The Automat

Slight, pleasant, sentimentally nostalgic documentary gets a boost from a still vociferous Brooks – though his appearance does (inevitably) tend to dominate and overwhelm the primary subject matter, rather than complementing it; otherwise this seems like a very small, personal look back writ a little too large at times, with a lot of waxing nostalgic in place of potentially more substantive material about the social conditions of the time. A fun way to pass an hour and a few nickels.

A hagiographic tribute to automats & their founders which is most interesting in raising questions it doesn't answer. Were employees really happy? We keep hearing (from 2 blacks too) how automats served EVERYONE, but the old pics are whites only. We also hear how a bum could sit in there & presumably not bother anyone but by the 60s, the "homeless" are camping out inside. What changed in the culture? & what exactly is the big difference between its "good quality food" & new fast-food like McD's?

“The Automat” is a charming and nostalgic documentary that will delight anyone who remembers the restaurant or is interested in the history of American dining. While it could have been more analytical, it is well-made and thoroughly enjoyable, with a great score by Hummie Mann and an original song by Mel Brooks.

Loved this documentary and wished I could have gone to an Automat before they all disappeared.