The Automat

I never had the chance to visit the Automat but they always seem so urban and magical in movies when seen.

This was a delightful documentary and wonderfully stressed the open-for-all philosophy and highlighted businessmen who were smart and compassionate enough to treat employees well.

The only parts I wasn't wild about was the "free advertising" for Starbucks coffee restaurants with the owner, which went on a bit too long. Having just tried that chain again while traveling I wasn't impressed with the pricey coffee or 20-minute wait. I don't think you'll have Mel Brooks singing a nostalgic song about SB coffee.

Also kudos to the director for mixing people from Brooks to Colin Powell, RBG and regular working folk. It truly showed the American melting pot at its best.

THE AUTOMATIC is a masterpiece. A deeply thoughtful return to a by-gone era. Director Lisa Hurwitz brings us emotionally and intimately into the people, the sites, the smells, the tastes of this important slice of American history. The film takes you back to what it felt like to experience the community and culture of these iconic restaurants. The film is incredibly insightful, funny, tender, full of nostalgia and joy. This is a rare documentary that genuinely makes you feel good. The perfect film to see with friends and family and then have a slice of pie and talk about it. I cannot wait to see this film again.

A business that took care of its employees, respected its customers and where everyone was everyone else. If you had a nickel, you mattered just as much as the person next to you. And apparently, the food was awfully good. I sit pondering the land of lunacy, stupidity and ignorance this always flawed but once reasonably bright, reasonably optimistic country that I grew up in,served and loved, has become,I can only cry,smile and laugh, and cry some more as I watched this wonderful film. Watching and hearing the shared joy and hope of those who graced it,I am glad they were able to eat the pie and drink the coffee and now have had the chance to remember it so fondly.

The documentary is both wonderful and sad. The Automat owners held deep-seated democratic traditions that are entirely absent in businessman now. They said the public had a right to a clean, elegant and affordable eating establishment with quality coffee. They created a workplace with dignity and respect and in return gained loyal workers who took pride in their work, not only for themselves but for the public they served. The one criticism I have with Lisa Hurwitz is the inclusion of Starbucks owner Howard Schultz. Starbucks is the antithesis of the Automat: cold, uninviting, supremely individualistic and overpriced. Oh, and the coffee is mediocre.

Seventy-nine minutes of pure delight!! Whether you experienced the wonder and deliciousness of the Automat, you've merely heard stories from family or you're hearing about the Automat for the very first time....don't miss treating yourself to this wonderful film about a genius food business - Horn and Hardart - that fed the needs of many above and beyond the food itself. First time director, Lisa Hurwitz, gives us a story that's entertaining, engaging and unforgettable. You'll love it!!