The Automat

4/28 7pm Q&A writer and editor Michael Levine

2021. 79 m. Lisa Hurwitz. A Slice of Pie Productions. US. English. Rated NR.

Series

The Automat recounts the lost history of the iconic restaurant chain Horn & Hardart, which served affordable-priced food to millions of New Yorkers and Philadelphians and revolutionized the nation’s restaurant scene with comfortable interiors, quality food, and state-of-the-art technology for the early 20th century. The chain welcomed American diners who had long been ignored, including those who were immigrants, working-class, Black, and women—all of whom were often not welcome in restaurants. 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.

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"An enchanting and wistfully profound time-tripping reverie"
Owen Gleiberman, Variety

"Takes an affectionate — and affecting — look at the famed Horn & Hardart restaurant chain and its singular place in dining history"
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times

"Wins us over with humor and a pointed touch of melancholy"
Stephen Farber, Hollywood Reporter

PAST EVENTS

Q&A writer and editor Michael Levine

Thursday, Apr. 28 2022, 7:00

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The Automat’s writer and editor Michael Levine is an Emmy Award winning film editor whose documentary credits include,: Bennett Miller’s The Cruise, Ken Burns' Baseball and The West, Amir Bar-Lev’s My Kid Could Paint That (with John Walter), Jennifer Venditti’s Billy the Kid, Dan Klores’ The Boys of 2nd St. Park and Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story, Russell Crowe’s Texas (a concert film), Vincent Fremont & Shelly Dunn Fremont’s Pie in the Sky: The Brigid Berlin Story and Liz Garbus’ Bobby Fischer Against the World. Sarah Burns, David McMahon, & Ken Burns' The Central Park Five, and Sebastian Junger & Tim Hetherington’s Oscar nominated, Restrepo.