Hard Hat Riot
“The clash over Vietnam that swung blue collar voters to the right.”
Synopsis
On May 8, 1970, construction workers violently clashed with students demonstrating against the Vietnam War in lower Manhattan. The workmen, who came to be known as “hardhats,” were at the cutting edge of a new kind of class war. With the war in Vietnam raging on, it was the sons of the working class who were doing most of the fighting. Workmen saw the protesting students as privileged “draft dodgers” disparaging the country and those who fought for it. On the other side, many student activists saw the workers as pawns, unwilling to see the changes that America needed. Hard Hat Riot tells the story of a struggling metropolis, a flailing president, a divided people, and a bloody juncture when the nation violently diverged ― culminating in a new political and cultural landscape that radically redefined American politics and foreshadowed the future.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Trailer | HARD HAT RIOT | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBSOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-09-03
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Marc Levin
- Screenplay & Story
- Marc Levin, Daphne Pinkerson, David Kuhn
- Original Title
- Hard Hat Riot
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 21m
- Production Studios
- American Experience Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Marc Levin
Marc Levin, Daphne Pinkerson, David Kuhn
Henry Moskowitz
Cameo George, Marc Levin, Daphne Pinkerson, Cary Woods, Mikaela Beardsley
Department Leadership Roster
Marc Levin
Director
Marc Levin
Writer
Marc Levin
Producer
Daphne Pinkerson
Writer
Daphne Pinkerson
Producer
Cary Woods
Producer
Henry Moskowitz
Editor
Mikaela Beardsley
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Hard Hat Riot.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hard Hat Riot
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Hard Hat Riot about?
On May 8, 1970, construction workers violently clashed with students demonstrating against the Vietnam War in lower Manhattan. The workmen, who came to be known as “hardhats,” were at the cutting edge of a new kind of class war. With the war in Vietnam raging on, it was the sons of the working class who were doing most of the fighting. Workmen saw the protesting students as privileged “draft dodgers” disparaging the country and those who fought for it. On the other side, many student activists saw the workers as pawns, unwilling to see the changes that America needed. Hard Hat Riot tells the story of a struggling metropolis, a flailing president, a divided people, and a bloody juncture when the nation violently diverged ― culminating in a new political and cultural landscape that radically redefined American politics and foreshadowed the future.
Who directed Hard Hat Riot?
Hard Hat Riot was directed by Marc Levin.
Who stars in Hard Hat Riot?
The principal cast of Hard Hat Riot includes Richard Nixon, John V. Lindsay, David Kuhn.
When was Hard Hat Riot released and how long is it?
Hard Hat Riot was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 21m.
Is Hard Hat Riot based on a book or true story?
Hard Hat Riot is adapted from the following source material: Book: "David Kuhn".