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A Coney Island-inspired, densely-layered visually dynamic documentary portrait of the life and times of the original Nathan's Famous, created in 1916 by filmmaker Lloyd Handwerker's grandparents, Nathan and Ida Handwerker. 30 years in the making, Famous Nathan interweaves decades-spanning archival footage, family photos and home movies, an eclectic soundtrack and never-before-heard audio from Nathan: his only interview, ever as well as compelling, intimate and hilarious interviews with the dedicated band of workers, not at all shy at offering opinions, memories and the occasional tall tale.
Rating
NR
Director
Lloyd Handwerker
Studio
Loquat Films
Writer
Lloyd Handwerker
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- Wonderful film! Historically interesting, entertaining and for everyone who knows Nathan's Famous a must. Loved it!Reply
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- A highly moving film that touches on many themes; immigrants, family, old new york and a so much moreReply
- Very personal film about much more than hot dogs. Saw it on film and was even better. Especially the end credits with rare beautiful old footageReply
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- Very enjoyable film! Famous Nathan and the story of Nathan's is an authentic American dream, built with inspiration, grit, tireless work, and love. The film takes great care to trace Nathan's roots, heritage, and unique immigrant experience. The footage of Coney Island is extraordinary, and will bring many smiles to those with nostalgia for Coney Island and Nathans. Watching the film, one can't help but hunger for a Nathan's hot dog, a schmear of mustard, and of course a side of fries.Reply
- This is a rags to riches story, but I wouldn't say classic because it's unexpectedly and hauntingly unique on various levels. Absolute must see, and great to study in film classes, and for all ages. Bravo.Reply
- Fascinating documentary about the man and the family behind Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs. As someone who grew up eating at Nathan's on Long Island and in Manhattan, and whose mother shared stories of eating at the original Nathan's in Coney Island in the 1920s and '30s, I found it very interesting to learn the background of the brand. Nathan Handwerker's story is like so many stories of Jewish immigrants to the United States in the early 20th Century, who started businesses to varying levels of success to try to earn a piece of the American Dream. In this case the business grew into an icon that is beloved to this day. Thank you Lloyd Handwerker for sharing your family's story.Reply
- I enjoyed this look at an American icon and the spirit of entrepreneur that has built this country. Interesting to see this behind the scenes documentary from a fellow family member across decades. Very cool and made me want hot dogs.Reply
- This documentary is more than meets the eye for me. It's a memento of when I was a kid growing up in the Coney Island area. It warmed my heart.Reply
- This lovely film, both sad and deeply funny, is a candid look at family dynamics and a reminder of how many of our relatives, newly arrived, struggled towards the American Dream. The empathic, creative approach will resonate with many.Reply
- Really a great movie. To me goes beyond the realm of a documentary, personal, intimate human. It is the story of people, people who worked there for much of their lives, people who grew up in a family business. This would work beautifully if it was fiction, but it is not. You watch the arc of a mans life as he starts out poor and marginalized in Poland, learns to work hard, comes to the US with nothing and begins to build a very personal business, with a doggedly intense work ethic, never forgetting to remain connected to his workers and his customers.It is also a story of mortality and life itself as the characters in the film, interviewed over years grow old before your eyes, and the questions of what really matters in life and what a life comes to in the end are splayed out on the screen for all to see.I found this feature very moving and would see it again in a heart beat.Reply