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A new documentary by a Minnesota filmmaker takes a deeper look into a bygone piece of American cinema: the intermission trailer.

Justin Atkinson grew up going to movies at the now-closed Vali-Hi drive-in theater in Lake Elmo. Part of the fun was watching the classic 1950s trailers that played between movies. Created by the company 

, one of them featured cartoon concession treats singing “Let’s all go the lobby” to the tune of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

Atkinson’s movie takes its name from that trailer. His “Let’s All Go to the Lobby” chronicles the beginnings of movie concessions in America and how these trailers rose to prominence, boosted movie theater profits and made a lasting impression on audiences. 

“They were just such a big part of my my childhood and growing up,” Atkinson said. “I always wondered, you know, who made those?”

Atkinson is currently raising funds to complete the project. It would be the second release from 

To hear Atkinson’s conversation with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer, click the player above.

Cathy Wurzer

Host

Lukas Levin

Author

A new documentary by a Minnesota filmmaker explores a bygone part of American cinema history. 

‘Let's All Go to the Lobby’ celebrates the quirky charm of movie intermission trailers

Courtesy of Filmack Studios

Courtesy of Cynthia Romanov

Four people pose in a black and white photograph.

‘Let's All Go to the Lobby’ celebrates the quirky charm of movie intermission trailers

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