© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Video: For family owners of Mansfield Drive-In, business is 'more than a movie'

One of Michael Jungden’s life passions was owning and operating The Mansfield Drive-In, a 40-acre 1950s gem of nostalgia located in the small eastern Connecticut town.

When he first purchased the location, it was overgrown with weeds and grass. But under Michael's watchful eye, the drive-in, and his family, flourished into something meaningful.

After his death from cancer in 2020, the torch passed to his wife and two daughters. The Jungdens are determined to carry on the spirit and tradition of the drive-in where families and friends gather in the summer months to enjoy a memorable movie experience.

With emotions of young love, community and nostalgia – Connecticut Public’s mini doc 'More Than A Movie' explores the story of The Mansfield Drive-In Theater. For more Connecticut Public's original Mini Docs, visit ctpublic.org/minidocs.

"It's a dream come true that they're keeping it going"
Jan Jungden

Jan Jungden is interviewed for ‘More Than A Movie’ at The Mansfield Drive-in.
Dave Wurtzel
/
Connecticut Public
Jan Jungden is interviewed for ‘More Than A Movie’ at The Mansfield Drive-in.
A crescent moon behind the movie screen at the Mansfield Drive-in. Frame from ‘More Than A Movie’.
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
A crescent moon behind the movie screen at the Mansfield Drive-in. Frame from ‘More Than A Movie’.
The sunset as seen from The Mansfield Drive-in. Frame from ‘More Than A Movie’
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
The sunset as seen from The Mansfield Drive-in. Frame from ‘More Than A Movie’

Dave Wurtzel is a 14 time Emmy Award winning Visuals Journalist at Connecticut Public. He is also the recipient of a 2023 Regional Edward R. Murrow award.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content