The Automat: Documentary Viewing with Director Lisa Hurwitz

Calling all cinephiles and history buffs! Join us for a nostalgic viewing of the critically acclaimed “The Automat” documentary, plus a special talkback with the director after the show.

The way Mel Brooks talks about a piece of pie? That alone is worth the price of admission for the new documentary The Automat. Director Lisa Hurwitz’s film explains how restaurant chain Horn & Hardart took over major metropolitan areas like New York and Philadelphia in the early 1900s. Hank members will particularly be reminded of the all-but-lost history of the chain of restaurants, where you would pop a nickel or two into a slot, a small glass door would open, and out would come out every cozy dish imaginable. Those delicious cups of coffee were dispersed by regal dolphin-shaped spigots; friendly conversations with strangers, and the world’s best mac-and-cheese and baked beans.