The BENGIES was opened on June 6, 1956. Our operating schedule MUST CHANGE WITH THE SUNSET, which changes EVERY week, as does the Sunset. During DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME, the show starts at Twilight, and then the features end up where ever they fall into the categories of their individual running time. I always try to begin with a feature that is rated G, PG, or PG-13., regardless of the rating of the main Feature, which runs second on Friday and Saturday nights. I do usually offer a third, or Late show, available as part of the program, or available for a separate reduced admission if you arrive just before it starts.

• In order to keep this theatre a fun and safe place, please obey our Strictly Enforced House Rules.
• Because of the TOTAL IMBALANCE OF EQUITY, we have instituted a policy that has helped us, and I hope you can pass it along to other drive-in theatre owners. Outside food and beverages are now restricted at this theatre. Persons wishing to bring in outside food and beverages may do so ONLY if they purchase a permit from us to do this. This must be done at the box-office, PRIOR to entering. There are signs telling you about this as you enter, and we have found an amazing amount of cooperation from our patrons. (You cannot compete with the indoors in a metropolitan area without this restriction.)
• The BENGIES has the biggest screen in the USA. It is 52' x 120', with a 460' throw from aperture to screen. This means that our anamorphic (Cinemascope) presentation is PERFECT. No cropping. Our standard "flat" presentation pulls in borders on the sides, but it almost perfect, with little cropping. The new "super 35 mm" with the aspect ratio 1.85, still pull in a border, but are not cropped.
• There are 2 ways to hear the movie, through the FM STEREO (state of the art, including the analog infrareds in the sound head, through a compressor, then to the equalizer, then out to the car. We also keep our AM radio broadcast for those folks who do not have FM. (FM 106.9 and AM 830). YOU MUST HAVE A RADIO TO HEAR THE MOVIE. We no longer have speakers at the drive-in.
• We have a variety of memorabilia on sale at the snack bar and on our website. Tee shirts, Collectable books, bumper stickers etc.
• Almost right out of the past, theatre is nearly 90% restored.
• Show starts at TWILIGHT when in Daylight Savings Time. 
• You must always wear shoes in this this theatre.
• Huge glassed front original concession area.
• Vans, Trucks, Hi-tops and MPV's must park in designated areas due to the original "lay-out" of DOUBLE ramping.
• Security attendants on duty.
• Audience participation.
• Nostalgic atmosphere.
• Non-Stop Projection. Once the show starts, there is always something on the screen. For example; we open with the "TWILIGHT OPENING": a cartoon, then Feature#1, then INTERMISSION (20 minutes or so, snack clips, previews both old and new and another cartoon) then Feature#2, and so on. There is always a double feature, and usually a triPPPle feature on Friday and Saturday. nights.

D. Edward Vogel
(Bengies Owner)

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