Circle Drive-In in Dickson City hosts free St. Patrick’s Day screening of ‘Quiet Man’ and ‘Rudy’ on March 13
There may not be a St. Patrick’s Parade in Scranton this month, but a local nonprofit Irish Catholic fraternal organization will still celebrate the holiday with a festive socially distanced event.
Scranton’s Ancient Order of Hibernians Paul “Hook” O’Malley Division 4 will host a free double feature of “The Quiet Man” and “Rudy” at the Circle Drive-In Theatre in Dickson City on Saturday, March 13.
Gates open at 5:15 p.m., and the first movie starts at 6:15 p.m.
The AOH will be taking financial donations and canned goods for local food banks. While not required, attendees are encouraged to do what they can for this charitable cause.
Directed by John Ford, “The Quiet Man” is a 1952 comedic drama starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and Victor McLaglen. A tired American ex-boxer returns to his native hamlet in Ireland to win the hand of a spirited young woman. He is confronted by strict local customs and the woman’s belligerent brother. Set in the verdant Irish countryside, this lively film has beautiful scenery, brilliant repartee, and local charm.
“Rudy” is a 1993 American biographical sports film starring Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, and Lili Taylor and directed by David Anspaugh. Young Rudy’s life goal is to play football at Notre Dame, but his grades, finances, and size hold him back. Despite the odds, however, he works to overcome his obstacles and makes a trip to South Bend to pursue his longtime dream.
The Circle Drive-In (1911 Scranton/Carbondale Hwy., Dickson City) opened its last season on May 1 with coronavirus safety protocols in place, and it was able to reopen its popular Flea Fair on May 24.
The Circle has a 1,000 car capacity and typically shows movies on its main 5,000 square foot screen and adjacent smaller screen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from April through September, including double features. During the pandemic, it extended its hours and began hosting live drive-in concerts on Aug. 30.
The Circle first opened as a drive-in theater on Sept. 10, 1949, making it one of the longest-running drive-ins in the United States. Today, it uses digital projection and audio but maintains a classic feel with its old signage and fully stocked refreshment stand.
The Circle Drive-In also holds special events like the seasonal Circle of Screams haunted attraction, the NEPA Horror Film Festival, Cult Movie Club screenings, and themed movie nights in addition to parties, weddings, fundraisers, and music.
