Reels & Wheels Drive-In Movie will return with a free screening of the popular Christmastime classic "The Polar Express" on Dec. 23 at Hot Springs Memorial Field, 525 Airport Road.
Cars will be admitted beginning at 5 p.m. and the movie will begin at 6:30 p.m.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Hot Springs had several drive-in movie theaters, a news release said, including the 70 Drive-In, the Sunset Drive-In and Wheatley Drive-In, all of which are now gone.
"We'll use a big pop-up screen for the show," said Bill Solleder, marketing director for Visit Hot Springs, the city's convention and visitors bureau, which is sponsoring the movie with Resort TV Cable and community partners Render Creative, KUHS, MedExpress Urgent Care and Low Key Arts.
"Back during the 1950s heyday for outdoor movies, Arkansas was host to more than 50 drive-in theaters," Solleder said. "Since that time, 95 percent of those drive-ins have gone dark or have been demolished. Only three remain.
"Reels & Wheels Drive-In Movie pays homage to the golden days of the drive-in movie and celebrates the holidays all in one night. Load up the car and head out to the airport for our free screening of 'The Polar Express' starring Tom Hanks. It's a great chance to celebrate the holidays with the family in the coziness of your own car -- watching a free movie on the big screen and listening to the soundtrack on your car stereo."
"The Polar Express" reunites Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis ("Forrest Gump" and "Cast Away") in an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
The movie will be shown on an inflatable pop up screen that measures 32 feet by 24.5 feet. It will be set up in the grass field at the front of the airport. Parking will be organized by parking staff. The audio will be transmitted on the FM radio dial, in an arrangement set up by KUHS Community Radio.
The show is subject to cancellation if there is severe weather.
Visit Hot Springs also offers a series of free outdoor movies, Movies At the Market, during the summer.
Call Solleder at 321-2027 or email [email protected] for more information.
Entertainment on 11/29/2017