The Rise and Fall of Penn Station

The Rise and Fall of Penn Station is a standout documentary that meticulously maps out a phenomenal tale of both architecture and hubris. Produced by the eminent documentarians from the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), this film offers a poignant, in-depth look at a significant chapter in New York City’s history by chronicling the construction, short-lived grandeur, and subsequent demise of the original Pennsylvania Station.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the early 20th-century railroad industry, an era defined by immense competition, technological advancements, and sheer determination. "The Rise and Fall of Penn Station" leverages a wealth of visual imagery, interviews, and historical insight to highlight the incredible story of this once monumental transit station.

The journey begins with a nod to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, once the largest corporation in the world with immense wealth and power, primarily due to its ownership of a sprawling, 10,000-mile-long freight and passenger system. Yet, despite all its power and prestige, the company was frustrated by its inability to reach Manhattan directly—a monumental challenge overcome by the creation of Penn Station.

The documentary captures how Alexander Cassatt—then President of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company—envisioned the ambitious project of the Pennsylvania station and initiated its execution. With a grandeur inspired by the Roman Baths of Caracalla, the station was designed by the acclaimed architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, lending it elegance and splendor reminiscent of the grand architecture of Europe. The film tells of the extreme engineering efforts—including tunneling under rivers—that were needed to bring the station to reality.

As the movie delicately transitions from the rise to the fall, the narrative follows the timeline of the shifting American social landscape. In the first half of the 20th century, railroads were the preferred mode of long-distance travel. However, their significance declined with the advent of airplanes and automobiles. This change affected the profitable operations of grand stations like Penn, forcing the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to make some drastically tough decisions.

The film also delves deeply into the destruction of the original Penn Station in the 1960s—an act widely considered an architectural sacrilege. Eliciting a visceral response from viewers, the documentary illustrates the widespread shock and public outcry resulting from tearing down this magnificent landmark. Experts and architecture enthusiasts lament the loss of the Beaux-Arts masterpiece, recalling how 'a monumental act of vandalism' led to a universal awakening about historical preservation, catalyzing the modern architectural preservation movement in America.

The Rise and Fall of Penn Station expertly combines the compelling worlds of architectural design, business strategy, social change, and urban development into a single narrative. It reflects upon the creation and disintegration of not just a railroad station, but a symbol of American ambition and ingenuity. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of even the grandest of human achievements and the constant evolution of society.

This harrowing tale of triumph, ambition, and eventual downfall embodies a wider narrative about American innovation and ambition in the early 20th century. The documentary inspires rumination on the significance of architecture and preservation while equally reflecting on the impact of social, economic, and technological forces on landscapes and cityscapes. It frames the Penn Station story as one of great public importance, bringing to light the necessity to preserve and protect shared spaces of cultural and historical significance.

In conclusion, The Rise and Fall of Penn Station, as the title suggests, is a sweeping narrative that traces the arc of one of the America's most magnificent architectural gems. The story of the old Penn Station is more than just an entry in the long book of New York City’s history—it's also a touchstone for understanding urban development, the ebb and flow of architectural styles, and the ceaseless push and pull between progress and preservation. For those interested in architecture, history, urban planning, or the myriad ways these subjects can intersect, this film is a must-see.