The drive-in theater might be considered a yesteryear relic these days, topping more than 4,000 at its peak in the 50s, with about 280 left mostly in smaller towns. But when the weather’s just right and a sweep of stars illuminate the evening sky, a night at the movies in the open air is a can’t-miss blast from the past.

Reese Energy Consulting is following the latest news from Okla.’s oldest drive-in since 1949 and an oil and gas producer looking to drill beside it. For those easily triggered, be warned this is a story where everyone wins. About 10 minutes south of Chickasha, the Chief Drive-In Theater blends nostalgia with the latest Hollywood releases. Like indoor cinemas, drive-ins make their money from concessions. Unlike other drive-ins open seasonally, the Chief is the only one open year ‘round.

Barbara and Greg Egbert bought the business in 2006. But then sometime before July this year, Colo.-based Camino Natural Resources came knocking with plans to drill two wells on acreage, 500’ from the drive-in border. Drilling would take four months during which light and noise would disrupt the movie experience the Chief’s customers expected. Camino had no intention to run the company out of business and the Egberts had no intention to close up shop.

An agreement didn’t come easy between the two, but their story illustrates how oil and gas and business owners can work together for the betterment of both. In the meantime, Chief Drive-In is temporarily closed for the next few months while the Egberts make needed upgrades and host community events. Popcorn and hot dogs will no doubt be on the concession menu.