The critically acclaimed film, Last Summer At Coney Island will be available to stream online free for two weeks at SnagFilms and on Hulu. Rick Burns calls it “An intimate portrait of an iconic New York landmark in transition, Last Summer at Coney Island takes the vibrant elements of the history of Coney Island and sets them against the backdrop of a community searching for a rebirth. The result is a truly authentic and moving piece of storytelling.” For those that loved the vintage images from Alex Wallach’s personal memoir of Coney Island on Untapped, this documentary is not to miss.
You can also buy the Last Summer At Coney Island
DVD, which comes with bonus footage.
From the press release:
Coney Island is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the hot dog, the roller coaster and – broadly speaking – popular culture. But Coney Island is not what it used to be and the area has lingered for years as a specter of its former magnificence.
“Last Summer At Coney Island” juxtaposes images of the past and present with interviews and observed scenes featuring many of the key players in this transformation.
Now, after years of false starts, change is coming to Coney Island. Come Hell or high water, the city of New York is determined to revitalize the once glorious, world capitol of amusements. Meanwhile, a private developer with dubious motives has been purchasing every square foot of land he can get his hands on. The neighborhood’s residents, along with the amusement community and the millions who cherish Coney Island’s legacy are left wondering what will happen next. Seaside salvation or Brooklyn boondoggle? History will decide but this film is the first draft.
