these venues could beat the 41 Outdoor on a summer evening.

The first film ever screened at a drive-in movie theater was titled Wives Beware.  On June 6, 1933, just outside Camden, New Jersey drivers paid 25 cents per car, plus an additional 25 cents per person to watch the British comedy. 

The innovator behind this motor-age phenomenon was Richard Milton Hollingshead, Jr. For weeks, he experimented with this home theater layout to ensure all passengers would have unobstructed views of the screen.  Hollingshead used a Kodak projector and a screen nailed to a tree in his backyard for the initial showing.

The success of Hollingshead’s drive-in caused more and more drive-ins to appear in every state in the country and spread internationally as well. Drive-ins gained immense popularity 20 years later during the 1950s and ‘60s with the Baby Boomer generation. There were over 4,000 drive-ins throughout the U.S., and most were in rural areas. They maintained popularity as both a space for families to spend time with each other as well as an affordable date night option.

Alex Manta and Jack Rose were the men who brought the 41 Outdoor Theatre to the Whiting-Robertsdale area. Manta and Rose operated a slew of popular theaters throughout the Calumet Region, Northern Indiana, and the Chicagoland area.  However, they declared that the 41 Drive-In was going to be one of the most elaborate outdoor theaters in America.

The theater was located on Route 41, where Calumet Avenue and Sheffield Avenue met.  At this time, the spot selected for the theater comprised one of the largest areas ever set aside for an outdoor movie theater.  The land featured ample room for over one thousand cars, brick buildings, and an extra large screen. The huge screen was designed so that no matter from which section of the theater one viewed the picture, there was absolutely no blur or distortion.

The 41 Outdoor was designed and engineered by Rapp & Rapp, a nationally recognized firm.  According to a Hammond Times article dated May 10, 1949, much of the theater’s infrastructure was placed underground. “A veritable maze of draining piping and facilities, sump pumps, electric wiring and a myriad of other engineering necessities guarantees the Hammond 41 to be free of dampness, even after the heaviest downpour of rain.”

In addition, a separate building was constructed to house the large projection machines, as well as, a new super lamp that gave the screen a powerful and clear light, ensuring that the movies were always bright and visible. Another brick building, located a short distance behind the projection booth, housed the concession stand.  Inside one could find a one hundred foot long circular snack bar, tiled restrooms, drinking fountains and baby bottle warmers. A wide aisle down the length of the theater offered easy access to the concession stand, with no danger to those walking to and from their vehicles. 

Another important feature was the children’s playground which was located beneath the massive movie screen.  In addition to the playground equipment there were several rows of reclining seats for those looking for an up close and personal viewing experience.

Manta and Rose raved about the brand new state of the art speaker system.  “New scientifically perfect individual car speakers represent a new advance in outdoor sound reproduction.” There was an individual  car speaker for every automobile.  The speaker had a volume control that could be set to suit the individual requirements of the listeners.  

The speakers were mounted on concrete bases until they were placed inside your car. The speaker stands were plainly marked with your aisle and car number so that you would always know where your vehicle was located.  “A soft white light continually glows over these markings so that at no time does one have to grope for their location.”  The groping was usually reserved for the back seat.  In addition, a red light could be toggled on and off to indicate the desire for service from one of the roving concession vendors.

The 41 Outdoor Theater opened to the public on May 21, 1949.  The inaugural program featured the action thriller “Canadian Pacific” in technicolor.  Canadian Pacific starred Randolp Scott and Jane Wyatt. The movie documents the Canadian Pacific Railway’s construction of their rail line through the Canadian Rockies.  In addition, the night featured the short “Gypsy Holiday” and the cartoon “We’re in the Honey.”

District Manager Michael Evan and Manager Sam Coston announced that the drive-in would present two shows nightly at approximately 8 and 10 o’clock. The gates of theater opened daily at 7 p.m. rain or shine.  In addition, an extra midnight show was presented every Saturday with a change of films every Sunday and Wednesday.

Drive-ins could only show movies during certain times of the year and were dependent on decent weather. During the ‘70s oil crisis, people downsized their cars in order to save money on the inflated cost of gas, making it uncomfortable to watch movies at the drive-in. To make up for lost revenue, drive-ins began losing their family-friendly atmosphere by showing exploitation films like slasher horrors as well as adult content. Likewise, the development of the VCR in the 1980s made it more appealing to stay at home and watch movies without paying for a movie at the drive-in.

Slowly, drive-ins began to lose their appeal. To have an effective drive-in, it had to be on at least 15 acres of land. Economically speaking, it became more practical for owners to close their drive-ins in order to sell their land to developers to build malls, multi-building complexes, or even a pallet company.  

The 41 Outdoor Theater closed in the 1980s, but it was open long enough that I was able to experience it as a child.  I remember my father backing in his station wagon onto a spot and opening the back door so that my sister and I could watch the latest Hollywood hit on a summer evening.

Even though drive-ins are not nearly as popular as they used to be, there are still drive-ins in business throughout the country. Today's drive-ins vary, but many show current films as well as older films. And, just like a classic drive-in, they sell refreshments like popcorn, candy, and soda. Some even have playgrounds for families to entertain their children. In 2023 there were over 300 drive-ins still in operation. And, if you are feeling nostalgic this summer venture on down to Valparaiso where you can find the 49er Drive In.