New Film Pays Tribute To Legendary New York City Arcade

NEW YORK CITY -- A new documentary film depicting the life and death of one of the city's most famous amusement arcades debuts next week.

"The Lost Arcade" traces the history of the famed Chinatown Fair. Opened in 1944 on Mott St., the arcade was a neighborhood landmark where generations of young people from throughout New York City happily misspent their youth. It closed in 2011.

Filmmakers Kurt Vincent and Irene K. Chin have documented the arcade that featured standard coin-operated amusements, along with legendary attractions like the dancing chicken. The film will make its debut Nov. 14 at 4:45 p.m. at the IFC Center on 323 6th Ave. with a repeat showing on Nov. 18 at 12:45 p.m. Visit watch.arcademovie.com.

The Lost Arcade Teaser from ArcadeMovie on Vimeo.

PLAYERS GONNA PLAY:Newly released documentary depicts an arcade as a social and entertainment hub in Chinatown. Although such locations like the Chinatown Fair were once reviled in the press during the 1980s, their portrayals today evokes nostalgia.