Horn & Hardart in Film, TV, and Music

Horn & Hardart and the Automat have made countless appearances in films, television, and music over the years.

Here’s a roundup of a few:

Film

The Beautiful City (1925): One of the earliest depictions of the Automat, this silent film stars William Powell as a thief who robs an Automat of its nickels.

Thirty Day Princess (1934): Actress Sylvia Sidney plays a character who uses her last bit of change for soup, bread, and coffee at an Automat.

Easy Living (1937): Jean Arthur’s character, Mary Smith, visits the Automat, where a series of comedic mishaps unfold.

That Touch of Mink (1962): This romantic comedy, starring Doris Day and Cary Grant, prominently features a Horn & Hardart Automat in several key scenes.

Bugs Bunny: A Hare Grows in Manhattan (1947): Even Bugs Bunny couldn’t resist an Automat cameo!

Music

The Broadway musical Face the Music features songs by Irving Berlin, including “Lunching at the Automat” and “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee.”

Concerto for Horn & Hardart (1965): Composer Peter Schickele, under his satirical moniker P.D.Q. Bach, delivers a playful tribute to the Automat.

Marilyn Monroe in Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend: “...Or help you at the Automat.”

Television

Horn & Hardart Children’s Hour: This variety show ran for over 30 years.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2023, Season 5): The Automat was recreated as a set in the final season of this series.

Released in 2021, The Automat documentary is a must-watch. It takes a deep dive into Horn & Hardart’s history, complete with fascinating archival footage and interviews with legends like Mel Brooks.

There are many more to add to this list. Do you remember spotting the Automat somewhere else? Contact us at this link to share your favorite moments with us.