Documentary centers on the vending machine popularized in the 20th century that offered fresh cooked meals in a commissary-style eatery.
Chuck says:
Lisa Hurwitz’s poignant and fascinating documentary on what was once the biggest chain of restaurants in America is a lovingly rendered look at not just the unique eateries known as “Automats” but an examination of their social impact. Created by entrepreneurs Joe Horn and Frank Hardart, the movie recounts how the two came together, the spark that led them to open their first cafe in Philadelphia and the rapid expansion of the company that specialized in offering a vast variety of freshly-made food that was offered up behind small glasses windows, each accessible for the cost of one nickel.
Interviews with Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Colin Powell, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg as well as historians and descendants of those who worked for Horn and Hardart create a portrait of a unique happening that became a touchstone for them and millions of others. Archival footage charts the rise of the company as well as the many innovations that were created to maintain an enterprise that, at its peak, was feeding 800,000 people a day.
The food was good and affordable, there was no rush for any of the patrons to leave and no tipping was necessary. As such, the Automat became a gathering place for immigrants and a community hotspot where citizens from all walks of life could gather and commune. Hurwitz effectively underscores the impact the loss of such places had as well as fosters – at least in this viewer – the regret and longing for not having had the chance to patronize one of these unique restaurants at least once.
4 Stars
