Page 37 - CinemaRecord #86

Ron Jones demonstrates his vintage projector

The original speakers were RCA, but some
were later changed to National Theatre
Supplies types from other drive-ins. In the The well maintained grounds
1990s, the playground and snack bar were
upgraded, FM sound was introduced, and a
new fence and entrance gate built. Coming attractions signage at the main gate

Several factors influenced the decision to close
the drive-in: the rapid rise in the value of
residential property in the area, the non-
viability of conversion to digital projection,
and Ron’s desire to retire after 50 years in the
industry.
When new film releases became available only
in digital format, Ron switched to screening
retro and classic movies. Screenings were
limited to a few nights per week.
What should have been an easy sale of a large
property in a prime location became a
protracted battle with public officialdom all
the way to Canberra.

The drive-in was the last surviving location
operated by the extensive Allan Jones Circuit
of country halls, hardtop theatres and drive-ins.
At one stage there were four drive-in theatres
in the circuit. After Busselton Drive-in (150
cars), Manjimup Drive-in (200 cars) was built
in 1961, then Margaret River Drive-in (140
cars) in 1965. In 1972, the Kojonup Drive-in
(148 cars) was purchased from the Rourke
family.

The Busselton Drive-in closed on 15 March
2015, leaving only four drive-ins operating in
country Western Australia.

Allan Jones passed away in 1982, having been
the sole Proprietor of the circuit from 1923 «

Sources:
Ron Jones – interview February 2015.
Reminiscences of a Travelling Picture Showman Past
and Present - Allan Jones (1974).
Images:
Ian Sheen
Ron Jones
A future article on Allan Jones’ contribution to the
WA cinema history is in preparation
Aerial view of the site

CINEMARECORD # 86 37