19 Drive In Theater

5853 Missouri 19, Cuba, MO 65453
Phone: 573-885-7752

East < GO > West

The 19 Drive In Theater is just about a block north of I-44 on the east side of Franklin St. (MO 19). The single screen theater opened in the mid- 1950's with a capacity of 250 cars.

The theater no longer has traditional speakers and instead uses a FM radio system. According to some sources it only had the traditional speakers as of 2008. By 2014 it was offering FM stereo broadcast sound.

The theater is open Fridays and Saturdays during the summer months. So ... if you happen to be spending one of those nights in Cuba why not take in a movie in true Route 66 era style!

Donald Spreng owned and operated the theater from 1964 to 2011 and it is now operated by his daughter.

The screen is fairly hidden by trees so look for the sign. It isn't "on" Route 66, it's a few blocks off, but there aren't that many Drive-In theaters left, and they were certainly a big part of life in the heyday of the Mother Road, so well are worth pointing out.

The ticket booth featured dual entry lanes, but only one exit lane.

Photo(s): 2012