Page 8 - CR

Reminisces of the

Boondall

Drive-In Theatre
By Ian Day.

n February of 1956 I was happily To my knowledge the Boondall Drive- It was also the perfect place for the
Iworking as an assistant projectionist In was the first drive-in licensed in family man to take the wife and
at the Wintergarden Theatre in Queensland but was beaten to opening children for a night out, good food and
Brisbane (QLD), when I received a by the Capalaba Drive-In, as Thiess a big playground for the Children not to
phone call from Glen Jenkins who had Brothers (who did the earth works at mention movies.
just been appointed Projectionist at the Boondall) had problems shaping the
soon to be opened Boondall Drive-In ramps and thus delaying it’s opening by The Boondall Drive-In had a
Theatre in the outer suburb of Boondall. a few weeks. tremendous playground with a merry-
(I had previously worked with Glen at go-round, midget cars, swings, slippery-
the Imperial Theatre at Lutwyche). When drive-ins first came to Brisbane slide and a whole host of other playground
they were a sensation. With the warm goodies - as well as pony rides! You
This really gave me a lot to think about balmy nights in Queensland, the drive- could ride a saddled-up Shetland
as I really enjoyed my position at the in theatre was the place to go. pony or ride in your choice of three
wonderful Wintergarden, but a Drive- different coaches pulled by the ponies.
in Theatre, well now, that was something They were something new and modern And everything in the playground was
altogether different, something and the perfect place for a young guy absolutely free!
unknown, a whole new world not yet to take his girl and spend the night in
seen in Brisbane, so I couldn’t resist the the privacy of his car watching a movie. Adjoining the playground area was the
temptation and headed to Boondall! (No TV here yet). well equipped BBQ area where Mum
and Dad could enjoy their own selection
of Steak, Sausages or Chicken cooked
to perfection on one of the hot plates by
a Chef or you could do it yourself while
the children played within full view.

Proposed sites in 1954.
Left: Boondall under construction.
From the Kevin Adams Collection.

8 2011 CINEMAREC ORD