Tornado Twister: Fact vs. Fiction

In 1996, the internet was still in its early stages, and news spread quickly through word-of-mouth. One story that gained traction was that of a drive-in theater hit by a tornado while the film "Twister" was playing. This tale grew like a game of telephone, evolving from a simple tornado to one that destroyed the drive-in, and eventually, a tornado hitting the theater during the "Twister" drive-in scene.

Decades later, online communities like Reddit became platforms for people to share their personal stories about the event, with many claiming to be present that day. However, a 2016 short documentary, "Twisted," by Jay Cheel, delved into the truth of the matter. Cheel conducted interviews with individuals who were in the audience and employees working at the Can-View 4 drive-in that night.

The truth revealed that while a tornado did indeed damage the Can-View 4, it wasn't during a screening of "Twister." In fact, the drive-in lost power before any scheduled screenings could start, forcing them to close before any movies were shown.

This raises the question: why do so many people claim to have been there during the tornado? As one Reddit user commented, "A friend of mine said she was there at the time, and her vehicle got damaged so badly by flying stones she had to file a claim with her insurance. I've watched this documentary, but I can't understand why she would make up a story like that."

"Twisted" explores this phenomenon, focusing not just on the tornado that damaged the Can-View but also on the way memories can be distorted over time. The documentary highlights the influence of pop culture, the tendency to embellish stories, and the power of believing in our own narratives.

The story of the Can-View 4 is a reminder that even in the digital age, where information is readily available, the power of a compelling narrative can endure, sometimes blurring the lines between truth and fiction.