The Gods of Times Square

Sep 20 2000 Not Rated 1h 33m
Documentary

Long before New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani launched his campaign to clean up the city, Times Square was the stage for a slew of religious zealots and fanatics, all preaching their brand of fire and brimstone to anyone who would listen. Filmed between 1993 and 1998, Richard Sandler's documentary gives viewers a glimpse into the not-so-distant past, when 42nd Street was the shared pulpit of the most colorful assortment of ministry imaginable.

Plot

THE GODS OF TIMES SQUARE was shot over a six year period that witnessed a radical transformation of Times Square. Gone now are the mom and pop stores, squeezed out by a real estate gold rush. Gone too are the colorful characters who made Times Square a "speaker's corner." Only the most strident of religious zealots remain to warn of "eternal sin." THE GODS OF TIMES SQUARE records a time in New York City history when the place most identified with free speech and the soul of New York changed from a democratic, interracial common ground to a corporate controlled soulless theme park. The former versions of Times Square offered it's congregants a place to air their thoughts and blow off a little steam on the one hand or to rant about God and race at the other end of the Times Square spectrum. Now the choices are fewer, the prices are higher and the "sin" is gone. The fabled "white way" now plays host to the newest of Gods: Mickey, Minnie and Goofy on one corner, Bugs Daffy and Porky on the other... Gods help Times Square!

Written by

Richard Sandler

Directed by

Richard Sandler

Cast

N/A

Production Countries

United States of America

Languages

English

Awards

2 wins

Scores
# of Votes
200
Average Rating
7.3 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA