About The Automat

The Automat, a documentary film released in 2021, directed by Lisa Hurwitz, captures the spirit of a bygone era. The movie recounts the story of Horn & Hardart, the world's largest restaurant chain by the mid-20th century and their famous Automats. The establishment was radical for its time, using high-tech vending machines to serve fresh, quality food in a casual setting, revolutionizing the dining industry. The film presents an intimate history lesson intertwined with cultural shifts and characters that capture the heart.

Making / Production

The movie was meticulously crafted by director Lisa Hurwitz, combining archival footage, animation, interviews, and an original score by Joel Goodman. The filmmaking elevates the narrative, bringing viewers into the wit and wisdom of a vanished world.

Actors

• Actor: Mel Brooks - A regular customer and lover of the Automat, his interviews reveal personal insights and humorous nostalgia on the establishment.
• Actor: Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Shares her fond memories of the Automat as a patron during her early years in New York City.
• Actor: Colin Powell - Provides commentary on the Automat's cultural significance, highlighting how it served as a leveling field across social strata.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Automat was the first restaurant chain to utilize a wholly automated vending system.
• It was once the world's biggest restaurant chain.
• Celebrities often visited the Automat, as shown through interviews with many in the film.

Quotes

• "The Automat was a democratic space - the rich and the poor sat side by side." - Mel Brooks
• "It was a culinary treasury for someone like me." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Music and Soundtrack

• Original Score by award-winning composer Joel Goodman, whose music succeeds in capturing the nostalgia and time-period of the Automat.