Burton Drive-In Once Got Busted For Showing Bambi and Porn

Closed and abandoned since 2008, Burton's Miracle Twin Drive-In Theater now resembles something out of an apocalyptic movie. It's hard to believe that this once-popular spot was where families regularly packed their cars for a night of movies and snacks.

The 1,000-car capacity drive-in opened in 1973 but was partially demolished in 2012. For 35 years, the Miracle Twin Drive-In was a popular hangout for Genesee County residents. It was a definite staple in the community.

While looking back, it will always be remembered as a family destination, it was also the site of some wild and unforgettable moments that stirred controversy in the community, especially in 1975.

Who remembers the infamous Bambi/Happy Hooker incident?

According to WFMK, in 1975, one screen at the Miracle Twin Drive-In was showing Bambi, while the other was screening the adult film The Happy Hooker. Whether this was intentional or a scheduling oversight remains unclear. Because drive-in theaters often had multiple screens visible from different angles, parents and children watching Bambi got more than they bargained for, as explicit scenes from The Happy Hooker were easily visible.

Read More: Major Eyesore on Center Road in Burton Finally Demolished

This was a nightmare for everyone involved, especially the theater which endured outrage from parents. Parents were so mad (rightfully so) that they contacted Burton City Council to complain. However, not much came of it, as the theater reportedly only received a reprimanding letter.

If this happened in 2024, the theater would probably face way harsher consequences than just a reprimanding letter. In the world of cancel culture and lawsuits, things would have gotten ugly for sure.