The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16) Poster

The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16) 1968

12 min📅 1968-07-13

In *The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16)* (1968), a stark documentary short examines the controversial displacement of over 20,000 Latino families to construct New York's iconic Lincoln Center.

Director: Newsreel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16)* (1968) about?

This documentary short explores the forced removal of 20,000 Latino families to make way for Lincoln Center, a cultural complex backed by wealthy patrons. It contrasts the sterile, high-society atmosphere of the new venue with the displaced community's vibrant street life, critiquing the gentrification of New York's West Side.

Who directed *The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16)*?

Director information is not available for this film.

Who stars in *The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16)*?

As a documentary, the film features no traditional cast; it instead presents archival footage and social commentary on the displacement.

Is *The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16)* (1968) worth watching?

While short and unrated, this 1968 documentary offers a valuable historical perspective on urban displacement and cultural elitism. Its sharp critique of gentrification and corporate patronage makes it a compelling watch for documentary enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

How long is *The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16)*?

The film's runtime is 12 minutes.

About The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16) (1968) — A 1960s documentary on urban displacement and cultural erasure

In *The Case Against Lincoln Center (Newsreel #16)* (1968), a stark documentary short examines the controversial displacement of over 20,000 Latino families to construct New York's iconic Lincoln Center. Directed by the collective behind Newsreel, this 12-minute film contrasts the polished elegance of the newly built cultural complex—home to the Metropolitan Opera and New York Symphony—with the raw, displaced community it replaced. By juxtaposing the sterile, corporate-driven arts venue with the lively street life of the vanished neighborhood, the film foreshadows the gentrification of Manhattan's West Side, exposing how power and privilege shape urban landscapes.

With a critical eye, *The Case Against Lincoln Center* (1968) critiques the forces of wealth and corporate patronage that transformed a vibrant cultural hub into an exclusive enclave for the elite. Through archival footage and unflinching social commentary, it challenges the notion of art as a neutral space, revealing the human cost behind the gleaming facades of institutions like Lincoln Center. A prescient snapshot of 1960s New York, this documentary remains a potent reminder of how progress often comes at the expense of the marginalized.