FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the movie showtimes? ExpandA: Please check our website(click here) for the latest schedule.
Q: How much are the tickets? ExpandA: Current pricing is available on our website(click here).
Q: How do we hear the movie? Expand A: Audio is transmitted through an FM radio signal. Tune your car’s radio to the specified frequency provided:Screen 1: 100.5 FM
Screen 2: 105.3 FM Q: How do we pay for tickets? Expand
A: Tickets can be purchased at the box office. We accept cash, credit, and debit cards.
Q: Is there a limit on vehicle size? ExpandBig trucks and SUVs should park in the back of the field to eliminate blocking the screen from the other guest.
Q: What time should we arrive? ExpandA: Gates open around 1 hour before the first showtime. We recommend arriving early to find a good spot.
Q: Are restrooms available? ExpandA: Yes, we have clean and well-maintained restroom facilities on-site.
Q: Is there a concession stand? ExpandA: Yes, our concession stand offers a variety of snacks, drinks, and hot foods.
Q: Can we sit outside our vehicle? ExpandA: Yes, you can sit in lawn chairs or on blankets near your vehicle. Please be respectful of other guests’ views.
Q: Can we bring our pets? ExpandA: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
Q: What happens if it rains? ExpandA: We show movies rain or shine. In case of severe weather, check our website or social media for updates.
Q: Do you offer double features? ExpandA: Yes, we often pair two movies together for a double feature. Check our schedule for details.
Q: What should we bring? ExpandA: Bring your tickets, a working FM radio, blankets or chairs, and bug spray if needed.
Q: Do you have special events or theme nights? ExpandA: Yes, we host special events and themed nights throughout the season. Check our website for upcoming events.
History
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.
- 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.