The Rough NYC Streets In 1970 -- A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- I made this movie back in early 1970 to raise money for a Jewish philanthropy in New York City. It captures the challenges people were having at that time. So many of my subscribers on this channel have asked to see it that I am posting the entire film. I got permission directly from Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel to use their just-released Bridge Over Troubled Waters song in the film. Many subscribers comment that the situation in New York City is even worse today than it was back in 1970 when I hit the streets to shoot this scene. I was carrying a 49 pounds 16mm camera with the soundman by my side. We went to Washington Sq., Park in Greenwich Village near NYU. There were homeless people in that area and in the nearby Lower East Side just as there are today. At that time, there were "mental hospitals" where tens of thousands of people were put/housed who suffered with mental illness and drug addiction etc. During the Reagan administration, these hospitals were closed and the people were put on the streets. So back at that time, many of the people we came across who were homeless were teenagers or people in their early 20s who had become "runaways" - running away from horrible parental situations. I was unprepared when doing my interview with this group of runaways what the gentleman would say when he described driving a car and having an accident where his parents and his wife and his child were killed (there were no seatbelts at that time) while he was essentially uninjured. He asked me what I would do and I could not answer that I would not be in exactly the situation he was in.
Some commentators believe that the long haired young man with the scar is the person who the small blonde woman described she slashed with a knife. He was not that person. He was her friend and helping her protect her from the really bad people that preyed on these people not only in New York City but in every major American city then, and I suspect… today as well.
I was 8 years old when this was filmed. I am now 54, disabled, and seeing myself in those old folks from almost 50 years ago. The circle of life....
You put that quite beautifully Leviathan 61'
Good luck
Don't Give Up Pal
Leviathan 61' hope u doing good man 🙏
Leviathan 61' You are not that old yet.
TH-cam is the closest you can get to a time machine. . I was born in 1960 I was 11 years old when David Hoffman created this film. I love the nostalgic vibe it gives me. 😊❤
Thats EXACTLY what I was thinking ...Time Machine. Although I was born almost 20 yrs later. I remember a NY that was different. Culture FILLED!
@randall-flagg it can be. Depending on ones memory
i was born 1972 it really is
Yes, I think the same thing. Where else will you get a look at New York City from close to 55 years ago?
Fran, after seeing something as heartbreaking as this, you're primarily concerned with "Nostalgia" (your own nostalgia, in fact), and not the suffering of people in cruel conditions? About the loss of cultural identity of the youth of the most hounded people in history (Hebrews)??
My mom had immigrated from Germany and had my sister in 63 and me in 68 in Manhattan. We lived in a slum in Greenwich Village, with junkies shooting up in our stairwells and mentally ill people wandering the streets, regularly trying to break in through climbing the fire escape, trying to wrench our kitchen window open while we were at home. I think things got so bad after the mental patients were let loose from the psychiatric hospitals. Eventually, in 1972, she couldn’t take it anymore and brought us back to Germany where we could experience a safe and healthy childhood. I’m so grateful she did.
Wow - what an interesting childhood story you have! Born 1971, I grew up in Munich, lived for 7 years in Chicago in my 20s, now I based in Spain. Where are you living now? I just love the 70s - especially NYC!
@@chrisbeltermann I grew up in Munich, as well: Perlacher Forest area! I spent a lot of time with my grandparents in the small town of Schwabhausen on the weekends. I lived there between the age of 4 and 21. After a brief period of living in Ireland in the early 90s, my mother and I moved back to America (Sarasota, Florida) before eventually moving to TN and then to KY. New York City was a dirty crime ridden place in the late 60s and 70s. It was an interesting place, though, and my mom missed it, but I’m so glad I didn’t have to grow up there. We had a rather idyllic childhood in Germany by comparison to what we would have had. Of course, I was too young at the time to really understand how dangerous a place it was for us.
@@chrisbeltermann te gusta españa?
The 30's to the 90's in Americas history seems like a fucking fantasy, like the jmage of the wild west they portray in the books
chris eubank has a similar story
I’m always fascinated by films and documentaries of 1970s NYC. When the young people were interviewed, you could see a much deeper sense of self that just doesn’t seem to exist with today’s youth. I hope all the young people in this film found peace in their lives.
they did, they´re dead.
@@peterfiolet Nice comment, jackass.
What a beautiful thing to say
Dead !
LoL@@peterfiolet
These are the children of holocaust survivours and war ww2 ..war changes everything
David u are the source of probably one of the greatest collections of documentary films I've ever found. Your career and passion are so inspiring, thank u.
Thank you Adam for your comment. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that TH-cam is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts.
David Hoffman filmmaker
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker have you ever been able to find out about any of them? I think about this a lot , we’re they killed on 9/11 or the streets, or did they get everything together??????? These questions drive me crazy not knowing
Hezekiah news?
@timglover5358 drives me a little crazy too man. Would love to know about any of them. Doubt we'd like what we found out very much....
The man who is talking for this is the late great legendary actor Jack Gilford, he is Oscar winner and was doing movies in the 1950s. He died of stomach cancer at age 82 in 1990, he was in such legendary movies as Cocoon 1985, Cocoon returns 1988, "The funny thing at happened on the way to the forum 1966, Save the tiger 1973, Caveman 1981, Catch- 22 1977, The incident 1967, The daydreamer 1966, he was hilarious and great actor, my he RIP July 25. 1908- June 4, 1990
He also played Kaos villain "Simon The Likeable" in an episode of Get Smart.
Thank you!! I was trying to remember his name but couldn't recall. I remember him most from Cocoon and it's sequel but also remember him from other films much older than Cocoon. Definitely one of those New York actors that was a fixture of motion pictures with such a long and illustrious career. He seems to have really loved his craft.
Man I knew he looked familiar. He was in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, wasn't he?
Wasn't he in an episode of The Twilight Zone as well?
ha yes! and he also look a bit like piano player horowitz
I lived in NYC in 1968-71. I had nothing but youth, naivete, talent, and a beautiful guitar...I first stayed in a Brooklyn brownstone owned by a record producer and eventually moved to 112th and Riverside Drive to a huge apartment with a view of the Hudson and with other musicians. It was $100/mo. I waitressed at Max's Kansas City... Fantastic time to live in NYC! Exciting, affordable, and lots of jobs, opportunities, and connections. I was on the radio with David Bromberg, played lots of gigs, and hobnobbed with all the glitterati of the era...Memorable. I'm so grateful for those years. Plus... NOW I can watch Feiffer's (still alive on the upper west side) "Little Murders" on TH-cam and plug in to everything going on! lol! Such a GREAT ERA in NYC!
Do you still live there?
Max’s Kansas City, Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick used to hang out there in the back room. Did you ever meet them?
I'm 54 hung in the city on weekends Deer Park strong island lIRR to Penn station CBGB MSG NY armory limelight many other rocking venues had a blast no regrets NYers rule IMO 💪
No doubt.. I was a teenager we used to go to the village. On my 18th birthday I was at a place called the back fence on Bleecker Street next to Kenny’s castaways where I pop some mushrooms we took those checkered cabs and smoke joints in the back. it was all one big adventure back then I was a bike messenger for a number of summers as well another story good times for sure and don’t forget the concerts at Madison square garden saw Zeppelin in 77 Frampton comes alive, Elton John goodbye yellow brick road and so on.
@@jamesmack3314
I lived on macdougal street right around the corner from the back fence. It was still there 15 years ago.
Hi David: Was so amazed and delighted to find this today . I am the D oyle Dane Bernbach writer who followed you and your crew around for so many months filming this. Still so moving all these years later. II was at a private screening that Bill Bernbach gave for Jack Guilford and his wife that left them both in tears at the end. Thanks for putting this out there and for your great work. Now my grandchildren can see what their 'bubbe' did once upon a time. Best,Frada Wallach
Frada Wallach saw your name in the credits !!
I recognized you in the credits too
Frada Wallach that’s neat to me!
This is very impressive, still 51 years later
Frada, it's been a while, you may not be out here now... and I know the name isn't super rare... but are you any relation to Lorraine Wallach, who lived in Chicago?
I was still just a twinkle in my dads eye when this was filmed, 74 I arrived. I wonder how many of these are still alive and where they are now, time and life are gone in a heartbeat!
I was a ten-year-old Haitian-American kid from Flatbush, Brooklyn during these times. It was dirty, aggressive, poverty-stricken, and dangerous on these mean streets back in the day!
I also remember a lot of love from my family and the Haitian unity within the enclaves of Flatbush and Crown Heights during these years. Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens were also beautiful and peaceful during these days.
Today NYC has lost a lot of this authenticity. This documentary depicted the true nitty-gritty of NYC!
Well said.
So true, not even the authenticity I experienced on my last visit to NYC in late 1990s. It so commercialized now; not the same, but still NYC.
@@swankeeper5679gang and drug violence
I agree and it's even worse today with all the homeless and drug addicts
big up flatbush i live near vanderveer moved here in the late 80’s
Thank you,David! Coming back and re-watching this and some of your other interesting documentaries. I love seeing that even though times change,technology develops etc...people/kids always need compassion and to grow up feeling loved and heard and safe. I am from the Soviet Union and I also grew up with my parents always reminding me to "never throw away the old until you have the new". :) I hope you are doing well and thank you again for spending your time uploading and sharing your films and showing the constantly-renewed "young generations" what life was life before,what people valued and how they seen themselves and the world around them.
Inna L
Inna: That is very generous of you. I thank you so much. I do hope that you are surviving and thriving in Russia these days. My mother came from Ukraine. Best regards to you and your family
David Hoffman Filmmaker
@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker
Actually I now live in the US midwest,Dave. I guess we have that in common :) as my father was born near Ukraine in Soviet Union also.
Wishing you and yours good health and happiness❤❤
I was 2 years old when this was made. Those young people were my parents age back then. My mom was a troubled youth too but took decades until she finally fixed her life. She's nearing 70 now. I wonder what ever became of all of them.
Death
@@kyoakland Dude....
You are 50/51 years old now
I was born September 1971. Maybe I was still in the womb. Now in September 2020 I'll be turning 49 years! I don't even feel 49 to tell you the truth,I feel and look 36. Ha!
@@normasantanagarcia8798 you are very beautiful
The sad thing about this documentary filmed in 1971 is that all these years later its now 3-23-2020 I see the same kids on the streets, different generation same styles, same long hair, same innocents standing out there thinking they will be okay. I pray they are, and these teens are now elderly folk with grandkids.
Except kids back then weren't losing their teeth and mind on meth. They smoked a little weed and head a few beers.
Franaflyby you’re ignorant if u think kids only smoked weed back then😂🤣
@@8O8S4NTANA I'm talking about the 50s and 60s.
I'm not that dam old !
@@8O8S4NTANA right!! I just watched a video of kids on Angel dust in the 60s and 70s. I hate how they try and act like the kids didn't do drugs back then. I just watched a PSA about herion from the 40s .
3-23-2020 would be the start of the Covid shutdown. Kids don't really stand on the street corners anymore. They'd rather be on their smartphones playing games. I was a kid in the 80s so I've seen the big difference.
Depending on the exact date this was recorded I was between 12-13 yrs old growing up in Puerto Rico.
I had no idea at the time there were ppl, especially young ppl like these living in the street.
Ten yrs later, in 1980, I moved to NYC, found a job in east Harlem and an apartment around the corner. That's when I started learning about homelessness.
I'm back home in Puerto Rico and still hurts seeing these images.
lf this was filmed in exactly 1970, l would have been 5 yrs old. l find youth are always restless, and looking for fun/new things. l remember feeling the same. But looking at the elderly ...my heart goes out to them. Life is short. By the time l started getting a little wise, l was already 50! I really loved when you filmed that old man on the stretcher's _hands_ David. Great Shot! l hope this film really helped these people!
@Chon Connor Also, save money as much as possible and invest wisely. Try not to be a burden to the next generation and society in general. That way, you don't end up with your fate being decided by others.
Thanks!
Inna: I do not know why you chose to support me like this but it is an honor and I thank you so much for it.
David Hoffman
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker This video, among others, touched my heart. The Jewish federation helped my family when we arrived from Moscow in 1994. Your work brings light to a different time and helps us analyze the present and future by having a knowledge of the experiences of those in the past. It's so interesting to me to see how people in other generations experienced life. What brought them worry and what brought them joy. Your work is very special and I appreciate you dedicating your life to helping people SEE the past present and future in a different light.
Huge hug to you, David! I hope you are well.
P. S. I enjoy your photo posts and daily thoughts very much as well.
Inna: You must become a member of the David Hoffman TH-cam Community because we are a wonderful group of folk who like each other and although I set the mood, I am not the leader. Please join and connect with us on our monthly Livestreams. And thank you again for the support. if you want to become a member, click the join button on the community page. My best wishes to you and your family.
David Hoffman
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker Could you at least tell everyone the name of the girl, why weren't the people's names given in the credits?
Everyone's asking for an update
Another absolute gem. To understand the 60s one needs to see actual film and sound of the sixties. The young lady at 11:18 into the film is so perfect... not just her own natural beauty but a wonderful capture of the time. And reminded... the older man describing his seemingly cheap apartment at 100 dollars a month... today nearly everything is at least 10 times the 1969 price. For example back then coffee was 25 cents now 2.50... gas was about 30 cents a gallon now 3.00 etc. etc. So his apartment was costing him a thousand dollars a month in relative terms... not cheap for him at all!
It's crazy, and rent is actually 50 to 70 times more today that it was back then.
More like $3500
He had a cheap rent
And with the incredible increase of the cost of living from then to now unfortunately wages didn’t go up at the same rate to match.
What did women do during the 70’s for dates? The men were so burly and unkempt. Even bands like ELO, Chicago, Foreigner, they all had this type of look. I was five in 1970.
Thank you so much for sharing your archive , and your humanity with us, David. I can see the heart you have with the content you cover and share. I appreciate and admire not only your career, but your heart, your compassion, respect, and kindness. The humanity you show people is a reflection of your own. I appreciate this and you.
I was 5 yrs old when this video was done, I'm 53 and have terminal cancer now, things have changed since then, but really not that much as far as we as people have not progressed at all, we still hate each other, sad
♡♡
I hope your still with us
So sorry for your diagnosis. Hope you can find kindness and joy during your illness.
It seemed like we were in an upswing for a bit, then suddenly the bar has suddenly crashed through the floor! Turning on (and turning in) our brother has become the norm.
❤
I’m 64 with terminal cancer myself
Yes life does get harder as we get older
I hope your doing well now
God damn. The older gentleman, at 21:00, saying if he had no children, he'd blow his brains out. That hits home, hard. Great stuff, David. Thank you.
This was fun, 312Duck, I thought, "Chicago person?" So I took a look, Cermak, Cubs, yeah, that's a 312😂❤ Happy day to ya!
Your channel is an asset to youtube and society as a whole. Thank you for your uploads.
Thank you Matthew for your comment. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that TH-cam is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts.
David Hoffman filmmaker
These kids definitely speak more eloquently and clear expression of what they think and feel.
David this film is a time machine and a true gem. The biggest thing that i get from this is , mental health and addiction services was failing back then and still is today.
Poor guys, I feel so sorry for them, that little girl with the kitten in her arms breaks my heart...
Beautiful David the way Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge' weaves in and out of the Earl Scruggs version.
Beautiful portrait of humanity and the strength that grows from adversity. Hope those street children found some peace.
That kitten was absolutely adorable ♥️
Hoff you really struck gold with this one. The world is still in the same situation 50 years later.
This was your film? Wow, I've seen this over and over for years. It's such a great, pure piece of documentary filmmaking. Thank you for this absolutely historic piece of cinema.
Your films are priceless gems! What you have captured is gone forever and I am so glad that you were able to keep it safe for us all in what was then the very distant and unimaginable future. Who in 1970 would have ever thought that in 2021 anyone would be able to watch anything they wanted whenever they wanted? Back then (as you remember) we watched what was on the 2 or 3 channels of TV when it was broadcast. Everything was so much more limited! So yes - many thanks from 2021 and yes 2070 as well!
I had more fun on the streets of NYC in those poverty stricken days. Than I have today in my so called successful life in the utopian city of boulder colorado. Two sides of the same coin I say . Rich or poor . It's about perspective and love of your life . 😊
Heavy...hard to watch...let's be grateful for what we have... nothing should be taken for granted... another great film, Mr Hoffman 🔥
Thank you again Robert for your comment. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that TH-cam is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts.
David Hoffman filmmaker
My family lived in New York. I was 2 when we left in 1977. New York looks soooo different now.
NYC really looked like a war zone back in the 70s. Crazy to see those places now as a New Yorker myself looking completely different.
USMCLP at least it was affordable back then!
USMCLP I miss the way it used to be
Now it's gentrified filled with hipsters
hairbandfan1967 yep and after the riots going on right now and due to quarantine I can literally see this shit happening all over again
You might see it again soon o_O
I felt so sad toward the end of this , the music just heightens it..
gethepicture Simon & Garfunkel bridge over troubled water is a timeless classic!
Felt the same way because of the imagery and music
1970 ..I was 23 and living in Park Slopes Brooklyn
I am now 74
Thank You for Sharing
So the woman interviewed @ 20min was probably born in the late 1880s, more than 130 years ago.
I'm 21 years old. Clearly I haven't experienced this era but I sure do hope I'll get to make a film about it someday. Looking at videos like these fascinates me so much.
Another beautiful exploration of humanity from Mr Hoffman. I adore these glimpses into the past.
Thank you for your comment. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that TH-cam is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts.
David Hoffman filmmaker
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker of course I will gladly oblige!
What an important historical document thanks for so generously sharing it.
I'm 54 yrs old now. 1970 was the year I was born. I migrated to NYC when I was 15 (1985). It was still the same. Went through a lot (same as all the teens in the film)and experienced and saw all of the same struggles. This video made me cry...a lot. The girl who was selling herself, the boy with multiple fight wounds on his face, the young man with the beard and dirty shoes my heart weeps and is with you. Did the Jewish Federation ever try to find them since the 2000s to see if any of them survived? I'd like to know as most would I'm sure. I survived. I hope they did too. If anyone does know what became of anyone in this film please contact me. I'd truly appreciate any info.
I will never forget this time I was in a bad area in Philly with my parents, (Kensington), so getting out of the car I said, "Be careful. This is a really bad neighborhood." My mom says " pssft, I'm from New York". She wasn't playin'. They raised us 3 kids in Queens in the 70s. New York makes a different breed.
You have an amazing mother..hope that she is still with you and your family and all are well...that was just so great about mothers as they didn't take any BS from anyone..
This was such a treat to watch, thank you so much for making it and sharing it!
This made me realize I’m gonna be old someday holy shit
Was 8 years old in New York City 1970
If you're lucky.
Add 20 years to your age and maximize those years.
I am 70 I lived there my whole life when the east village was great Fillmore East best rock spot to see music
Old age comes quickly.Don't waste a minute.
I love these retro documentaries ❤. Thanks for sharing.
What a treasure your archive is Mr.Hoffman. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Bruce.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
the man at 6:25 has such sad eyes.. I feel so sorry for all those children, and especially the man who's lost almost everyone in his life, this is so heartbreaking, may some of them lived good lives afterwards
*"Looks great, huh? From here everything looks great. But things aren't always what they seem"* That's literally the old days for ya.
I love when you post whole movies like you did with that computer doc from 79. This one is a real look into the early 70s.
Ha, I commented before I saw that you filmed it, Mr. Hoffman! I just flocked to it, because I def wanted to see what NYC looked like in 1971! I often miss who makes videos, especially if the thumbnail draws my attention. OF COURSE you filmed this! ❤️ 👍🏼
Beautiful film..I can't stop feeling bad for that girl with the cat. Who knows what happened to her. Life's unfair.
Thinking The Same Bud
@@Jay-ru3mu up the blades. OHHHHH BILLY SHARP SHARP SHARP
Ian Dominics cry me a River
@@ianmooresguard1721 I am sorry for that girl, so beautiful and with a dark future.
It would be nice to be able to find those people nowadays, just to see what the future held for them...
Thanks! @ 24.36 the gentleman's hands were like my Grampy's in his last days. Beautiful, craftsman's hands. Can one imagine their creations in a lifetime? Love to you!
I thank you once again Lucie for the support you give to my films and to me.
David Hoffman filmmaker
This puts tears in my eyes - New York before the Twin Towers. I was 15 in 1971.
Did you not see the towers in the background at the beginning?
You captured and documented this time in history forever. Thank you.
Wow I'm very grateful I'm alive today and very grateful for those who struggled to make our lives easier
Can you imagine how the world would be if everyone treated each other with such compassion, such empathy, respect, kindness, genuine care-I won’t say generosity because I think it’s just to r right thing to do and not generous , this level of understanding , love for their fellow humans. Yes, it’s a pipe dream, but for a moment, it warms my heart to think about, even if it may make me feel a bit more sorrowful when I think of the state of the world when my mind comes out of its drift and crashing back to reality. It does however, leave a little residual warmth in the end, because it’s a reminder of how many people out there are just genuinely doing their best to help others, and treat them with dignity. With the same compassion everyone deserves, regardless of their situation. We should all take that away from this video and apply it to ourselves, so we can show that to others. And remind us to treat ourselves with the same kindness! Take care everyone, you can’t help others if you don’t help yourself first-it’s our obligation to do so, and our obligation to help our fellow humans. The same help you’d want.
Love to all across the world.
21:44 he says that he paid $60 a month in rent for a small room, and that it went up to $80 a month and he could no longer afford it. In 2020 I pay $2,200 for the same 16x11 room in New York City.
Yup ..
You got in late.
Thank your smug democrat overlords.
@@12NFLtitles all are same
I bet your salary is higher.
This was so amazing the end was so sad and the music made it so much better thank you 🙏
It's really cool to see the people who worked on this film commenting. We live in a fascinating age of technology
"We got money for wars but can't feed the poor 2pac Shakur !" Its sad that even today there more homeless people than ever smh !
Get a job
Most homeless people now are mentally ill. We need more mental illness awareness and care.
I know, right !
That’s the damn truth!! California, Texas, and New York are the biggest cities in our country and we struggle with a drug Epidemic and we’re so focused on the Covid pandemic but after this mouth there’s going to be a lot more homeless people in the streets!!…..it’s sad we’re the best country in the world and we can’t even afford to help people that actually need help…I’m not talking about the drug addicts I’m talking about the real homeless….
Sorry I meant states not cities
I love the Dr. who said everyone should be able to live in dignity no matter what stage of life or what situation they're in. Every human being deserves that 🥹
This is a great doc. Thanks for making it available!
I just adored Jack Gilford! Thank you David and God Bless! Your friend in Seattle 🙏🏽❤️
I was born in Brooklyn 1964, this NYC was gritty but at least working class could make it there
you could have made it in the 90's as well
Yea now you hardly can make it... almost a can't now.... shit has turned harder for the worse financially due to inflation
@@josephblackwood4001 Inflation is a man made problem in a capitalist system that works until it doesn't.
@@letsif
Capitalism isn't the issue, the politicians are.
@@letsif you believe in a system, which is good, the market is like a system, but not one that the government can directly control like you think they can. Regardless of what model all the worlds countries adopt, trade would still take place, and value would be appointed to both labor and goods.
A lot of those folks are gone now. Not just the old ones. Let’s take a moment to remember them.
Thank you for sharing this. Stuff like this is important - for now & for posterity. Real life movies documenting our world are the closest thing we have to a time machine. I’m a New Yorker & this period is the apex of the start of urban blight & decay that has been a perpetual problem in NYC & major cities. It’s very telling how hard this hits even now as we face many of the same issues & problems still that plague our society & city. Not much has changed & it’s an indictment of our politicians & policies. How crazy is that? This was during the period of the end of the radical 60’s & the 70’s which was the start of massive urban decay & blight in NYC. Crime, poverty, urban decay, the wealth gap, etc had proliferated & become widespread & an urgent popular concern. It was a nadir (it seemed) as excess marked the 80’s & there was a rebound of prosperity in the 90’s - early 2000’s; however it was a mirage, as we have basically returned to the madness.
While there have been improvements that have happened at times things merely ebbed & flowed between the peaks & valleys of success & failure. Now in current times it seems like we have gone into a spiral where things are as bad or worse as they’ve ever been while the elites just hoard ever more power & wealth. Fraud, abuse & waste still ravage the city too. It’s sad & tragic. When you see these people it makes you wonder about their plights, what happened to them & where they ended up. It’d be fascinating to be able to catch up with people from this documentary who are still living to find out where they are now & what happened to them. The sad part about modern times is that many push the narrative that no progress has been made since these times when they faced real issues that people pretend never got better like racism & police corruption when they absolutely have. Anyway, footage like this is crucial as a time capsule that memorializes a place & time for posterity as history is crucial our continued understand, finding solutions & ultimately progress.
So glad this was posted. I love watching stuff like this especially stuff on NY where you get a glimpse into how NY looked then & into the lives of people then. Good stuff🙂👍
45 year old New Yorker here. Raised in the Bronx. I recognize the way the city looked during my childhood from the video because it was still the same way deep into the '80's.
I have a different opinion: There are some good people in the video. Inspiring people who care and want to help others, do good, believe in things etc.
We have more stuff and better living conditions now, but that spirit of wanting to help others in need seems totally gone. We are all so cynical and selfish and stuck on our cellphones or in our own social bubbles and full of anger that we don't care for eachother at all anymore. I literally can't imagine people of my day and age sincerely caring about helping others or making the society and institutions work better, or even honestly discussing problems instead of just looking for what keeps them entertained in the moment.
There is something really beautiful there is people's spirit and faith in humanity that we've totally lost now. I don't know if we can ever get it back or face our common problems without it.
John
Edit: Someone down below said the narrator is Jack Gilford. But I will leave the rest of the message for you David!
This is a really beautiful film! Without people like this, NYC wouldn't be what it is today. It sounds like they started building it up, making it better. I was in NYC in 2017 or so. It was a lovely, busy place. I didn't get a chance to see any of the old parts of town, just the tourist-y parts. So many of the writers that I follow lived in NYC back when it was neighborhoods of people who knew each other. David, you are bridging the old and the new, so thank you for showing us what you've seen. Without a solid knowledge of our history, we can't make educated decisions for our future.
It was Jack Gilford who was the host of this documentary.
David Hoffman filmmaker
1970 -2021... nothing has changed. We are still talking about the same things... community centers, drug rehabilitation, crime, gangs, poverty, homelessness, etc
This was an INCREDIBLE watch. Seriously thank you for the upload. Truly
Speechless just like wow.. the girl holding the cat 😕😕how it was just so much casualness when she mentioned what happened to her , truly heart breaking.
My upbringing was far from perfect and my parents were not rich, but I always had a roof over my head. I really feel for these youngsters and homeless people in general who have no other back up and are all alone.
Thank you for your contribution to helping these young people 🙏
This is like Midnight Cowboy, but real
I was born in 1958. My parents fled NYC for Long Island when I was one year old. I grew up with amazing schools, leaving my bike on the front lawn overnight, driving at 16. I loved visiting the city when I was growing up and went to college in NYC. But was happy to go home to crickets at night and hearing the LIRR Train whistles at 6:00 am. I moved into the city in the mid-80’s when I was a young adult and knew to be safe when I went out, ride the crazy trains back then at 2:00 am.
You can film this almost ANYWHERE in 2021. Most places are better in hiding it (especially New York), but homelessness and desperation are as prevalent as, if not more than, ever.
Thank you David for this short glimpse of the past.
Mr. Hoffman, what a fantastic time capsule and I'm glad it was successful in raising funds. The 60's weren't all love and flowers and this great film reveals some of the challenges of that time. Did you ever encounter any of the young street people later? I don't have a good feeling about what the future held for them.
Dear Richard: Unfortunately, in those days I didn't take releases like we were required to do years later so I didn't really know their names. I gave them some money and wish them well and never saw them again. They were very nice people in really tough spots.
David Hoffman-filmmaker
An incredible film. Thanks for posting it. What park were they filmed in? Washington Square Park?
Yes it was Washington Square Park
David Hoffman - filmmaker
@GoodKid BadHabits Yes. I post two videos a week. Usually on Wednesday and on Saturday.
David Hoffman filmmaker
@@DavidHoffmanFilmmakerYou’re a wonderful person and I send to love from afar.
Film is a little newer than 70. Noticed several early 70s model cars driving past. Probably filmed in 72/73. Anyways, not the real reason for the reply. So many young lost souls on the streets. Sometimes we don't realize how good a childhood we had until we see this. Fortunate to go home to a warm cozy house with fresh food and good family. God Bless Us All.
Incredible footage. I wonder what happened to the girl with the cat. I'm guessing she would be 70-75 years old if she is still alive..
I’d like to know what happened to the dude with her with the huge crazy looking Afro
@@jamesmack3314Somebody had already given him a clown mouth scar back then, who knows what became of him
She would be around early seventies
Sadly, she died in 1971, less than a year after this footage was shot. Likely a drug OD. As for the kid with the afro, he's likely dead now too, though who knows? He could be a grandfather living somewhere in the midwest and working at a gas station.
@@doorswhofanhow do you know this? Do you know the girls name?
What a very cool life you have had and documented. Well done, David!
Definitely an *Interesting* time period.
Can't say enough good things about Mr. David Hoffman for showing us and preserving so many of great memories that would otherwise be lost forever in the abscene of such a dedicated connoisseur.
I really hope to see more of these late 1900's era urban exposés on this channel, can't get enough of them. Fascinating stuff!!
I totally agree ❤️
I don't see anything fascinating, especially with zero updates on the homeless people.
They didn't even credit their names
Very talented filmmaker, historian and documentarian. I bet your film not only raised money, but critical awareness. Great accomplishment!
Thank you
This was incredible. I loved seeing Jack Gilford talking about the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy. The young kids on the street was heartbreaking. I hope today they made it somehow & are living a good life. I loved the elderly man at 20:00. He was a corker.
I am so grateful this film was made for posterity. (David, my family/ maiden name is Moses & I am very proud to say it) ♥️
Thank you for your comment. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that TH-cam is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts.
David Hoffman filmmaker
Nothing had changed in 60 years. 50 years later, nothing has changed, we still see the same scenes! That's 110 years of no change!
can't believe I missed this one. terrific, l'chaim!
oh, I didn't finish it before. musta been a late night. lol
Very nice. Beautiful job! A NYC I remember as "bittersweet."
Omg when the old man said if he didn’t have any children he’d of blown his brains out I felt horrible for him, it’s how I’ve been feeling for many years now, that just confirms what I’ve always known, this world is a horrible place and the sorrow and suffering never end 😭
I hear you, life is just one sad, treacherous event after another. I've never known life to be anything else.
@@chucktheslut - I agree there has to be something better out there somewhere for everyone 😌
The way people acted and are acting , covid , racial injustice, horribly dangerous political movement here , USA , yes I have been so hollowed out by the evil in people.
@@utube012341 - I agree it’s extremely draining 😞
@@tired_of_u_ppl7985 I never imagined just how bad so many people really are .
Looks like a high percentage of humans are actually evil .
I was shocked because I always thought people were mostly good , maybe not to smart but decent in a basic sense .
I was 4 years in 1970 and don't really care how bad it was. I'll return to those days in a heartbeat. Missed them immensely 😢.
There is another film from 1980 that is fantastic if you can find it. Its about an hour long and follows an Italian family in Harlem, a single black mother in the projects, a chop shop in Brooklyn, and hookers in Manhattan
Do you know the name of the film/documentary you are talking about?
@@fellowcitizen Yes! Would love to see it, I wonder what it’s called?🙂
Has anyone found out what the name of the documentary is?
Following, does anybody know the title??
had a quick look at the films/docs/series shot in new york between 1979-1981 with plot descriptions and couldnt find anything of the sort
It was cool to look back, thank you for upload .
A historical gem. I wish I had done the same here in Western WA of anything, even just photos, when I was a kid. The history was fabulous and time just...ran out...
The people, their mannerisms, friendliness, openness, dress, attitude, morality, etc. really brought back memories of this better time, not financially, but spiritually/emotionally/socially/demographically/etc. for the country.
Same here in Miami; the concerts, love-ins, even the later Disco days...all gone unfortunately
So sad, videos like these of the 60s/70s make me think of where are those teens today or if they’re still living.
Because my experience with this video was only 28 mins and a few secs, while the people in this video experienced 50 years…….if they made it
You did a beautiful thing. Thank You for sharing
This is beautiful. It just made me really sad though about the honesty of getting old and how bleak life can seem after a certain age. Obviously the youth portion was sad too, but when that older gentleman said he would blow his brains out if he didnt have kids that really got to me because I think about my parents who are 83 and 70. Great work though David god bless.
It's a sad and beautiful world
Omg, I saw this when I was 5 but still remember it clearly to this day. Nice to be able to see if again on TH-cam.
Any news on the girl?
This makes me angry, they could have at least told us the names of the people who made this "documentary " possible
this is the new york city i always saw in my dreams as a kid and always saw in movies, music clips and books
god it's sad to see that this new york is long gone and is never coming back.
But this city offers better life today.
@@SgtPeppersLonelyHeartsClubBand yes and no. It’s good it’s not as dangerous but poor and working class people can’t afford to live here, NYC and most other major cities are just playgrounds for the rich now
@@cardigansarecool well that too is only partially true, theres also a healthier middle class today in these cities
@@cardigansarecool Very fucking true, I don’t even live in a huge metro (about 1 mil) but the whole city is just trendy bars/food places and activities. Any thing that looks truly lived in or has a little grit, and the odd crime is looked down upon by even the middle class.
The people who survived that decade will not agree with you . Lol. Crime, drugs and homelessness was a big problem back them you want to see the real nyc go deep down Brooklyn , queens and the Bronx. Not those gentrified areas .
Amazing film. Such compassion, it’s really beautiful.
This was a joy to watch, I was a teenager in the 70's , so I could totally relate. Where are they now????!!!! So glad I found you on TH-cam.
I'd also love to know , does that org. Still exist and if it does, what does it look like now? Did they raisethefunds and what did they build?
We used to drive in from Long Island to Brooklyn every Sunday in the back of a station wagon to see the family. It was our education looking 👀 out the windows.
Great vid 👍🏾
Simon and Garfunkel at the end of this piece just completely got to me.
8:11 This man exemplifies what humanity should all share, and show each other. He voiced my own feelings towards humans with addiction , people experiencing the housing crisis, any vulnerable people, and especially youth, perfectly. This is why I’ve worked with harm reduction for fourteen years now. God I’m old.
Rest in peace to the best friend I lost to addiction this year. He was an amazing human. I loved him so much . He was one of my best friends. He would give you the shirt off his back. He’d do anything to help people. And he deserves the same respect anyone does and not to be called an addict but a person. RIP my friend. I think of you every day. I love you. I’m sorry.
Sorry for your loss Noah as a person who has Been an addict all my adult and pre adult life and my partner of 11 years was addicted in the womb .. his mother had stage 4 cancer with tumors through out her body except in the womb. Of course he was born addicted die to pain meds she needed .. but determined to bring him to term and she did .. 60 years ago .. We have lost many friends and acquaintances to addiction over the years .. older people not just young people.. yes most were very decent good people .. we are just flawed like everyone else.. only our flaw is addiction ..