I was born in Queens (across the East River from Manhattan) and grew up in the 50s when the automat was in full swing. I went there often when I was in the city, so it was with great interest that I looked at this documentary.
It was wonderful. More than I expected. The interviews with the people were priceless as were the photos of the automats. They captured the essence of the automat. And the media videos of how the automat reached the greater culture were also wonderful.
So why a 9 instead of a 10? Blame it on Mel Brooks. He was not merely useless, it was painful to watch him rub his face, rub his hair, and otherwise sit uncomfortably in front of the camera. Don't get me wrong. I loved his work on TV and in films. But here he is not needed.
If you want to learn about the automat, this is required viewing.
It was wonderful. More than I expected. The interviews with the people were priceless as were the photos of the automats. They captured the essence of the automat. And the media videos of how the automat reached the greater culture were also wonderful.
So why a 9 instead of a 10? Blame it on Mel Brooks. He was not merely useless, it was painful to watch him rub his face, rub his hair, and otherwise sit uncomfortably in front of the camera. Don't get me wrong. I loved his work on TV and in films. But here he is not needed.
If you want to learn about the automat, this is required viewing.