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The Automat
The Automat
7.7
/10
87 Ratings

THE AUTOMAT

Directed by Lisa Hurwitz
United States, 2021
Documentary, History

Synopsis

Generations of Americans ate and drank coffee together at the communal tables of the iconic restaurant chain Horn & Hardart. The Automat tells the story of a business climbing to its peak success and then grappling with fast food in a forever changed America.

Synopsis

Generations of Americans ate and drank coffee together at the communal tables of the iconic restaurant chain Horn & Hardart. The Automat tells the story of a business climbing to its peak success and then grappling with fast food in a forever changed America.

Our take

In the fully automated futurism of ‘50s America, a juicy slice of lemon meringue pie could be picked up from the automat’s brass window. This nostalgic ode to an American chain oozes with good food, happy customers, and none other than Mel Brooks. I’ve put a nickel in the slot, now where’s my pie?