The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway is a documentary film that explores the history of Rochester's subway system, as well as the reasons behind its closure. The film takes viewers on a journey through the tunnels, stations, and history of Rochester's subway, providing a fascinating look at the city's transportation infrastructure.
The film is narrated by former WHEC-TV anchor Don Alhart, who guides viewers through the story of Rochester's subway, from its construction in the early 20th century to its eventual closure in the late 1950s. Throughout the film, Alhart interviews historians, former subway employees, and Rochester residents who share their memories and stories of the subway.
Viewers are first introduced to the idea of the subway system as a solution to Rochester's transportation problems in the early 20th century. As the city grew, its streets became increasingly congested with traffic, leading city officials to consider alternative transportation options. In 1927, construction began on the Rochester subway, which was designed to transport passengers and goods quickly and efficiently throughout the city.
The film takes viewers on a tour of the subway system, which features six underground stations and miles of tunnels. Through archival footage and photographs, viewers can see what the subway looked like in its heyday, with its sleek, Art Deco-style stations and trains that glided silently through the tunnels.
Throughout the film, Alhart explains the challenges that the subway faced, including financial difficulties and competition from other forms of transportation, such as buses and cars. Viewers also learn about the role that the subway played during World War II, when it was used to transport workers to and from local factories.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the subway's fate was sealed by a combination of factors, including the rise of the automobile and the high cost of operating and maintaining the system. In 1956, the decision was made to close the subway for good, and the last train ran on June 30, 1956.
The film paints a vivid picture of what it was like to ride the subway in its heyday, with interviews from former passengers who recall the experience of riding through the tunnels. It also provides insight into the lives of the people who worked on the subway, from the engineers who operated the trains to the ticket agents who sold tickets to passengers.
The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway is a fascinating look at the history of Rochester's transportation infrastructure, as well as a poignant reminder of the city's past. The film offers a window into a time when the subway was a vital part of daily life for Rochester residents, and it serves as a tribute to the men and women who worked to keep the subway running.
Overall, The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway is a well-crafted documentary that is informative, engaging, and poignant. It offers a fascinating look at a forgotten part of Rochester's history and is sure to be of interest to anyone interested in transportation, urban history, or local history in general.
The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
