Melody 49 Twin Drive-In
7606 Pleasant Plain Road,
Brookville,
OH
45309
7606 Pleasant Plain Road,
Brookville,
OH
45309
5 people
favorited this theater
Showing 14 comments
This was taken over by Chakeres theatres again in time for the 2022 season, official website: http://www.chakerestheatres.com/.
The correct addrews is: 7606 Pleasant Plain Road, Brookville, OH 45309
Why the name Melody?
Grand opening ad posted. No longer with the Chakeres chain?
That previous passage appears to come from Dayton History Books Online.
Also, note that these days, the Melody 49 always claims Brookville as its host city. The 1969-76 IMPAs put it in Dayton(!). The 1982-88 IMPAs put it in Englewood.
From the Melody 49 Facebook page About section:
The Melody 49, located at 7606 Pleasant Plains Road, Brookville, opened with a bang on July 1, 1966. With space for 1,100 cars on its 18 acres, the cost of the year round theater was estimated to run $500,000 by Ralph T. Sharp, Inc., the general contractor for the project. A 75’ x 130’ Cinemiracle picture screen, installed by the M. E. Renfro Screen Tower Company, was chosen so that both 35 and 70 mm movies could be shown. Circle-R electric car heaters were provided during the winter to adventurous movie goers.
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.
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.”
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.
… 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.
https://www.facebook.com/Melody-49-Drive-In-1397083023924631/
I grew up close to Melody 49. I remember watching the original “Plant of the Apes” & the man with no name Clint Eastwood trilogy. I enjoyed it until I moved in 1990. Next time I visit the area I’m going to go there. The last time I was in the area I went to the drive in in Springfield. Ohio has a lot of drive ins for anyone visiting there.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999860384/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999258279/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999256321/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999858360/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999254447/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999253507/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999252693/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/4999251755/
Cool looking sign.
Michigandriveins, that’s great! I love your tour. I was just coming to comment on my very most favorite drive-in! We used to live less than a mile from the Melody 49 and went there all of the time. We had a fullsize van, and our four children and we would position ourselves to watch both movies with a radio we’d bring from home. The kids watched one side usually with us watching the other, depending on the second movies we’d close up the van and younger ones or maybe all would go to sleep in the bed and my husband & I would watch the second. One of the best things: they replay the first movies again on the weekends! LOVED going to the Melody…we’d often plan with kids' schoolmate’s families to all go see a Disney or something! Great memories that I am so happy my children are able to have too!
That photo you linked to Lost Memory isn’t a new sign, it was there next to the entrance driveway when I was there in 2006. It looked like it had been there quite a while. Here are several photos I took of the Melody 49, here is what the original marquee looked like before they modified it.
Unfortunately, the original sign was replaced this year with a very plain new one…what a shame….
The theater was just about to re-open for the 1987 season and a group of us stayed and watched “Evil Dead 2”. What a night. I believe the deep fryer caught fire and burned down a portion of the concession area a few weeks later. Ouch!