The Automat (2021) | Movie | Movies Dock

The Automat movie

🎬 Title: The Automat

Story: This film chronicles the century-long journey of the legendary restaurant chain Horn & Hardart, which served as a precursor to modern coffeehouses like Starbucks. It uncovers the shared experiences of Americans who savored meals and coffee at communal tables. Through the memories of former patrons, we witness the rise of this iconic business and its struggles to adapt in an ever-evolving fast-food landscape.

⭐ Rating: 7 (18 votes)

📅 Release date: September 2, 2021

⏱️ Runtime: 1 hour 19 minutes

🎭 Genres: Documentary, History

🎬 Director: Lisa Hurwitz

✍️ Writer: Michael Levine

🌍 Countries: United States

🏢 Production companies: A Slice of Pie Productions

The Automat movie backdrop

👥 Cast: Mel Brooks (Self), John W. Romas (Self), Carl Reiner (Self), Krystyna Romas (Self), Alec Shuldiner (Self), Wilson Goode (Self), Elliott Gould (Self), Howard Schultz (Self), Norris Horn (Self), Steve Stollman (Self)

Editor’s note: In essence, The Automat (2021) presents a compelling fusion of documentary and historical narrative, prioritizing atmosphere over extravagant visuals. With Lisa Hurwitz at the helm, the film maintains a consistent pace and a vivid sense of location. Features from Mel Brooks, John W. Romas, and Carl Reiner provide a solid foundation with their genuine performances. Its 1 hour and 19 minutes runtime feels just right for the content. Despite a few minor flaws, the film’s merits far surpass its shortcomings. If this topic resonates with you, make sure to add it to your watchlist.

More Info:
Check out The Automat on TMDB
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