DVD
The automat
Languages
English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing; closed-captioned.
Performers
Mel Brooks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elliott Gould, Colin Powell, Carl Reiner, Howard Schultz.
Publication Information
New York, NY : Kino Lorber, [2022]
Physical Description
1 videodisc (79 minutes) : sound, color with black and white sequences ; 4 3/4 in.
Audience
Not rated.
Summary
"The Automat recounts the lost history of the iconic restaurant chain Horn & Hardart, which served affordable food to millions of New Yorkers and Philadelphians for more than a century. Founded by Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart in 1888, it revolutionized the nation's restaurant scene with technology that captured the public's imagination like nothing else the customer put nickels into slots, and little windows opened to reveal the customer's pick, be it a slice of pie, macaroni, and cheese, or a Salisbury steak. The chain welcomed those who had been ignored, including immigrants, the working class, Blacks, and women, all of whom were often not welcome in restaurants. Featuring interviews with Mel Brooks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Colin Powell, and Elliott Gould, The Automat illustrates how the company both served the public with great food and at the same time treated its employees with fairness and integrity."--Container.
Notes
Originally produced as a documentary in 2021.
Bonus features: New audio introduction by Mel Brooks ; audio commentary by director Lisa Hurwitz ; extended interview with Mel Brooks (54 minutes) ; Horn and Hardart archival footage.