Hosts Craig Calcaterra and Steven Goldman introduce the show and discuss some of the similarities and differences between the 1930s and now, then visit Craig’s favorite extinct dining concept, the automat, before finishing with the film which has the automat scene to end all automat scenes, “Easy Living,” written by Preston Sturges and starring Jean Arthur, Ray Milland, and Edward Arnold.

Table of Contents
Introduction: A Lacuna in Our Memory*Why Are We Here?*Interdependence and a Very Messy Time*America the Fractured*After the Great Crusade*The Magnetic Center*When Coverage Was Local*Petting Parties?*Desperation Leads to Stupidity (and Bank Robberies)*The Automat*A Visit to the Last Horn & Hardart*Vending Machines in Crisis*The Democracy of the Automat*Drugstore Lunch Counters and Department Store Restaurants*Lazarus Rides Again*“Easy Living” by Preston Sturges (1937)*Conflicting Tone*The Gaspary Version*The Meet-Cute at the Automat*Automats and Labor*The Automat and Modern Tastes*“Easy Living” and “Trading Places”*The Weirdness of Jean Arthur*Next Time on “Brother”*Goodbyes.