Manhatta (1921): cast, story & where to watch

1921 · Film · ★ 6.5

Manhatta poster

Released in 1921, Manhatta is a documentary film directed by Paul Strand, running about 11 minutes.

What it’s about. Morning reveals New York harbor, the wharves, the Brooklyn Bridge. A ferry boat docks, disgorging its huddled mass. People move briskly along Wall St. or stroll more languorously through a cemetery. Ranks of skyscrapers extrude columns of smoke and steam. In plain view. Or framed, as through a balustrade. A crane promotes the city's upward progress, as an ironworker balances on a high beam. A locomotive in a railway yard prepares to depart, while an arriving ocean liner jostles with attentive tugboats. Fading sunlight is reflected in the waters of the harbor. The imagery is interspersed with quotations from Walt Whitman, who is left unnamed.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Manhatta has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Manhatta page.

If you liked it. Fans of Manhatta tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Manhatta (1921)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Manhatta change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Manhatta worth watching?
Manhatta holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was Manhatta released?
Manhatta was released in 1921, with a runtime of about 11 minutes.