The Rise and Fall of Penn Station is a documentary film that explores the history behind the construction and subsequent demolition of the iconic Pennsylvania Station in New York City. Directed by Randall MacLowry and narrated by actor and director Liev Schreiber, this film takes viewers on a journey through the early 20th century to understand how and why the station was built, and the reasons behind its eventual destruction in the 1960s.
The documentary introduces viewers to the imaginative vision of architects Charles McKim, William Mead, and Stanford White, who were hired by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to design a grand entrance to New York City. The film provides a fascinating insight into the architects' design and development process, that was influenced by the memories of grand European stations and cathedrals. Through historical photographs, older newsreels and interviews, the documentary captures the magnificence of the Pennsylvania Station, whose Beaux-Arts architecture set a new standard for train stations around the world.
The documentary also explores the socio-economic context in which the station was built, presenting the late 19th and early 20th-century railroad boom period. The Pennsylvania Railroad was seeking to expand its operations by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and so the station became the centerpiece of the project. The station was envisioned as a gateway to the eastern states, and its grandeur intended to impress and awe travelers, and to announce New York City as the destination of business and pleasure.
However, the film presents the story of the station's destruction as something that was inevitable. In the 1960s, despite widespread protests led by architects and urban activists, the demolition of the station began for the sake of urban renewal and the construction of Madison Square Garden. The documentary presents a poignant account of the struggle to save the station that came too late to stop the destructionâthe film has special interviews with people who witnessed the demolition and knew the station's secrets until this day.
The Rise and Fall of Penn Station is an excellent documentary that provides a unique insight into the history of one of America's most iconic buildings. The film highlights the broader trends and changes in American society in the 20th century, such as the rise of the automobile and the decline of rail travel. It argues that the demolition of the station, which was symbolic of the decline of the city, marks a turning point in America's history, where urban renewal was seen as more important than preserving the past's architectural beauty.
As a documentary, the film is informative, engaging, and visually stunning. Through its use of historical footage and beautiful cinematography, it captures the grandeur of the station and the emotions that individuals felt during its demolition. It is also very educational, providing a detailed history of the origins, construction, and ultimate destruction of the station, well-researched, and based on interviews with architects, planners, and preservationists experts.
In conclusion, The Rise and Fall of Penn Station is an excellent account of one of the most fascinating stories in American history. The storyline is surprisingly emotional, and it goes beyond just the story of a train station - it is also about the people who loved it, fought for it, and lost it. This documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of urban development or the preservation of architectural landmarks. It is above all, a story about how society values (or doesn't value) its cultural heritage items, and how its destruction can stain its memories for generations.
The Rise and Fall of Penn Station is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes.
