Film Forum

Lorraine Diehl is a native New Yorker who warmly remembers her Saturday afternoons with her Grandma Lizzie going to the Laffmovie on 42nd Street and then spinning through the revolving door of the nearby automat where she was treated to her favorite dinner: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and baked beans, followed by a slice of huckleberry pie. In 2002, together with Marianne Hardart, she co-wrote The Automat: The History, Recipes and Allure of Horn & Hardart’s Masterpiece. The book produced an exhibition of automat memorabilia at the Museum of the City of New York, along with Saturday presentations by the authors in the Museum’s auditorium, where it wasn’t unusual to see one of the iconic nickel throwers in the audience. Lorraine Diehl’s other books include The Late, Great Pennsylvania Station, Subways: The Tracks That Built New York City and Over Here! New York City During World War II.

Marianne Hardart is the great-granddaughter of Frank Hardart, the co-founder of the Horn & Hardart Automat. With Lorraine Diehl, she co-wrote The Automat: The History, Recipes and Allure of Horn & Hardart’s Masterpiece. After a career dedicated to working with children and families in health care settings, Marianne took the leap to pursue her childhood dream of acting full time. She currently works on stage and in films and has recently added writing to daily to-do list. Marianne is an active community member, connecting with organizations that work to improve the lives of people and animals alike. More at www.mariannehardart.com

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