Bellwood Drive-In
9201 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Richmond,
VA
23237
9201 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Richmond,
VA
23237
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Fabian Theaters, Neighborhood Theatres
Architects: Michael J. DeAngelis
Nearby Theaters
The Bellwood Drive-In was opened on May 27, 1948 by the Fabian Theaters chain. It was the largest drive-in in Richmond. It had a capacity for 1,015 cars and by 1953 was operated by Neighborhood Theatres. In 1979 a second screen was added. In 1986 the Bellwood Drive-In closed and became the Bellwood Flea Market.
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Lost Memory
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
Links to some photos from 1948 are on this page:
http://driveins.4t.com/va-richmond-bellwood.htm
The Bellwood Drive-In was designed by Michael J. DeAngelis, according to Boxoffice of February 5, 1949.
My 1956 motion picture ALMANAC has this drive in parking only 800 cars,not 1015. It was owned by Petersburg Pike Drive-in Theatre Corp. Of all the Richmond Drive-ins it was the largest.
I never knew that Michael DeAngelis built a drive-in. Amazing talent. Thanks Joe as I enjoy your posts.
One of the biggest crowds we ever drew here were to see a New York rapper live in person. She was “The Real Roxanne” and rapped on top of a flatbed truck bunted like a stage. We showed rap films BEAT STREET, etc. after the performance and the crowd was so large the hotels complained about the noise.
I have been involved with the Drive-in Flea Market since I was 2 years old. I just celebrated my 33rd year working for them. My parents met there and have been managers since I was 2. My entire family has worked there including mother, father, sister brother, nieces and nephews, brother in law and husband. Anyone who has been there will know my family. I really miss the drive in and wish that it was open now. I think that it would bring some crowds back in. There is nothing left in our area anymore besides in Midlothian and colonial heights. I invite everyone to come out and browse our wall of photos past and present.
I worked there occasionally as a projectionist when it was a single-screener. The Simplex X-Ls and Peerless Hi-Candescent carbon arc lamps put out a beautiful picture, both flat and scope. I still drive by it occasionally, and it is sad to see it with the screens missing.
well then debbie riddle bell any interest in reopening the drive-in
According to a photo caption published May 20, 1948 in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Bellwood was scheduled to open “on or about May 27” that year.
The Bellwood opened its gates on May 28, 1948 with Randolph Scott in “Gunfighters” along with two shorts (one of which was listed as “Animal Speaks” which I don’t know where that came from) and a cartoon.
The Bellwood closed for the final time on September 26, 1986 with “Haunted Honeymoon” and “Summer Rental” at Screen 1 and “Shanghai Surprise” and “Fire With Fire” at Screen 2.