Once upon a nickel, before fast food, one American restaurant empire was unstoppable. Experience the untold story of “The Automat,” a documentary film directed by Lisa Hurwitz and starring Mel Brooks.

"The Automat" tells the 100-year story of Horn & Hardart, the restaurant chain founded in 1888 that operated the first food service automats in New York City & Philadelphia. Generations of Americans ate and drank coffee at communal tables at their infamous locations

These iconic restaurants served food and drinks from coin-operated vending machines—customers would put nickels into slots, turn a knob, and open a little glass door to get their food. Automats were popular not only with celebrities and struggling artists, but also with those who were often not welcome at other restaurants, including immigrants, the working class, Blacks, and women.

Featuring interviews with Mel Brooks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Colin Powell, Carl Reiner, and many others, “The Automat” is a fascinating and nostalgic look at an important part of America's food history and culture.

79 minutes. The director will be here to discuss the movie and answer questions from the audience.

Contact the host of Film-on-the-Farm: "The Automat" Screening with Filmmaker Lisa Hurwitz