Watch The Town That Was

The Town That Was is a gripping documentary film that explores the devastating effects of the 1962 Centralia coal mine fire in Pennsylvania. Directed by Chris Perkel and Georgie Roland, the film takes the viewer on an emotional journey through the history of this small town, examining the ways in which the people who lived there were impacted by this disaster, and how they ultimately coped with the aftermath.

Despite being a small and quiet community, Centralia was home to a thriving coal mine industry that fueled the town's economy. However, in 1962, a fire broke out deep underground, and despite initial attempts to extinguish it, the flames continued to spread for decades.

As the film reveals, the fire had a profound and lasting impact on the town and its residents. In addition to the physical destruction caused by the fire, the toxic fumes that emanated from the mine posed a serious health risk to those who remained in the area. Faced with this threat, many residents were forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind everything they had known and loved.

Through a powerful combination of interviews with former residents, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments, The Town That Was captures the raw emotions of the people who were directly impacted by the fire. We see how they struggled to come to terms with the disaster, and how they worked together to rebuild their lives in the aftermath.

One particularly compelling aspect of the film is the way in which it highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Despite everything they had been through, the former residents of Centralia remained fiercely devoted to their community, and to each other. Through their stories, we see how the bonds of friendship and family can endure even in the darkest of times.

Overall, The Town That Was is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history. It showcases the bravery and perseverance of a group of people who refused to let a disaster destroy their lives, and who instead came together to support each other and rebuild their community. With stunning visuals and a deeply human story at its core, this is a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

The Town That Was is a 2007 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.