From the dust jacket:

Ticket to Paradise is a celebration of the glory days of the American movie theater, from big-city movie palaces to tiny gems on Main Street. For over twenty years, John Margolies has been documenting theaters and drive-ins nationwide. Central to this book are his superb color photographs, many of theaters long gone. Emily Gwathmey's introduction provides a lively overview of theater evolution. Throughout, the photographs and text are enriched by rare postcards, archival images, and memorabilia gleaned from private collections. An unparalleled visual feast and a nostalgic homage to the All-American ritual of going to the movies.