New York City Streets Very Tough In 1970

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You are watching a clip from a 16mm film that I recorded on the streets of New York City in the summer of 1970. It was not a good time to be in New York City if you were a runaway teen. The “Summer of Love” feelingThat some young people had in 1967 had long gone – and those folks who were part of that and could go “back to the land” had done so. I don't believe the term runaway is used anymore for teenagers who ran away from homes that at least among the interviews I did, were terrible in the way they were being treated by parents or guardians. I very often understood why they had run away but coming to New York City and trying to live on the streets back then was dangerous due to the predators and cruel and harsh, especially in the winter
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I received a grant to make this film from the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, an organization in New York who raised hundreds of millions of dollars for services and support organizations, Jewish and Christian. This clip starts with a short introductory pitch by the host of my fellow and then you will see what they were raising money for. Homeless kids on the streets of New York.

If this clip touches you I would ask you to click the super thanks button below the video screen to the right. Your support helps me to put my time into creating more video clips like this one.

To see the complete 30 minute documentary film on New York City and some of its challenged people, which is titled “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (it includes a version of that song which Paul Simon released in January, 1970). Here is the link.
Thank you.

[albaPhenom]

She had been there for 3 months and had already been raped and spoke about it with jaded demeanour of someone who had faced a lifetime of abuse.

[dangl]

People now romanticise these times and say that NYC lost its character

[jasonhancox]

"Slashed his face" pans over to dude with a big facial scar.

[eddiegalon]

Would love to know how their lives turned out. They are about 70 now. Blows my mind.

[f.n.]

her holding on to that little kitten for dear life. this is heartbreaking.

[nvcameron]

Theres a reason we had films like Taxi Driver, Cruising and Escape From New York back in the late 70's and early 80's...The place was hell on earth back then.

[melotone]

In March 2024, I'm guessing she is in her late 60s or early 70s. Let's all hope she was able to find a brighter path and better space in this life.

[kotykivna]

that beautiful little kitty in her arms made me cry(((( I hope all 3 of them had a good life later, this is heartbreaking

[YoursUntruly]

Victim: “I slashed his face”
Man with slashed face: “yeah you gotta watch out for some of these people”

[Soltice-tynf]

I lived through that. 14 year old living in New York. Sleeping in the park . I am glad I am alive and well

[darkandtwisted]

And she looked super super young; she didn't even look 18. This is crazy. Where were her parents in her life; that is the most heartbreaking part.

[paulyrock]

I’m a lifelong New Yorker and the 70’s and 80’s were truly insane definitely no place for a young girl … I hope she is doing well now

[Sscoop]

Realizing she was clutching a baby kitten made this a lot sadder

[derbyct]

If ever I wanted to see a "where are they now" follow up

[darrylknight]

I went to New York in 1974 when I was 18. It scared the hell out of me.

[perosoygoyito]

This is the NYC I recall being depicted in movies during the 1970s. L.A. was no better during the same era, but with more smog, a higher annual homicide rate, and a brutal police department. That was NOT America at its greatest.

[jamesphlames]

My Mum travelled the world in the 70's and has some incredible stories.
She has always said that New York was by far one of the most hostile and filthy places she's ever been.
Even when she asked the police for directions they told her to "f-off!" 😂

[EternalflameC.L.]

I was homeless at the age of 13..felt like 100 yrs old by then.But Im so gratefull, my resilence is unmatched.

[Silver-clbd]

The innocence in their voices makes the mom heart that I have crumble. These people are older than me, I hope they both made it out and have a great life along with the kitten I'm sure haslong since passed. 💝

[MichaelCarter]

I really appreciate what you do. It’s amazing that people forget how far we’ve come, and think we’re living in some unprecedented times.