> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Drive-In with a purpose - URL: https://www.smdp.com/drive-in-with-a-purpose/ - Published: 2004-08-02T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T04:47:15.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Entertainment, Pier, #archive-import *By Daily Press staff* An old tradition is coming back to Santa Monica — the drive-in movie theater. But you won’t need a car. A screen will be set up every Tuesday between Aug. 3 and Oct. 5 on the Santa Monica Pier to show classic films such as “The Wizard of Oz” and “Star Wars.” The movies are free, and all movie-goers need is something to keep them warm and a ticket, which can be picked up at various locations throughout Santa Monica. The proceeds, which come from sales on related items at the event, will go directly to people suffering from cancer. Free tickets can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at either Santa Monica Visitors Center locations — Santa Monica Place Mall, second floor west, or the visitor kiosk at 1400 Ocean Ave. Check www.smff.com or call (310) 458-8901 for additional outlets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This year’s line-up, featuring family classics and some new favorites, is as follows: Aug. 3: E.T., sponsored by Lantana Hines and Lightning Entertainment Aug. 10: Ghostbusters Aug. 17: Step Into Liquid or Back to the Future, sponsored by Showtime Aug. 24: Wizard of Oz, sponsored by Turner Classic Movies Aug. 31: The Princess Bride Sept. 7: Pink Panther with Henry Mancini Institute Band Performing until sunset Sept. 14 : Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Sept. 2: Star Wars, sponsored by HBO Sept. 28: Special event, city of Santa Monica 10 Fest, celebrating ten years of the sustainable plan Oct. 5: Special event, TBA As several special events are in the works, and the schedule is subject to change, check www.smff.com often for updates. In addition, DEFMAN and the Santa Monica Film Festival this year will present the first Santa Monica Shortfest, which will be held every Tuesday night in August and September. One short film will be selected each week to be shown in front of a crowd of more than 4,000 film lovers before the feature film during the Santa Monica Drive-In at the pier. All proceeds go to benefit “Cinema Fighting Cancer,” programs including The Cancer Relief Fund. There will be prizes and an audience award. See entry form for more details. Drive-in organizers said last year’s events were overwhelmingly successful. Each screening draws a crowd of 4,000 to 5,000, and boasts numerous celebrity appearances. Last year the drive-in was attended by “Willy Wonka” director Mel Stuart; “Grease” director Randall Kleiser, cinematographer Bill Butler and star Edd Byrnes; Cuba Gooding Jr.; Julia Louis Dreyfus; and surfing legend Dana Brown. Last year’s drive-in helped support 13 families going through treatment. Founded in 1999, Deep Ellum Film, Music, Arts and Noise, Inc., (DEFMAN) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization working to promote the art of filmmaking while raising funds to improve the quality of life for individuals fighting cancer. For more information on DEFMAN and “Cinema Fighting Cancer,” visit www.smff.com. The Santa Monica Drive-In at the Pier is produced by DEFMAN and the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corp., with support from Adelphia Cable, Arrowhead Water, the city of Santa Monica, CityTV, DirecTV, HBO, 95.5 KLOS, LACarGuy, Lantana Hines, Lightning Entertainment, Showtime, Starz Network, Sundance Channel and The WB Network. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 2, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/080204.pdf?ref=smdp.com)