Algiers Drive-In
3424 General Meyer Avenue,
Algiers,
LA
70114
3424 General Meyer Avenue,
Algiers,
LA
70114
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Gulf States Theatres, McLendon Theaters
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Located in Algiers, Louisiana the Algiers Drive-In was parking 600 cars making it one of the larger drive-ins in Louisiana. It was opened on July 17, 1950 by Fred McLendon. The opening movie was William Holden in “Streets of Larado”. It was owned by S.A. Wright in 1956. A second screen was added in the late-1960’s or early-1970’s. Gulf States closed the Algiers Drive-In on August 31, 1981. It was used for a while as a flea market, but was demolished in 1984 and housing was built on the site.
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MikeRogers
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
Chuck1231, You are a bit mistaken my friend. The Algiers Drive Inn was owned by my father Samuel Wright in the 50’s and 60’s along with several other theathers . Trust me I was there with him when he would count cars and my Uncle was the manager. You should correct your listing to reflect the facts. Also My Uncle Billy Bryant was the owner along with Teddy Solmon of Gulf States Theaters. And My other uncle Clarance Bryant was one of the people who started the retail motion picture business in New Orleans way back when. I grew up in the business going with my dad to Film Row downtown New Orleans (La Salle St. from Canal to Tulane)as a kid. MGM, American International, Beuna Vista and others. If you want more info just email me and I’ll give you the poop on it all. Thanks, Billy
Billy Wright…do you have pictures to share?
1950 marquee photo added via Jerrytt Mon.
1955 image added via Ronald Platt.
Boxoffice, April 15, 1963: “Gulf States Theatres has taken over the Algiers Drive-In from Wright, Lais & Co., and is renovating it. Mrs. Sammy Wright and R L Johnson had been managing the Algiers. Johnson has joined Ballantyne Co. in Omaha, Neb.”
The Exhibitor, Jan. 30, 1952: “William Shiell, Algiers, La., and E. Jenner, Ellisville, Miss., assumed full ownership of the Marrero Drive-In, Marrero, La. In turn, they sold their interest in the Algiers Drive-In, Algiers, La., and the Hub Drive-In, Lafayette, La., to their former associates, Fred T. McLendon, McLendon Theatres, Union Springs, Ala., and M. A. “Max” Connett, Max Connett Theatres.”
A second screen was added sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
The Algiers Drive In opened July 17, 1950 with “Streets of Laredo.” Gulf States closed it one day after closing the Airline Drive In. It’s last night was Aug. 31, 1981, with “The Jade Claw” and “Brotherhood of Death” on one screen and “For Your Eyes Only” and “Escape From Alcatraz” on the other.
The property became a flea market for a couple of years before it was turned into a subdivision of cheaply built homes by Butch Ward in 1984.