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Wifi Assistive Listening is now available!

Download the free "Listen Everywhere" app on iOS or Android to utilize this new technology exclusively at... The Melody 49 Drive-In!

Download the free "Listen Everywhere" app on iOS or Android to utilize this new technology exclusively at The Melody 49 Drive-In!

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The Melody 49 Drive In located at 7606 Pleasant Plains Road in Brookville opened for viewing July 1st, 1966. With space for 1,100 cars extending across 18 acres! A Cinemiracle Picture Screen sized at 75’ x 130’ was used so that both 35mm and 70mm movies could be shown. The cost of the year round theatre was estimated at $500,000 by Ralph T. Sharp, Inc, the General Contractor for the project. Circle-R electric car heaters were provided during the winter to adventurous movie goers. Michael Chakeres, then vice-president and general manager of Chakeres Theaters, Inc. stated that the new theater would “have first run and subsequent run family-type shows similar to Southland 75 (Drive-In). This is a fast growing area and will serve Brookville, Englewood, Trotwood and other communities.”

Melody 49 began their gala opening with a giant fireworks display, followed by three hit movies, including the incredible undersea adventure ‘Around the World Under the Sea’ starring Lloyd Bridges. In 1982 Melody 49 switched to a sound process with operated through a special cable installed above the drive-in parking area. The movie soundtrack was transmitted through the cable, which broadcasted over an AM frequency that could be picked up by the patron’s car radio. In 1998 this was replaced by an FM frequency.

The theater changed it name to the Melody 49 Twin in 1987 after a second motion picture screen was added. Taken from Southland 75 after it closed, the smaller screen was set up at the back of the lot and could accommodate approximately 200 cars. So when attendance at the major screen drops off, we can move the film to the smaller screen and bring in a new picture for the major screen,  explained Grant Frazee, general manager of Chakeres Theaters at the time.

Did you know?

  • Melody 49 was the second all-medallion theater in Ohio, meaning that everything was electrically operated, including the heating and air-conditioning.
Left: Screen 1 | Right: Screen 2
  • The three lane snack bar, designed by architect R. J. McNutt, was built to be capable of serving 2,000 patrons in 30 minutes. Since most refreshments were bought during the ten minute intermission, quick service was of the utmost importance. Automatic food warmers were installed to ensure that the snacks remained hot and delicious.
Savannah Hamby
Savannah Hamby
June 12, 2022.
Thomas Honaker
Thomas Honaker
June 12, 2022.
Rachel S
Rachel S
June 12, 2022.
So nostalgic and perfect
Cody Hewitt
Cody Hewitt
June 10, 2022.
Rachel Oliver
Rachel Oliver
June 6, 2022.
It's a fun and affordable place to take your family!
Janette Hannah
Janette Hannah
June 6, 2022.
Cheap Skate
Cheap Skate
June 5, 2022.
Richard Porter
Richard Porter
June 5, 2022.
A little bit of a drive, but worth the trek. Shows and times are posted on the sign at the entrance and on the website. You drive up to three lines of cars to the ticket booths--the reddish-pink "Welcome" signs on each greeting you with a warm, nostalgia. Price is more than reasonable ($25/car for two films). Tune in your radio to the correct frequency and choose your spot in the viewing lot. There are two screens from which to choose (four films shown each night). A central concessions building serves all the basics at prices a bit cheaper than the cinemas. Restroom facilities are usually decent, but could use some TLC. Lines at both concessions and restrooms can be long if you don't time things right. While you wait for the show to start, the radio pipes out classics from the 50's and 60's. Feel free to set out your lawn chairs and enjoy the night air. Show starts when it's dark enough. Be patient if it doesn't start on schedule. It's a good time to talk while you dip into whatever snacks you brought along. You can also answer movie trivia which flashes on the screen. When the film starts, turn up your radio. Using ear buds in a cellphone's FM radio app comes across a little quiet when film conversation is normal, so I recommend having either your car radio cranked up or bringing a portable radio. After the film, you can stay for the second show or head out. Exiting after the first show can take some time (up to 10 minutes if you parked close to the screen). Have a safe trip home while all the armchair movie critics in your car share their thoughts. You've just helped create a long-lasting memory.
Attend The Theatre Regularly - In No Other Way Can You Enjoy Life for So Little!
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