TBC 116: The Ghost at the Drive-In Movie by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Author:Gertrude Chandler Warner [Warner, Gertrude Chandler]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781453229057
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Published: 2011-03-19T06:00:00+00:00

While Joey and Henry worked at the stove popping popcorn, Violet shook seasoning mixture over the popcorn while Jessie scooped it into small paper bags. Then Grandfather and Benny loaded the golf cart with the bags and drove them to the theater.

Uncle Flick lined them up on the counter of the snack bar to sell. He put up a sign that Violet made. It said:

No snack bar service tonight.

We are sorry!

But please enjoy fresh cheese popcorn!

Only 75 cents a bag.

By now the drive-in theater had opened for the evening. The customers who came to the snack bar were surprised to see the sign, but they were glad to have popcorn.

“It’s delicious,” said one woman. “And such a good price.”

The children and Joey worked in the kitchen of the Fletcher house for another hour, popping as much popcorn as they could. When there was one last big batch in the tub, they took it over to the snack bar, where it would be ready to be scooped into bags. And Benny had found something even better than bags.

“Wow,” he said, holding up two of the plastic buckets that said GET SPEEDY DEALS AT BRINKER’S AUTO on them. “These are perfect for popcorn!”

“You’re right, Benny,” said Jessie. She spotted Dan Brinker walking by the snack bar. She grabbed one of the buckets and ran after him. “Mr. Brinker! Do you have any more of these buckets that we can use for serving popcorn?”

“Sure,” said Dan. “I’ve got plenty more! I’ll dash across the street and bring them over in a jiffy!” He winked and hurried off.

“Thanks!” Jessie called. She turned around and went back inside the snack bar. She helped her sister and brothers serve popcorn while Joey rang up customers.

Uncle Flick grinned. “You really saved the day, kids,” he said.

“We’re glad we could help,” said Violet.

“Maybe I can help, too,” said a voice from the doorway of the snack bar. It was Mr. Duke. He was carrying a cooler and a bag of ice. “I … I heard what happened. And I brought over some soda from my stand.”

Uncle Flick scratched his head. “Why, thank you, Duke. But you know, I’m letting folks bring in food from your place tonight. You didn’t have to do this.”

“I know,” Mr. Duke said. “But I’m sorry about last night, too. I lost my temper. And I know that you didn’t break my sign.” He lugged the cooler and ice to the snack bar counter.

“Yes,” said Uncle Flick. “Whoever’s playing tricks around here is playing them on both of us.”

As the Aldens scooped bags of popcorn, Mr. Duke and Uncle Flick opened sodas and filled cups with ice. The children listened as the two men talked for the first time in a long time.

“Is it true you might sell the theater, Flick?” Mr. Duke asked, as he got ready to leave.

“Yes it is,” Uncle Flick replied. “But I’m going to make sure it doesn’t close down.”

“That’s good to hear,” said Mr. Duke. “Because I can’t imagine life without the Diamond Drive-in.

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