Motor Vu Drive-in Theatre (Closed)
Imperial, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Whew, what is that smell? On a hot and humid evening in Imperial, the Motor-Vu Twin Drive-In Theatre sits beneath the fading desert sky and waits for its first car. Then it waits a little longer. Was it the heat, the humidity, or whatever happened to be drifting across the Imperial Valley that night? Depending on the wind, the surrounding farms and cattle lots could add a little something extra to the outdoor movie experience.

Whatever the reason, cars were not exactly storming through the gate on this particular evening. The marquee was ready, the screens were waiting, and there were plenty of good parking spaces to choose from. Perhaps everyone planned to arrive at the same time. Better keep waiting.

Motor Vu Marquee Showing Saving Private Ryan
Imperial, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Motor-Vu opened in 1949 and entertained generations of moviegoers from Imperial and nearby El Centro. Families could pile into the car, head out to Aten Road, and catch a movie without leaving the comfort of their own seats. The Gran family took over the theater operation in 1968 and kept the pictures rolling for decades.

A second screen was added during the 1980s, turning the old outdoor theater into the Motor-Vu Twin. Moviegoers now had a choice, and the two tall screens lit up against the flat desert horizon after dark. The concession and projection building stood between the viewing areas, ready with snacks and two movies worth of film to keep moving through the projectors.

The lot is home to a classic marquee, worth the price (or drive) of admission alone. Just don't be like yours truly and head the wrong way on Aten Road despite racing against the sun.

Ticket Booth guy getting ready for a busy evening
Imperial, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

For all the jokes about the summer weather, the Motor-Vu lasted more than 60 years. Its vintage 35mm carbon-arc projectors kept working until Hollywood began replacing traditional film prints with digital releases. Upgrading both outdoor screens was simply too expensive for a seasonal drive-in, and the final picture flickered out on April 13, 2013.

UPDATE: As they say (who's they?), all good things must come to an end. The Motor Vu, like many other of its brothers and sisters, closed up permanently in April 2013. Word is the closure was due to low attendance and simply not making enough money to stay open. Many thanks to David Hughes for update. 07-13

UPDATE: The Motor-Vu remains closed and the property has not been redeveloped. Both screen towers, the concession and projection building, and the tall atomic-style marquee still stand on the vacant lot. The entrance now waits for cars that no longer arrive, no matter how the evening air smells. 09-26