The Automat

Name: The Automat
Genre: Documentary
Released: February 18, 2022
Duration: 79 min
Rating: 75
Cast: Elliott Gould, Lisa Keller, Lorraine Diehl, Marianne Hardart, Mel Brooks

2022

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

No score yet

tbd

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

tbd	Your Score
tbd	User Score No score yet

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

The Automat

Now Playing: The Automat

Movie Details & Credits

A Slice of Pie Productions | Release Date: February 18, 2022 | Not Rated

Starring: Elliott Gould, Lisa Keller, Lorraine Diehl, Marianne Hardart, Mel Brooks, Norris Horn, Paul Hardart, Ron Barrett, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Wilson Goode

Summary: Before fast food we had something better. Our grandparents told us stories of gathering around communal tables, sharing their lives, their struggles, and their dreams with strangers at The Automat. Relive the phenomena of America’s original and most beloved restaurant chain with never before-seen archival footage and photographs and a castBefore fast food we had something better. Our grandparents told us stories of gathering around communal tables, sharing their lives, their struggles, and their dreams with strangers at The Automat. Relive the phenomena of America’s original and most beloved restaurant chain with never before-seen archival footage and photographs and a cast including celebrity customers, company executives, historians, and members of the Horn & Hardart families.… Expand

Director: Lisa Hurwitz

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 79 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Rex Reed

Feb 23, 2022

The Automat was owned by the people, and it’s the people who loved it, remember it with passion, and still shed a tear when you mention it now. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

Feb 25, 2022

The Automat taps into so many resonant aspects of what America used to be that to watch it is to be drawn into an enchanting and wistfully profound time-tripping reverie. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Glenn Kenny

Mar 25, 2022

Even if this documentary directed by Lisa Hurwitz had nothing else to recommend it, it would be worthwhile as an excellent source of Mel Brooks. Read full review

Peter Rainer

Feb 23, 2022

In its own rueful way, The Automat functions as a kind of restorative to those feelings of loss. It’s a celebration of what for so many people was among the happiest of times. Read full review

Stephen Farber

Feb 23, 2022

This is no more than a minor piece of social history, but it wins us over with humor and a pointed touch of melancholy. Read full review

Mark Feeney

May 12, 2022

Hurwitz takes a terrific subject and treats it with undisguised, and justified, affection. Read full review

Sarah Jane

May 11, 2022

The Automat is rather like a nickel slice of pie or bowl of mac & cheese you’d get from one of their restaurants. It’s not fancy, but it’s good. Read full review

SEE ALL 15 REVIEWS

Write a Review

Negative:

User Reviews

everett

Jun 6, 2022

I loved it, partly because it brought back wonderful memories. But even if this was never part of your personal history, it's worth watching for the charm and humor of interviewed people you'll recognize, as well as its demonstration that "business" can have a heart. The Automat wasn't justI loved it, partly because it brought back wonderful memories. But even if this was never part of your personal history, it's worth watching for the charm and humor of interviewed people you'll recognize, as well as its demonstration that "business" can have a heart. The Automat wasn't just about the profit but the quality, the experience, and most of all the people: Owners who valued their employees, employees who were loyal, and of course, its patrons, all welcome, including the homeless. All were valued, and well aware that it was something special. Because it was.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

SEE ALL 1 REVIEWS