A freed slave works on a railroad. JOHN HENRY AND THE RAILROAD is used with permission from Whitestone Motion Pictures. Learn more at whitestonemp.com.
Пікірлер: 3 600
@michaelpottorff24 жыл бұрын
The real question that needs to be asked is, can Thor pick up John Henry’s hammer?
@Arandomperson13274 жыл бұрын
No
@kristopherhasenbuhler53934 жыл бұрын
Thor CANNOT lift John Henry's hammer!
@Arandomperson13274 жыл бұрын
He is not worthy
@user-ix7td1wx8k4 жыл бұрын
Thor can’t handle the power
@shaungould63914 жыл бұрын
Whether he could or not he still would beat him in a race 😝
@Moont7065 жыл бұрын
Ladies and gentlemen this is what a father figure looks like
@VinnyMartello5 жыл бұрын
Amen. If I had a dad like that I would have grown up an entirely different person.
@voxac30withstrat5 жыл бұрын
@@VinnyMartello Theres still personal choice. We are born male but we are men by choice.
@VinnyMartello5 жыл бұрын
I agree with you. I had to learn how to grow up to be a man. It just took a lot longer that I would have liked it to. I’m proud to say I’ve made some good choices with my life. But it wasn’t until I knew the choices even existed. Being raised to be an ignorant schmuck is a curse. But I got out of it!
@davejones56405 жыл бұрын
If you're black. Just saying.
@TheDansonT4 жыл бұрын
My father, all of 5'6" is a giant of a man and the most loving, caring, hardest-working, and honest-to-God patriot whoever I've come across. I only pray I'm half the man he is.
@strings1586 Жыл бұрын
If John actually made his hammer from his former chains, this might be the best folk story ever.
@tedmoss9 ай бұрын
Remember, he started out being a blacksmith.
@stephenbyrne21707 ай бұрын
@@tedmossIs that why he's strong enough to slam a railspike flat with one swing?
@ananolastname16057 ай бұрын
@@stephenbyrne2170yes that's what they said
@McCarthy17762 ай бұрын
Hard to really know. Hard to know whats myth and whats real. For the longest time historians didnt even think the story was real at all but then some new evidence came out. But we even struggle knowing whats true about people whove had a lot written about him. What we knoe about John isnt much outside of the tall tale. But really he symbolically represents all the free black wortkers of the time. Or deeper than that he represents all poor American workers and human ability, man triumphing over machines. I think thats what really matters
@JasonKreider-eq8kp7 күн бұрын
Don't forget paul and babe
@ZInChat3 жыл бұрын
_"I'm a bad storyteller..."_ Then proceeds to tell us an epic story.
@Dr.KarlowTheOctoling2 жыл бұрын
Along with a beyond epic song.
@Laeadern5 жыл бұрын
John Henry is the kind of man that made America...period.
@gscbest1235 жыл бұрын
Ok
@jjesse87075 жыл бұрын
White Americans made America what it is .
@Laeadern5 жыл бұрын
My post wasn't to be taken literally, i meant hard working men and women of the day made America.
@mauricecobbs71125 жыл бұрын
@@jjesse8707 - Yeah. They sure did. We need to work to fix that.
@pubchook39215 жыл бұрын
John Henry is the kind of man that made America...period. A slave?
@hangfried94295 жыл бұрын
This version really tore down a common stereotype of the old western story, that is that a man wearing a bowler hat is always a bad guy.
@thefishfin-atic71063 жыл бұрын
"How hard we work, when no one's looking, that's who we really are inside" That one line is what I'll take away from this ... I think it just changed my life.
@69armbender4 жыл бұрын
"When can you start?" "I think I just did." Greatest line ever!
@zachsmith43033 жыл бұрын
I’m gonna have to disagree with you 10:45 is the greatest quote
@ZInChat3 жыл бұрын
It's almost as good as _"I'm a bad storyteller..."_
@663rainmaker2 жыл бұрын
@@zachsmith4303 taking down Giants 11:01 and incredible Testimony and Incredible People who made it Possible for our USA 🇺🇸 and Hammer 🔨 Down! EVRAZ Russia 🇷🇺 EVRAZ Chicago Illinois USA 🇺🇸 and Thors Hammer 🔨 and PoliticiaL Ping Pong 🏓 and Ohhh man Kind
@residentJokeBiden2 жыл бұрын
Theres always a bigger hammer
@cadetkohr55082 жыл бұрын
I feel like this is how employment should work, just show up, make a bet, and get hired.
@apathy1135 жыл бұрын
The actor playing John Henry couldn't be more perfect!
@dr.robotico85004 жыл бұрын
@UMN Mode 10:00 Man vs. Machine!
@wrlord4 жыл бұрын
He's great, but I'd have liked to have Seen Michael Clarke Duncan do it.
@dylanmclez4744 жыл бұрын
@@wrlord me too he would've been perfect
@djnaenae1024904 жыл бұрын
No he doesn't. He's speaking in 3rd person. He said he was a free slave when that sort of thing called slavery was going on. And John Henry looks like a bear compared to this actor.
@andrewwilson18445 жыл бұрын
"How hard you work when no one's looking is the iind of person you really are on the inside" theres not a truer lesson on planet earth
@denaturner88714 жыл бұрын
Andrew Wilson First, I'd like to note that I whole heartedly agree. Second, I'm curious to find out what it says of me; that when I'm needing to do a bunch of work (job work, labor work, house work what have you) I do the most and at my best solo. I have a habbit of literally kicking people out of rooms or buildings so I can complete my tasks thoroughly... even if it is something like cooking, no one is allowed in my kitchen area during major events like holidays or gatherings. I know its odd, but I don't really care. Everyone jokes that I just don't play well with others, but I'm fairly social and agreeable (most of the time). For instance people could sit over at the dining table and chat with me... just don't cross the threshold... I have never really figured out why I need so much space or solitude for project completion.
@greenhornetkato15684 жыл бұрын
Andrew Wilson Are you referring to when he was working for free as a Slave?
@MyReligionIs2DoGood4 жыл бұрын
@Mr. & Mrs Smith I like yours MUCH more than the OP's quote. We need to stop defining other people by how much they work, but by how they behave.
@RangerSpecForDelta4 жыл бұрын
INTEGRITY. a virtue that will never die
@houseofm97004 жыл бұрын
@@denaturner8871 I mean it's kinda a dick move because your literally kicking people out just so they don't look while your doing stuff.
@gitBritt3 жыл бұрын
He took his chains that made him a slave and used them to crush a mountain. That's an extreme level of when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Like Cave Johnson said, I'm going to make a lemon that burns your house down (Portal 2 reference)
@savannahhague49892 жыл бұрын
Uh huh. 😯
@nathanielhunter17952 жыл бұрын
Black men know there history can dominate the world
@FABRIC8TIONUNLIMITE12 жыл бұрын
@@nathanielhunter1795 What is "Black" ... We are ADOS.
@marlomills68002 жыл бұрын
EXTREME
@Unknown_Ooh2 жыл бұрын
@@nathanielhunter1795 He didn't actually make hammers out of his chains lol
@jenngosline64833 жыл бұрын
I have showed this movie to my 5th graders every year for 8 yrs when we get into Tall Tales week! It has the best messages that they need to be successful to get through the rest of this year, as they transition to middle school, and in life! I have former students see me out and about and sometimes they just say, "Grit, Sweat, & Love". We are getting into tall tales next week and I can't wait to show a new group of students!
@shok7713 жыл бұрын
I've been doing the same in grade four, so happy to see another educator using this video :)
@delvindoodles21822 жыл бұрын
Your comment made me miss being in school. And I am 32 years old, lol. Thank you for caring as much as you do and loving your job. Your power and influence has encouraged and blossomed many amazing kids into this world, and you could never be thanked enough for that. I mean I don't even know you, but this one comment is really all the proof one would need. As well as all the other teachers that cared.
@djfatglasses65142 жыл бұрын
You are a very attractive lady
@twinnmann2 жыл бұрын
Hats off to all you teachers! I'm 37 now and this was one of my favorite books as a child in school. I'm a dad now and have introduced this tale along with Abiyoyo to my daughters.
@mikeamir99792 жыл бұрын
Thank God for teachers like you, I think every kid needs to see this
@ethanm87564 жыл бұрын
I never knew that he survived. I’m glad that he did, too. The story I was taught in school was that he died from over-working himself and I didn’t wanna see that again, because the story of John Henry is one of the best stories I’ve ever heard.
@duanthomas41144 жыл бұрын
Ethan Bruh Moment that’s makes him even stronger he survived going through a mountain beat a machine human are no push overs
@death_stroke50264 жыл бұрын
I did not even know about this story till now but is now my favorite to
@yungblud92674 жыл бұрын
Wrong comment
@WitchidWitchid4 жыл бұрын
Now you know the truth. John Henry didn't die that day.
@natking1u1z994 жыл бұрын
Yup same story I read in the book.
@KGDHMF4 жыл бұрын
y'all call em John Henry, *I call him 19th century black Thor*
@CamWooster4 жыл бұрын
19th century, actually. The 18th century was the 1700s, the 19th century was the 1800s, the 20th century was the 1900s, the 21st century (where we are now) is the 2000s.
@fartdonkey82904 жыл бұрын
@@CamWooster shut up meg
@politefahrenheit85464 жыл бұрын
Well he lived in the late 1800’s so i imagine so it’s the 19th century
@zhand41174 жыл бұрын
I think think Thor is actually 21st century white John Henry
@EpicLolBlox4 жыл бұрын
@@CamWooster the rail roads went under construction in the late 19th century not the 18th
@josephmyers50574 жыл бұрын
John Henry has ALWAYS been my favorite Tall Tale. So inspiring.
@roderick043 жыл бұрын
Facts
@DamsusRhee Жыл бұрын
Same
@so9812 Жыл бұрын
So true
@iamverytired-_-6253 Жыл бұрын
Same
@Gentleman_Viking9 ай бұрын
John Henry was a real person.
@JL-us2dp4 жыл бұрын
I love this story, all good actors but the man who played John Henry was exceptional! What other acting has he done? I would love watch his work
@deelooks72234 жыл бұрын
Watch "Come back Dad". He plays the lead's Father's brother. He is excellent in it. It is free on KZfaq movies.
@vicariawilliams65852 жыл бұрын
I'm looking now I love this man he is awesome
@mistyprice34004 ай бұрын
He's pretty established actor. Underrated.
@blacklight24884 жыл бұрын
Honestly I like this version way better then the mainstream one, because John didn't die.
@rotzloffel3 жыл бұрын
Agreed, thought he was gonna die at the end of this one
@wandalavender22232 ай бұрын
@@rotzloffel correct because he was a real person
@ered2034 жыл бұрын
"There's always a bigger hammer." Yup, there it is folks, America in a nutshell.
@willroges63704 жыл бұрын
I’m pretty sure that’s what FDR said when they came up with the nukes
@cadenhoffman94764 жыл бұрын
@ered203 You're mistaken it's a texas saying.
@natking1u1z994 жыл бұрын
Yup built off the back of a Black Man
@reggaecutter4 жыл бұрын
@@natking1u1z99 I'm a Hispanic man. I've seen my share of bigotry and hate. We need to see more films on the silver screen, not just short stories which depict incredible, larger than life efforts by minorities! Just like you said ... Who's back breaking work continue to drive this country forward. (Granted this story is based on a "tall tale" ... They do say all legends are based on some sort of factual events!)
@riumudamc46864 жыл бұрын
@@natking1u1z99 Irish and Chinese built most of the trans-continental railroad in America. You will be better served to escape from your race based mind.
@ArmoredCricket2 жыл бұрын
"I had to work from sunrise to sunset, because I had to, for someone else. Now I'm working for something that's mine. I'm working for me." I know he's referring to forced slavery which is way different than what I'm going through. But this struct deep for me as someone whose worked their whole lives for someone else's dream, just so I could earn a paycheck to survive. To now when I'm trying to find that same energy to turn my dreams into a reality.
@punishersoriano28954 жыл бұрын
This story hit me hard and I wasn't ready for it. My dad died on the job site working his as off to the bone. Blood sweat and tears baby! Fire video I needed this
@nycularobinson14963 жыл бұрын
That's love baby. A real hero
@rivercritter5334 жыл бұрын
"There's always a bigger hammer."
@toatahu20034 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jinn Henry...
@turtleruski19154 жыл бұрын
That sounds wrong but so right.
@ohxvvt4 жыл бұрын
This sounds like a one liner thor would've said
@benjamintielking40934 жыл бұрын
*And there's ALWAYS someone who is WORTHY just waiting to pick up that hammer (NO MATTER THE SIZE) because it ain't the size of the hammer.......it's the SIZE OF THE MAN'S HEART who's using the hammer!!!!!!!!! ~ Neither Thor Odinson nor John Henry came up with THAT....... I DID. Hello, my name's Benjamin "Rockin Matt" Tielking and DON'T YOU EVER FORGET IT.*
@jasonkreider89544 жыл бұрын
@@benjamintielking4093 the day you bust a whole through a mountain then I will remember lol
@mikejackson22285 жыл бұрын
I'm very happy about the strong bond and community between the workers of all races. We don't celebrate that enough in our history.
@josephcaldwell859jc4 жыл бұрын
I agree 100%
@samsnead74 жыл бұрын
Amen. Preach it.
@jamie_mkv4 жыл бұрын
that's because capitalism prefers it when workers fight one another, rather than the system that exploits them all
@randomviewer79164 жыл бұрын
I wish it were the case, but there was much division between races when they were building the railroads. Of course not everyone was like that, but it was common to see racist mentalities among the workers themselves and their employers.
@randomviewer79164 жыл бұрын
@@jamie_mkv not so sure about that one, but okay.
@hdwarrior88302 жыл бұрын
I always adored all the tall tales, Babe the blue ox and Paul Bunyan and some fella who roped a tornado (been so long I can't remember who) but John Henry was my hero. First time I heard it was in a song when I was very little, but he died at the end and my parents had to console me! This presentation brings a wonderful depth to the story. The racing music.... inspiring! I'm so glad to know he actually didn't die and it seems he did a fantastic job raising his boy. I'm sure he's proud looking down from heaven!
@ricardoantonio5482 Жыл бұрын
Hi dear
@tfordham13 Жыл бұрын
Pesco bill
@tedmoss9 ай бұрын
@@tfordham13 Pecos Bill, we are not paying an electric bill!
@swilliedoo6026 Жыл бұрын
Who’s still coming back even after 4 years just for that amazing song?
@kokkinosman9 Жыл бұрын
not sure if you already knew but its called Grit, Sweat & Love and is very good indeed!
@swilliedoo6026 Жыл бұрын
No I know but I just like watching this adaptation of the story too, very nostalgic.
@ShiningDarknes4 жыл бұрын
There are all sorts of stories like this one that need telling in America.
@fightme88594 жыл бұрын
Shining Darkness They don’t want you to hear stories of empowered working people. That’s a powerful thing.
@PMMillard4 жыл бұрын
@UMN Mode These stories used to be told through families and even in schools when I was quite young, but the new modern indoctrination agenda wants to snuff out these stories of independence and grit. Because that would inspire children to work and fight for a future of their own. Free from relying on anyone else, and you cant have that if you're going to make everyone a good little slave.
@kishicavali59503 жыл бұрын
@@PMMillard Kids are fighting for their future, but older people won't listen or tell them to shut up. So piss off, if you thinks kids are slaves, you're the slave.
@ShiningDarknes3 жыл бұрын
@CarFreak did I say this one isn't? No. Go back to school and learn how to read. I said "like this one."
@staceymeans1344 жыл бұрын
"Daddy, those hammers are ludicrously oversized." I also liked the anachronistic glasses of the machine driver. Way to point out the concept of cold, uncaring progress.
@HeidiSue604 жыл бұрын
Stacey Means which is what the John Henry story/song is actually about. Steam power overtaking manpower.
@codeoptimizationware28034 жыл бұрын
@Stacey Means: "cold, uncaring progress." More like "progress" perverted into _regress,_ in the above case by the corporatist regressives perverting technology right out of the gate. Machines are (i.e., _technology_ is) for _people,_ not the other way around, see. This lesson from John Henry is timelessly relevant forevermore.
@demetriusjohnson36774 жыл бұрын
I think the spike driver of thst train was the devil himself. did you noticed he never spoke but had thise cold dark shades on. John Henry knew who he was and made a bet to beat him at his own game and had two oversized weapons( Big Boy hammers) to defeat him with.
@brennenseibert67084 жыл бұрын
The glasses on the guys face is so smoke doesn't get in his eyes
@codeoptimizationware28034 жыл бұрын
@@brennenseibert6708 : Does the devil eat sherbert ice-cream? ???
@silentstryker15903 жыл бұрын
My grandfather work the rails in the 50's , no doubt this story influenced him to aspire. He was known as an outstanding worker and was African American. God bless you grandpa! R.I.P.
@johnsean8491 Жыл бұрын
I remember stories about Big John Henry as a kid, even up here in Canada. In Canada,we had a legendary Lumberjack named Big Joe Mufferaw (in French, Montferand), but unlike Paul Bunyon, he actually existed.
@TheNightWatcher1385 Жыл бұрын
There are some who argue Paul Bunyan was based on a real man, or a collection of men who grew together into one legend.
@SageBeal6 жыл бұрын
THATS IT, IM GETTIN ME MALLET
@robertsoto61575 жыл бұрын
I love you
@direshadowwolf18265 жыл бұрын
hahaha I wanna be your friend lol
@grantshouse92295 жыл бұрын
Its a spike maul
@grantshouse92295 жыл бұрын
@@drewblood325 aight
@matacoos13684 жыл бұрын
Bruh. Let's get a beer
@hd5915 жыл бұрын
Henryson: "Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of John." I am John, son of Henry, and I am worthy.
@rion70884 жыл бұрын
harold danny Odin: free real estate.
@SheepdogSmokey4 жыл бұрын
Well, Thor moved from a hammer to an axe, John just made his hammers into an axe for his boy.
@terrorcop1012 жыл бұрын
Probably the best iteration of John Henry's story I've ever heard, yes sir. Thank you for making and posting this tale of America's greatest folk hero.
@tedmoss9 ай бұрын
A little more accurate than most.
@angelicarclark26202 жыл бұрын
I like this version so much more than others I've seen. The others, he was the only one trying while everyone just watched on in awe or expectation that he was just supposed to do it all by himself...at least the others had their part to play.
@zacharyzone54935 жыл бұрын
Legend has it John Henry was the first mortal to lift Thor's hammer.
@thanhool4 жыл бұрын
He wasn't "worthy" but he had the strength.
@ohxvvt4 жыл бұрын
The legends are wrong it was infact odin who came to earth to collect one of John's hammer for his son thor
@mobslayer2114 жыл бұрын
Chris Landry what’s wrong with John Henry?
@rion70884 жыл бұрын
Zachary Flynn the top part of his sledge hammer was mjolnir.
@keithcallen28444 жыл бұрын
John Henry forged Thor's hammer.
@seecha89705 жыл бұрын
"How hard we work when no one's looking. That's who we really are, inside." - John Henry
@MatryxMayhem3 жыл бұрын
I like this version so much more where he doesn’t die at the end of the competition with industrialization.
@theherrdark48344 жыл бұрын
John Henry was one of my favorite stories as a child and still one of my favorites to this day. This version is amazing.
@waddy33896 жыл бұрын
I HAVENT HEARD THIS SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SO HAPPY TO HEAR IT AGAIN
@Beer-can_full_of_toes5 жыл бұрын
waddy I work maintenance at the school I went to k-12 and I recently found the old film slide projector that my teacher showed us the story of John Henry Paul Bunyan and many others still in the box. I really want to see if it works after watching this more than before.
@pverks3625 жыл бұрын
Ive spent 3 hours searching to remember the name of this man
@dakotaenoch90145 жыл бұрын
@@Beer-can_full_of_toes im in k-12
@heavyhanded17825 жыл бұрын
I been swinging a pick and it made me think about it lol
@jadajarvis57285 жыл бұрын
waddy I haven't heard it since... I dont even know its been so long
@littlemrpinkness2955 жыл бұрын
I love that narrator/singer, Eugene H Russell IV. That was WAY more entertaining than I thought it would be.
@antonifortis10843 жыл бұрын
I actually cried happy tears when he came out the other side of the mountain
@ArtOfLiz2 жыл бұрын
I am not kidding when I say when this film ended I stood UP and clapped. This was absolutely incredible. Like WOW. What an amazing retelling of this man's story. I'm gobsmacked.
@havokvladimirovichstalinov5 жыл бұрын
"John Henry, John Henry, John Henry was a powerful man- Born with a hammer, a ten pound hammer, a twenty pound hammer right in his hand"
@fearlesssolar84744 жыл бұрын
Raputin?
@wiseonwords4 жыл бұрын
@@fearlesssolar8474 - Umm - your comment would be much wittier if you got the name right! It's Rasputin. :)
@ToxicChicken694 жыл бұрын
1) mighty not powerful 2) aye you saw that Disney short film too!
@cubichezon3774 жыл бұрын
@@ToxicChicken69 i too remember it as "powerful" but was shocked when i saw it recently. Mandela Effect is real.
@theghostofjohnnycash44184 жыл бұрын
"I heard John's momma liked to see at night, so he pulled down the moon for a little bit of light. Took a lot of cooking to keep John fed, 10 dozen eggs and 8 loaves of bread."
@thefanwithoutaface81055 жыл бұрын
Even as a kid I thought John Henry was the coolest dude out there. Big, Strong, with a will like Iron. Guy beat a machine with nothing but Grit and Sweat. Pretty sure he was one of the few people I could call my hero, as he's an inspiration to many.
@michellejester973411 ай бұрын
I'm glad to read that they're still teaching the Tall Tales in school. I remember thoroughly enjoying this and other stories 45-50 years ago-they really grab the imagination of children and inspire everyone!!
@rotzloffel3 жыл бұрын
The song is catchy and I almost cried at the end because I thought John would die after creating a tunnel in a mountain
@coryparrish5254 жыл бұрын
Wow... that quote is one I felt inside. "It's how hard we work when no one's lookin." I love that.😁
@jbizzle76162 жыл бұрын
Integrity
@stevegwizzle35604 жыл бұрын
I really wish I would've had a strong father figure like ol John Henry here. Time and time again, it's been proven that a strong father figure in a boys and girls life makes a HUGE impact as they get older. Mothers love is most impactful in the beginning early younger years, but father's love is most impactful as they begin to turn into adulthood and what it is to be a productive adult.
@_offshoremarz75984 жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more, it's sad that some kids don't have that father figure, or they may have the wrong type of father figure with bad influences, the only thing I have to say to other kids who don't have a father figure, become your own figure, a figure better than your father and a figure you want your kids to be proud of.
@bulldozer89504 жыл бұрын
Just remember the teachings of john and other greats like him. He might not be your biological father, but you can still follow him as a father.
@yungblud92674 жыл бұрын
Ste B i dont even have a dad •_•
@stevegwizzle35604 жыл бұрын
@@yungblud9267 did u have a father figure? A man you could look up to for guidance?
@yungblud92674 жыл бұрын
Ste B no he left when i was 2 :/
@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt3 жыл бұрын
This is a true inspiration! From one John Henry to another, Rest in peace.
@joysmith12133 жыл бұрын
So inspiring. Every young man struggling needs to watch this and learn what it really takes to get along in this life. Never accept defeat, never give up when you can. Everyone loves a hero and listens when they command the situation. No one listens to a defeated man.
@cynthiamorales5964 жыл бұрын
Best Short Film I've ever seen! The actor playing John Henry is superb! And what a soundtrack! BRAVO!
@samsnead74 жыл бұрын
Amen.
@Karmakatt63 жыл бұрын
This film should have a mandatory viewing in schools. Everytime I watch it i weep.
@jakimisprime21663 жыл бұрын
Cool thing is, he makes a cameo in the equalizer
@kpopahjussi63795 жыл бұрын
Took a LOT of liberties with the story. This has always been my favorite folktale and John Henry has always been a hero of mine. A nice version. And Eugene Russell is excellent. I hope to see more of him.
@CrossOfBayonne5 жыл бұрын
In fact the railroad he worked for was the Chesapeake & Ohio which is now part of CSX
@Blight_7505 жыл бұрын
Kpopahjussi63 I agreed John Henry was a hero
@springof-wf8vy5 жыл бұрын
Same here my friend.. 💪
@duanecolbert91965 жыл бұрын
Raymond greenridge they use call me john henry when i was choppping wood because i was prettty stout and tried real ,but i dont compare myself to john henry ,but it sure was an honor to called that man
@AzzKicker-bz1cb5 жыл бұрын
@Raymond greenridge The names are in the credits. Hank Williams did the master work on the recording or Hank Williams Jr. It could be a song that Hank Williams Sr. recorded but never had published.
@srice89593 жыл бұрын
I love Johnny Cash’s Song celebrating John Henry’s life! He was a Great man
@danielbrundidge83953 жыл бұрын
he used his chains to forge a hammer to pound out a life for his son, then forged the hammer into a guitar for his son to share the story! Definitely took some liberties with the original story, but.... Amazing!!
@Archbishop_of_the_Noodle6 жыл бұрын
Nice that he lived in this retelling. He usually dies from the stress after beating the machine in most.
@emperorconstantine1.3615 жыл бұрын
His heart burst, but yeah, he usually died with his wife and newborn son next to him, with his hammer in his hand, just like he said.
@samuelnajera34405 жыл бұрын
You guys are so right
@sonrouge5 жыл бұрын
A man deserves to live to celebrate his greatest achievement.
@purplealice5 жыл бұрын
Well, he had built his life around never giving up. Dying would have been a way of giving up. Besides, he had to keep going as an example to his son.
@PhantomBones1015 жыл бұрын
As much as I like an ending where he lives, I think the ending where he dies is more powerful. Despite knowing he would probably work himself to death he kept going not just for his family, but for every man who worked on that rail road. He knew that if he lost or gave up they would all be replaced by that machine and be put out of work. He swung his hammer for all of them.
@davidsirmons6 жыл бұрын
If Michael Clarke Duncan were still with us, he'd be freaking perfect for this. God...I miss him. : /
@josebaez59675 жыл бұрын
Agreed 100%
@blaze50535 жыл бұрын
He is still alive. Just on a small island. Tom Hanks told me.
@zx6rdood5 жыл бұрын
Should have had Larry Wheels as John Henry.....
@n2locarz15 жыл бұрын
Boss... I tried to take it back, but it was too late.
@t.hudgens59405 жыл бұрын
Yes, he would have... I think, Common could have done a good performance for this version as well. This is a very good production and this version of this song is killing it! 🙌
@darkknight55413 жыл бұрын
Ever since I first heard his story, John Henry has been my favorite folk hero. No matter what, he never gave up, and against all odds won the ultimate test of a man's strength, guts, and courage. This is one of only 2 I've ever seen (that weren't parodies) were he survived, and I'm glad he did.
@kylewatson68903 жыл бұрын
I love this. A man proving himself rather than making excuses about how society is holding him back
@Jack-vp9kl6 жыл бұрын
The production quality and acting is amazing.
@xbankhead13x5 жыл бұрын
If that big dude from the green mile was still alive he would probably played the fictional embodiment of John Henry
@josephcaldwell859jc5 жыл бұрын
Yes Michael Clarke Duncan would have been perfect
@CaptWesStarwind4 жыл бұрын
@Chris Landry lol Beat me to it.
@kristopherhasenbuhler53934 жыл бұрын
Yeah he was a good guy
@meganstoddard92554 жыл бұрын
Love this! So uplifting all the way through. I thought the original tragic ending was going to happen, right up until it didn't, but even if it had ended the usual way, this version would still have been the most touching (what I thought we were going to see was a cut to the son saying, so I got the farm that was promised my daddy, and I worked it for him and always remember him). It's the rare story about a black man that isn't about his suffering, doesn't end tragically, and does make him the kind of hero that everyone can look to. Why are those stories so rare? We need more! In reality, hardly anyone managed to cash in on the "40 acres and a mule" promise. So glad to hear John Henry did!
@godsgrace94 Жыл бұрын
I'm glad he survived; I was always said hearing that he died just after beating the machine. He's a hero.
@draconicraiden15114 жыл бұрын
I feel like the song could be played at a turning point in a fight or something- that song is a work of art. A masterpiece
@josephcaldwell859jc4 жыл бұрын
Agreed
@maryharry7373 жыл бұрын
True the song rocks.
@karencroy93862 жыл бұрын
agreed! I will be looking to see what else Mr. Nicholas Kirk has done. the music is the perfect polish for this tall tale of an amazing man and father.
@karencroy93862 жыл бұрын
I stand corrected. I misread the section listing the artist/singer. they're called The Brothers Bright featuring Eugene H. Russell Iv. like what I heard. wanna hear more!
@DannyTheDano5 жыл бұрын
- So when can you start? -It looked like i just did. That made me smile :)
@cable56533 жыл бұрын
We need more people like john henry. The laziness in this world is unbelievable
@parkertitle1923 Жыл бұрын
we don’t need more people like him we need people to act like him.
@jamieroballo7464 жыл бұрын
This is so beautiful. Never fails to make me cry- my dad showed it to me and he was almost crying, too
@officalkingkrab19123 жыл бұрын
Yup, one of the most powerful true-American stories out there
@guynamedty61685 жыл бұрын
I played john henry in second grade and ever since then ive looked up to him.
@worldsstrongestblacksmith5 жыл бұрын
I like this
@VinnyMartello5 жыл бұрын
He's a great inspiration
@superluminal895 жыл бұрын
I would have loved to see Michael Clarke Duncan play this role in a feature film before he passed away.
@sonrouge5 жыл бұрын
Hear hear!
@RR4484 жыл бұрын
That would have been great
@denaturner88714 жыл бұрын
Agreed... But, Ving Rhames, Terry Crews, Tyler Perry, Idris Elba, Winston Duke and Forrest Whitaker are still available; though none are as close to Michael Clark Duncan's stature, they are all tall.
@Adam.Rushing4 жыл бұрын
@@denaturner8871 Ving is probably the closest. He could do a good job, so long as Hollyweird doesn't want him to "thug it up" at all.
@denaturner88714 жыл бұрын
adam rushing I agree on Ving, that's why I listed him first, I'm lost on the "thug" portion of your comment though.
@arcingcat2 жыл бұрын
I never heard this story in my 55 years but I now watch it on Christmas Eve 2021. What a nice unexpected gift!!
@WannabeWRX4 жыл бұрын
This man was the inspiration of the DC Comics Character John Henry Irons, also known as "Steel." And neither DC Comics nor Warner Brothers have ever been able to produce anything Steel-related that could even come close to this.
@tallpaul88805 жыл бұрын
John Henry was a steel driving man! ✌🏼🇺🇸
@donkeybrainwhoknew9334 жыл бұрын
I remember that song too.
@teenecore5 жыл бұрын
"There's always a bigger hammer" this is one of those legends that every boy should know growing up. gotta move mountains son; your only as strong as your will to succeed. i was privileged to have a father with that morale. My old mans 63 years old only has gr 6 takes any job he can and he keeps going forward, puts anyone younger in their place and then hands them the reigns and confidence to keep moving forward.
@ferralrevenant13524 жыл бұрын
Every since I was a kid I've always loved this story. Even today I work smarter and harder and when I'm tired I keep going. Not saying I always remember this story but it definitely makes me remember my childhood. Tbh this was the first Hero I'd ever seen on TV, that old Disney cartoon. He's like a character from a comic book I don't care if people say the story isn't true.
@tjdoyle97802 жыл бұрын
I could watch this cast tell this story in a full length feature! These guys were great and the story is even better than what i remember as a kid. This was honestly the best short film i have ever, ever seen!! Amazing job!
@davidbelanger99524 жыл бұрын
hammer made out of his shackles??? hair just grew on my chest and balls
@iwal16454 жыл бұрын
The drill drove its bit into the rock nine feet. Henry drove his 14 feet. He had won = The American Spirit.
@vonburen8883 жыл бұрын
More like the African Spirit.
@iwal16453 жыл бұрын
@@vonburen888 Nice try
@CEBph59973 жыл бұрын
@@vonburen888 He may have African Ancestry. But he's American by True Grit and by Blood, Sweat and Love for his child.
@lnyawilliamsmoore43803 жыл бұрын
Indigenous aboriginal native copper colored people from Turtle Island the Niigi-Dane Calloway channel
@vonburen8883 жыл бұрын
@@CEBph5997 that's still African, you think people aren't like that in Africa? people in Africa love their children and have to make their own way, because it's still in a state of a colony even though officially they are all "free"
@Sabre9124 жыл бұрын
John Henry is far and away my most favorite tall tale.... thank you soo much for doing his tale right!!!! and thank the actors for me! lol
@jakesternberg1888 ай бұрын
Same here.
@haruruben4 жыл бұрын
the version I heard as a kid, John Henry sacrificed himself at the end he beat the machine and saved the day for everyone but his heart gave out and he died.. I like this version better haha although the sad ending stuck with me my whole life.
@PrayerPray4 жыл бұрын
The best version of John Henry... Love the happy and creative ending.
@VinnyMartello4 жыл бұрын
Whenever I get tired of the daily grind at the chemical plant and feel like I want to give up, I come back to this. John Henry is more than a man, he is a way of life.
@theemohippieful3 жыл бұрын
First comment ever, all I can say is I needed this American hero.
@biologicalagent3 жыл бұрын
From my earliest childhood memories of learning to read to this very day, John Henry remains one of my biggest mythical heroes.
@chrismayberry43875 жыл бұрын
As a white man, growing up I loved this story! John Henry is an American badass..
@rainhnr25805 жыл бұрын
As a Black man, growing up I loved this story also. Why did we need to know you were white? I mean what's your point? Does your color make your comment more relevant than anybody else's comment? Weird bro.
@acidyAc5 жыл бұрын
@@rainhnr2580 some white people dont like the black American history
@nickblinko56774 жыл бұрын
@@rainhnr2580 He didn't need to say he was white, I could tell from the Gadsen flag profile pic.
@rainhnr25804 жыл бұрын
@@acidyAc So what? Some Black people don't like white American history. What's your point?
@rainhnr25804 жыл бұрын
@@nickblinko5677 lol yup
@darkrage11384 жыл бұрын
This may be one of the single greatest things on youtube. The acting, the narration, and the great history all put together was just all together fantastic. Absolutely stunning. :D
@Master9una3 жыл бұрын
2020 brings us to the old day John Henry a legend
@tommyg29664 жыл бұрын
This is an exceptionally well done short ... Thank you for adding it to the Omeleto repertoire
@erai55955 жыл бұрын
🎶 I broke my chains , you can't stop this train , im runnin on grit sweat & love 🎶 woooo! Had me clappin my hands & stompin my feet. I love the story of John Henry ... You guys did an excellent job.
@clarrisaherrera92875 жыл бұрын
I watched this at my daughters school she started singing away 🎶
@TheBrannagan6 жыл бұрын
The best version of this story I've ever heard. I like this one best, I always knew, as a kid, that John Henry was a total badass and he didn't pass away after knocking that mountain down. There is a fantastic message here in this story, one that everyone should learn. DON'T QUIT! No matter what your obstacle is, don't let it stop you. Keep on keeping on, never quit.
@worldsstrongestblacksmith5 жыл бұрын
I love this story .one of the best iterations I have seen
@CopperAboriginies5 жыл бұрын
Isn't that great, I learned to do the same thing from his life to mine. Never quite.
@JustSomeGoy5 жыл бұрын
You should watch Tall Tale. Patrick swayse is pecso bill, awesome movie.
@JasonSmith-cz8yj5 жыл бұрын
But quitting stuff can also feel great too. Just saying.
@AzzKicker-bz1cb5 жыл бұрын
@Lag Swag Pecos Bill!!!
@lauralai96942 жыл бұрын
It's a beautiful and inspiring story! It's a great documentary. The quality of the video is terrific. And the actors played magnificently. Thank you, Allen, for uploading this short film!
@Mr.Higginbotham2 жыл бұрын
My favorite of all time telling of the Man, the Legendary John Henry.
@christopherholt90424 жыл бұрын
wait..... why did we bother being realistic about his height then make him dual wield cartoon sized hammers to DIG through a mountain
@arandomguy86194 жыл бұрын
I mean, his height can be changed because it doesn't play a role in the original story but the tunneling through a mountain part cant
@natking1u1z994 жыл бұрын
His height was exaggerated to compliment his actual physical strength.
@siegfriedkircheis95794 жыл бұрын
Because Anime is cool.
@lewism.henderson95714 жыл бұрын
They couldn't find an actor that big.
@pandogstudios15124 жыл бұрын
Lewis M. Henderson The most logical answer
@adamamaru45354 жыл бұрын
John Henry is the physical manifestation of America's pioneer spirit. God bless!
@rebelbelle622 жыл бұрын
I really like this man, and the values he was teaching his son. More fathers need to be like him. Imo
@marleysinquefield66492 жыл бұрын
“You’re the one we’re depending on, swing that hammer with all your might, I know you can show him how to do it right!” -Polly Henry from Disney’s legends.
@jenz2815 жыл бұрын
I'm so proud to see an African American portrayed in a positive light and not a hustler, pimp, drug Lord or what have you.
@josephcaldwell859jc5 жыл бұрын
Me too
@mementocatharsis93725 жыл бұрын
Jordan Peele is making movies showing black people doing things black people do. Not gang banging or hustling or any of that pop culture racist depictions. But regular things regular people do regularly.
@themontephone8754 жыл бұрын
jennifer valerio . I did not see any race. I saw actual actors playing an actual part that portrays actual characters.
@Robertahausen4 жыл бұрын
why not just consider him an American...and what things are you referring to them being a negative light?
@redneckpyromania69654 жыл бұрын
Right this is awesome
@user-ix7td1wx8k4 жыл бұрын
John Henry didn’t need those hammers to take down a mountain bet he could of took down with his bare hands
@MrArjunsexy4 жыл бұрын
That wouldn't have been fair on the machine
@lightning_ninjan86314 жыл бұрын
Mr Potatohead Co-workers: “where’s your hammer?!” John: “I don’t need em”
@topsykretts9003 жыл бұрын
Well obviously he just had to give the machine a little bit fairness
@yy19aos3 жыл бұрын
He didn’t need his hands he could just believe and it’s done
@armandosalgado11212 жыл бұрын
John Henry, a true American hero. Makes me proud to be an American…so proud. It’s people like him that made this country great.
@debrawhitten62992 жыл бұрын
I live within 30 miles from where John Henry's statue stands to this day . Always admire this story , the history of sweat, blood and hard work pay off. 💪
@ricardoantonio5482 Жыл бұрын
I like him either. How are you?
@oldmanjohnson695 жыл бұрын
John Henry. Paul Bunyan. Pecos Bill. Casey Jones. America...nuff said.
@jamesgordon15205 жыл бұрын
Sho " Nuff " 👏 👏
@jasona73775 жыл бұрын
I heard Pecos Bill caught himself a tornado once
@biscuitninja5 жыл бұрын
"Tall Tails" indeed?
@DetectiveDerpy5 жыл бұрын
Johnny Appleseed
@thomasmcginley79445 жыл бұрын
What about Casey Jones??
@ourDMTexperience6 жыл бұрын
If only these values were passed down.
@AscendantStoic5 жыл бұрын
Yeah, instead of all the gangester crap, the values and heroic character of John are what needs to be spread 💪
@AscendantStoic5 жыл бұрын
@@InhumanCondition-gh2qj Sadly not anymore in 2018, hardwork, competence and discipline are being demonized as evil things by the cultural marxists and post-modernists who mostly control Academia in many state in the USA.
@heavystarch1005 жыл бұрын
Yeah make it required viewing for millennials!!
@johnhayesjr28065 жыл бұрын
And what exactly are you all doing to help😑
@AscendantStoic5 жыл бұрын
@@johnhayesjr2806 Sharing it around and telling people to watch it 🤔
@tanyahart23962 жыл бұрын
That was the absolute best story I've ever heard. He make you wanna do better.