Our Story
"Where we're going, we don't need roads."
-Doc Brown, Back to the Future (1985)
Preserving a Family Tradition
Originally opened in 1952 as the Bel-Air by local merchant Russell Kelley, our theater has been a Ripley County landmark for over seven decades. Built on a historic ten-acre tract along U.S. Route 421, it quickly became a beloved hub for families, friends, and movie lovers across southeastern Indiana.
Through generations of dedicated care—including long-term stewardship by the Chorpenning family—the theater successfully evolved with the times without losing its retro soul. Over the years, the property expanded to 23 acres and transitioned to a state-of-the-art high-definition digital projector. Today, our original 1952 concession building still stands, offering a true time-capsule experience.
A Bright Future Ahead
Originally opened in 1952 as the Bel-Air by local merchant Russell Kelley, our theater has been a Ripley County landmark for over seven decades. Built on a historic ten-acre tract along U.S. Route 421, it quickly became a beloved hub for families, friends, and movie lovers across southeastern Indiana.
Through generations of dedicated care—including long-term stewardship by the Chorpenning family—the theater successfully evolved with the times without losing its retro soul. Over the years, the property expanded to 23 acres and transitioned to a state-of-the-art high-definition digital projector. Today, our original 1952 concession building still stands , offering a true time-capsule experience.
That's Hank! The official, movie-loving mascot of the Bel-Acre Drive-In! Hank doesn't just trot around the property—he gets around in style behind the wheel of a stainless-steel DeLorean, outfitted exactly like the iconic time machine from Back to the Future (which happened to be the very first movie we screened under our new ownership).
Hank’s choice of a time machine is no accident. Just like the DeLorean, a night at the Bel-Acre is all about time travel! Our drive-in acts as a living time machine where families can escape the modern rush, step back into a golden era, and share cherished retro nostalgia across generations.
We like to say "If you had a good time at the drive-in, don't thank us. Thank Hank!"
What's Up with the Donkey?
Photo Gallery
 Bel-Acre Drive-In |  PXL_20260604_220515838 |  1000016929 |
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 1000017277 |  Bel Air DrivePicture of Drive In from 1952 prior to opening. |  Russell Kelley with Forest TuckerBel Air Drive In Founder, Russell Kelley with Actor Forest Tucker |
 Bel Air Drive Ad -Circa early 1960's |  2nd & 3rd Generation2nd Generation - Janet (Kelley)Chorpenning with her son Allan & his wife Marie |  Pumpkin Show Parade - Circa 1980's |
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 IMG_1674.JPG |  Watching movies in Style! |  Summer of 2014 - Got our Air Sofa! |
 Our Friendly Concession Staff |  Summer of 2014 - Rain or Shine ready |  Fun before the movies start |
 Fall at the Bel Air Drive In |  Summer of 2014 - Watching in Style |