©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Jill Nagy
Business at the Malta Drive-In theater is “not near where we were last year,” noted co-owner Ed Caro, but, he added, “I’m glad I’m not an indoor theater. I’d be glad to see half of last year’s income. Fifty percent is better than zero percent.”
Last year, the drive-in was showing first-run films from the major studios. This year “the studios are not releasing,” he said. With some 300 drive-in theaters nationwide and no functioning indoor movie theaters, it is not worth it for a studio to release new films.
On a recent weekend, Malta Dive-in was showing two golden oldies from the 1970s on one screen, “Grease” and “American Graffiti.” On the other screen, they offered two new independently-produced film, “The Lentil” and “The Big Ugly.”
A big draw this season was not a conventional movie at all but a filmed concert by Garth Brooks, At $100 a carload, Caro said. Other filmed concerts are planned for August and September. In addition, live bands play before some of the movies.
The drive-in has also hosted three high school graduation ceremonies and a senior movie night. There was a free First Responders’ night, some corporate events and some benefits for the local food bank and other organizations.
“You basically have to invent the event,” he said, “It’s difficult.”
The facility has space for 400 cars, but these days they are spaced out more widely for social distancing. The snack bar and restrooms are open, with modifications. Masks are required. Only every other stall or sink is available in the restrooms. Snack bar traffic is directed one-way only. Caro said that the Department of Health reviewed the plans and inspected the facility and were pleased with what they found.
The Malta Drive-in has been in business since 1949, when Malta was little more than a dot on the map. Caro and his brother, Tom, have owned it since 1988. “We’ve seen Malta go from one traffic light to multiple roundabouts,” he said. In addition to the Caro brothers, there are 15 employees.
For information about shows and other events, call 518 587-6077.