The Automat
2021 · Movie · TV-PG · 79 min · ★ 6.6 · 88% critics
This documentary traces the century-long rise of an iconic American restaurant chain where people gathered over coffee and shared tables. Through memories from former customers, it follows the business at its height and its struggle to adapt as fast food reshapes the country.
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Details
- Years
- 2021
- Release date
- 2021-09-02
- Language
- English
- Rated
- TV-PG
- Runtime
- 79 min
- Critic score
- 88/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.6/10 (21 votes)
- Box office
- $257,371
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you like nostalgic, people-centered history documentaries about American culture and changing tastes, like Laurel Canyon or The Toys That Made Us; Not for you if you want a fast, plot-driven story.
Pros: nostalgic American history; engaging customer memories; food-and-coffee culture | Cons: limited outside viewpoints; business details may dominate; slower reflective pace
Themes
- new york city
- food
- food industry
- vending machine
- automat
- food culture
Cast & crew
Mel Brooks
as Self
- JR
John W. Romas
as Self
Carl Reiner
as Self
- KR
Krystyna Romas
as Self
- AS
Alec Shuldiner
as Self
- WG
Wilson Goode
as Self
Elliott Gould
as Self
Howard Schultz
as Self
- NH
Norris Horn
as Self
- SS
Steve Stollman
as Self
Directed by Lisa Hurwitz