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JOHN HENRY AND THE RAILROAD | Omeleto

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  • čas přidán 19. 08. 2024
  • 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.

Komentáře • 3,6K

  • @strings1586
    @strings1586 Před 2 lety +369

    If John actually made his hammer from his former chains, this might be the best folk story ever.

    • @tedmoss
      @tedmoss Před 11 měsíci +31

      Remember, he started out being a blacksmith.

    • @stephenbyrne2170
      @stephenbyrne2170 Před 9 měsíci +17

      ​@@tedmossIs that why he's strong enough to slam a railspike flat with one swing?

    • @ananolastname1605
      @ananolastname1605 Před 9 měsíci +7

      ​@@stephenbyrne2170yes that's what they said

    • @McCarthy1776
      @McCarthy1776 Před 4 měsíci +3

      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-eq8kp
      @JasonKreider-eq8kp Před měsícem +1

      Don't forget paul and babe

  • @hangfried9429
    @hangfried9429 Před 5 lety +357

    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-atic7106
    @thefishfin-atic7106 Před 3 lety +149

    "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.

  • @ZInChat
    @ZInChat Před 3 lety +690

    _"I'm a bad storyteller..."_ Then proceeds to tell us an epic story.

  • @apathy113
    @apathy113 Před 5 lety +512

    The actor playing John Henry couldn't be more perfect!

    • @dr.robotico8500
      @dr.robotico8500 Před 4 lety +4

      @UMN Mode 10:00 Man vs. Machine!

    • @wrlord
      @wrlord Před 4 lety +13

      He's great, but I'd have liked to have Seen Michael Clarke Duncan do it.

    • @dylanmclez474
      @dylanmclez474 Před 4 lety +2

      @@wrlord me too he would've been perfect

    • @djnaenae102490
      @djnaenae102490 Před 4 lety +1

      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.

  • @Laeadern
    @Laeadern Před 5 lety +3122

    John Henry is the kind of man that made America...period.

    • @gscbest123
      @gscbest123 Před 5 lety +4

      Ok

    • @jjesse8707
      @jjesse8707 Před 5 lety +39

      White Americans made America what it is .

    • @Laeadern
      @Laeadern Před 5 lety +172

      My post wasn't to be taken literally, i meant hard working men and women of the day made America.

    • @mauricecobbs7112
      @mauricecobbs7112 Před 5 lety +79

      @@jjesse8707 - Yeah. They sure did. We need to work to fix that.

    • @pubchook3921
      @pubchook3921 Před 5 lety +19

      John Henry is the kind of man that made America...period.
      A slave?

  • @jenngosline6483
    @jenngosline6483 Před 3 lety +640

    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!

    • @shok771
      @shok771 Před 3 lety +13

      I've been doing the same in grade four, so happy to see another educator using this video :)

    • @delvindoodles2182
      @delvindoodles2182 Před 3 lety +15

      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.

    • @djfatglasses6514
      @djfatglasses6514 Před 3 lety +1

      You are a very attractive lady

    • @twinnmann
      @twinnmann Před 2 lety +3

      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.

    • @mikeamir9979
      @mikeamir9979 Před 2 lety +6

      Thank God for teachers like you, I think every kid needs to see this

  • @gitBritt
    @gitBritt Před 3 lety +643

    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)

  • @ethanm8756
    @ethanm8756 Před 4 lety +1411

    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.

    • @duanthomas4114
      @duanthomas4114 Před 4 lety +79

      Ethan Bruh Moment that’s makes him even stronger he survived going through a mountain beat a machine human are no push overs

    • @death_stroke5026
      @death_stroke5026 Před 4 lety +42

      I did not even know about this story till now but is now my favorite to

    • @yungblud9267
      @yungblud9267 Před 4 lety +4

      Wrong comment

    • @WitchidWitchid
      @WitchidWitchid Před 4 lety +39

      Now you know the truth. John Henry didn't die that day.

    • @natking1u1z99
      @natking1u1z99 Před 4 lety +9

      Yup same story I read in the book.

  • @blacklight2488
    @blacklight2488 Před 4 lety +302

    Honestly I like this version way better then the mainstream one, because John didn't die.

    • @rotzloffel
      @rotzloffel Před 3 lety +11

      Agreed, thought he was gonna die at the end of this one

    • @wandalavender2223
      @wandalavender2223 Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@rotzloffel correct because he was a real person

  • @69armbender
    @69armbender Před 4 lety +454

    "When can you start?" "I think I just did." Greatest line ever!

    • @zachsmith4303
      @zachsmith4303 Před 3 lety +8

      I’m gonna have to disagree with you 10:45 is the greatest quote

    • @ZInChat
      @ZInChat Před 3 lety +2

      It's almost as good as _"I'm a bad storyteller..."_

    • @663rainmaker
      @663rainmaker Před 3 lety

      @@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

    • @residentJokeBiden
      @residentJokeBiden Před 2 lety +2

      Theres always a bigger hammer

    • @cadetkohr5508
      @cadetkohr5508 Před 2 lety +5

      I feel like this is how employment should work, just show up, make a bet, and get hired.

  • @josephmyers5057
    @josephmyers5057 Před 4 lety +422

    John Henry has ALWAYS been my favorite Tall Tale. So inspiring.

  • @michaelpottorff2
    @michaelpottorff2 Před 4 lety +4804

    The real question that needs to be asked is, can Thor pick up John Henry’s hammer?

  • @andrewwilson1844
    @andrewwilson1844 Před 5 lety +923

    "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

    • @denaturner8871
      @denaturner8871 Před 5 lety +7

      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.

    • @greenhornetkato1568
      @greenhornetkato1568 Před 5 lety

      Andrew Wilson Are you referring to when he was working for free as a Slave?

    • @MyReligionIs2DoGood
      @MyReligionIs2DoGood Před 4 lety +2

      @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.

    • @RangerSpecForDelta
      @RangerSpecForDelta Před 4 lety +4

      INTEGRITY. a virtue that will never die

    • @houseofm9700
      @houseofm9700 Před 4 lety

      @@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.

  • @hdwarrior8830
    @hdwarrior8830 Před 2 lety +64

    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!

  • @ArmoredCricket
    @ArmoredCricket Před 2 lety +59

    "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.

  • @Moont706
    @Moont706 Před 5 lety +2918

    Ladies and gentlemen this is what a father figure looks like

    • @VinnyMartello
      @VinnyMartello Před 5 lety +74

      Amen. If I had a dad like that I would have grown up an entirely different person.

    • @voxac30withstrat
      @voxac30withstrat Před 5 lety +48

      @@VinnyMartello Theres still personal choice. We are born male but we are men by choice.

    • @VinnyMartello
      @VinnyMartello Před 5 lety +38

      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!

    • @davejones5640
      @davejones5640 Před 5 lety +3

      If you're black. Just saying.

    • @TheDansonT
      @TheDansonT Před 5 lety +47

      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.

  • @mikejackson2228
    @mikejackson2228 Před 5 lety +739

    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.

    • @josephcaldwell859jc
      @josephcaldwell859jc Před 5 lety +19

      I agree 100%

    • @samsnead7
      @samsnead7 Před 4 lety +9

      Amen. Preach it.

    • @jamie_mkv
      @jamie_mkv Před 4 lety +18

      that's because capitalism prefers it when workers fight one another, rather than the system that exploits them all

    • @randomviewer7916
      @randomviewer7916 Před 4 lety +19

      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.

    • @randomviewer7916
      @randomviewer7916 Před 4 lety +6

      @@jamie_mkv not so sure about that one, but okay.

  • @punishersoriano2895
    @punishersoriano2895 Před 4 lety +126

    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

  • @JL-us2dp
    @JL-us2dp Před 4 lety +207

    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

    • @deelooks7223
      @deelooks7223 Před 4 lety +15

      Watch "Come back Dad". He plays the lead's Father's brother. He is excellent in it. It is free on CZcams movies.

    • @vicariawilliams6585
      @vicariawilliams6585 Před 2 lety +2

      I'm looking now I love this man he is awesome

    • @mistyprice3400
      @mistyprice3400 Před 5 měsíci

      He's pretty established actor. Underrated.

  • @ShiningDarknes
    @ShiningDarknes Před 4 lety +584

    There are all sorts of stories like this one that need telling in America.

    • @fightme8859
      @fightme8859 Před 4 lety +26

      Shining Darkness They don’t want you to hear stories of empowered working people. That’s a powerful thing.

    • @PMMillard
      @PMMillard Před 4 lety +12

      @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.

    • @kishicavali5950
      @kishicavali5950 Před 3 lety +2

      @@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.

    • @ShiningDarknes
      @ShiningDarknes Před 3 lety

      @CarFreak did I say this one isn't? No. Go back to school and learn how to read. I said "like this one."

  • @staceymeans134
    @staceymeans134 Před 4 lety +520

    "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.

    • @HeidiSue60
      @HeidiSue60 Před 4 lety +14

      Stacey Means which is what the John Henry story/song is actually about. Steam power overtaking manpower.

    • @codeoptimizationware2803
      @codeoptimizationware2803 Před 4 lety +9

      @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.

    • @demetriusjohnson3677
      @demetriusjohnson3677 Před 4 lety +6

      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.

    • @brennenseibert6708
      @brennenseibert6708 Před 4 lety +3

      The glasses on the guys face is so smoke doesn't get in his eyes

    • @codeoptimizationware2803
      @codeoptimizationware2803 Před 4 lety +1

      @@brennenseibert6708 :
      Does the devil eat sherbert ice-cream? ???

  • @terrorcop101
    @terrorcop101 Před 2 lety +32

    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.

    • @tedmoss
      @tedmoss Před 11 měsíci +2

      A little more accurate than most.

  • @silentstryker1590
    @silentstryker1590 Před 3 lety +11

    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.

  • @ered203
    @ered203 Před 4 lety +1282

    "There's always a bigger hammer."
    Yup, there it is folks, America in a nutshell.

    • @willroges6370
      @willroges6370 Před 4 lety +26

      I’m pretty sure that’s what FDR said when they came up with the nukes

    • @cadenhoffman9476
      @cadenhoffman9476 Před 4 lety +11

      @ered203 You're mistaken it's a texas saying.

    • @natking1u1z99
      @natking1u1z99 Před 4 lety +13

      Yup built off the back of a Black Man

    • @reggaecutter
      @reggaecutter Před 4 lety +11

      @@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!)

    • @riumudamc4686
      @riumudamc4686 Před 4 lety +9

      @@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.

  • @rivercritter533
    @rivercritter533 Před 4 lety +779

    "There's always a bigger hammer."

    • @toatahu2003
      @toatahu2003 Před 4 lety +6

      Thank you, Jinn Henry...

    • @turtleruski1915
      @turtleruski1915 Před 4 lety +12

      That sounds wrong but so right.

    • @ohxvvt
      @ohxvvt Před 4 lety +10

      This sounds like a one liner thor would've said

    • @benjamintielking4093
      @benjamintielking4093 Před 4 lety +12

      *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.*

    • @jasonkreider8954
      @jasonkreider8954 Před 4 lety +3

      @@benjamintielking4093 the day you bust a whole through a mountain then I will remember lol

  • @johnsean8491
    @johnsean8491 Před rokem +54

    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
      @TheNightWatcher1385 Před rokem +2

      There are some who argue Paul Bunyan was based on a real man, or a collection of men who grew together into one legend.

  • @swilliedoo6026
    @swilliedoo6026 Před rokem +27

    Who’s still coming back even after 4 years just for that amazing song?

    • @kokkinosman9
      @kokkinosman9 Před rokem +1

      not sure if you already knew but its called Grit, Sweat & Love and is very good indeed!

    • @swilliedoo6026
      @swilliedoo6026 Před rokem +3

      No I know but I just like watching this adaptation of the story too, very nostalgic.

  • @littlemrpinkness295
    @littlemrpinkness295 Před 5 lety +79

    I love that narrator/singer, Eugene H Russell IV.
    That was WAY more entertaining than I thought it would be.

  • @thefanwithoutaface8105
    @thefanwithoutaface8105 Před 5 lety +51

    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.

  • @angelicarclark2620
    @angelicarclark2620 Před 2 lety +34

    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.

  • @theherrdark4834
    @theherrdark4834 Před 4 lety +49

    John Henry was one of my favorite stories as a child and still one of my favorites to this day. This version is amazing.

  • @SageBeal
    @SageBeal Před 6 lety +516

    THATS IT, IM GETTIN ME MALLET

  • @cynthiamorales596
    @cynthiamorales596 Před 4 lety +184

    Best Short Film I've ever seen! The actor playing John Henry is superb! And what a soundtrack! BRAVO!

    • @samsnead7
      @samsnead7 Před 4 lety +5

      Amen.

    • @Karmakatt6
      @Karmakatt6 Před 4 lety +8

      This film should have a mandatory viewing in schools. Everytime I watch it i weep.

    • @jakimisprime2166
      @jakimisprime2166 Před 3 lety +1

      Cool thing is, he makes a cameo in the equalizer

  • @ArtOfLiz
    @ArtOfLiz Před 2 lety +12

    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.

  • @MatryxMayhem
    @MatryxMayhem Před 3 lety +26

    I like this version so much more where he doesn’t die at the end of the competition with industrialization.

  • @stevegwizzle3560
    @stevegwizzle3560 Před 4 lety +177

    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.

    • @_offshoremarz7598
      @_offshoremarz7598 Před 4 lety +6

      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.

    • @bulldozer8950
      @bulldozer8950 Před 4 lety +4

      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.

    • @yungblud9267
      @yungblud9267 Před 4 lety +1

      Ste B i dont even have a dad •_•

    • @stevegwizzle3560
      @stevegwizzle3560 Před 4 lety +1

      @@yungblud9267 did u have a father figure? A man you could look up to for guidance?

    • @yungblud9267
      @yungblud9267 Před 4 lety

      Ste B no he left when i was 2 :/

  • @havokvladimirovichstalinov
    @havokvladimirovichstalinov Před 5 lety +280

    "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"

    • @fearlesssolar8474
      @fearlesssolar8474 Před 4 lety +4

      Raputin?

    • @wiseonwords
      @wiseonwords Před 4 lety +4

      @@fearlesssolar8474 - Umm - your comment would be much wittier if you got the name right! It's Rasputin. :)

    • @ToxicChicken69
      @ToxicChicken69 Před 4 lety +10

      1) mighty not powerful
      2) aye you saw that Disney short film too!

    • @cubichezon377
      @cubichezon377 Před 4 lety +3

      @@ToxicChicken69 i too remember it as "powerful" but was shocked when i saw it recently. Mandela Effect is real.

    • @theghostofjohnnycash4418
      @theghostofjohnnycash4418 Před 4 lety +11

      "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."

  • @joysmith1213
    @joysmith1213 Před 3 lety +32

    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.

  • @michellejester9734
    @michellejester9734 Před rokem +7

    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!!

  • @Jack-vp9kl
    @Jack-vp9kl Před 6 lety +166

    The production quality and acting is amazing.

  • @waddy3389
    @waddy3389 Před 6 lety +656

    I HAVENT HEARD THIS SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SO HAPPY TO HEAR IT AGAIN

    • @Beer-can_full_of_toes
      @Beer-can_full_of_toes Před 5 lety +4

      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.

    • @pverks362
      @pverks362 Před 5 lety +1

      Ive spent 3 hours searching to remember the name of this man

    • @dakotaenoch9014
      @dakotaenoch9014 Před 5 lety

      @@Beer-can_full_of_toes im in k-12

    • @heavyhanded1782
      @heavyhanded1782 Před 5 lety +2

      I been swinging a pick and it made me think about it lol

    • @jadajarvis5728
      @jadajarvis5728 Před 5 lety

      waddy I haven't heard it since... I dont even know its been so long

  • @meganstoddard9255
    @meganstoddard9255 Před 4 lety +11

    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!

  • @NIGHTOWL-jf9zt
    @NIGHTOWL-jf9zt Před 3 lety +37

    This is a true inspiration! From one John Henry to another, Rest in peace.

  • @seecha8970
    @seecha8970 Před 5 lety +73

    "How hard we work when no one's looking. That's who we really are, inside." - John Henry

  • @hd591
    @hd591 Před 5 lety +396

    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.

    • @rion7088
      @rion7088 Před 4 lety +3

      harold danny Odin: free real estate.

    • @SheepdogSmokey
      @SheepdogSmokey Před 4 lety +2

      Well, Thor moved from a hammer to an axe, John just made his hammers into an axe for his boy.

  • @jamieroballo746
    @jamieroballo746 Před 4 lety +11

    This is so beautiful. Never fails to make me cry- my dad showed it to me and he was almost crying, too

  • @kylewatson6890
    @kylewatson6890 Před 3 lety +33

    I love this. A man proving himself rather than making excuses about how society is holding him back

  • @kpopahjussi6379
    @kpopahjussi6379 Před 5 lety +287

    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.

    • @CrossOfBayonne
      @CrossOfBayonne Před 5 lety +5

      In fact the railroad he worked for was the Chesapeake & Ohio which is now part of CSX

    • @Blight_750
      @Blight_750 Před 5 lety +4

      Kpopahjussi63
      I agreed John Henry was a hero

    • @springof-wf8vy
      @springof-wf8vy Před 5 lety +2

      Same here my friend.. 💪

    • @duanecolbert9196
      @duanecolbert9196 Před 5 lety +4

      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-bz1cb
      @AzzKicker-bz1cb Před 5 lety

      @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.

  • @coryparrish525
    @coryparrish525 Před 4 lety +169

    Wow... that quote is one I felt inside. "It's how hard we work when no one's lookin." I love that.😁

  • @antonifortis1084
    @antonifortis1084 Před 3 lety +15

    I actually cried happy tears when he came out the other side of the mountain

  • @darkknight5541
    @darkknight5541 Před 3 lety +9

    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.

  • @KGDHMF
    @KGDHMF Před 5 lety +2335

    y'all call em John Henry,
    *I call him 19th century black Thor*

    • @CamWooster
      @CamWooster Před 4 lety +57

      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.

    • @fartdonkey8290
      @fartdonkey8290 Před 4 lety +65

      @@CamWooster shut up meg

    • @politefahrenheit8546
      @politefahrenheit8546 Před 4 lety +19

      Well he lived in the late 1800’s so i imagine so it’s the 19th century

    • @zhand4117
      @zhand4117 Před 4 lety +36

      I think think Thor is actually 21st century white John Henry

    • @EpicLolBlox
      @EpicLolBlox Před 4 lety +4

      @@CamWooster the rail roads went under construction in the late 19th century not the 18th

  • @teenecore
    @teenecore Před 5 lety +26

    "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.

  • @ferralrevenant1352
    @ferralrevenant1352 Před 4 lety +12

    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.

  • @srice8959
    @srice8959 Před 3 lety +15

    I love Johnny Cash’s Song celebrating John Henry’s life! He was a Great man

  • @zacharyzone5493
    @zacharyzone5493 Před 5 lety +391

    Legend has it John Henry was the first mortal to lift Thor's hammer.

    • @thanhool
      @thanhool Před 4 lety +5

      He wasn't "worthy" but he had the strength.

    • @ohxvvt
      @ohxvvt Před 4 lety +32

      The legends are wrong it was infact odin who came to earth to collect one of John's hammer for his son thor

    • @mobslayer211
      @mobslayer211 Před 4 lety +2

      Chris Landry what’s wrong with John Henry?

    • @rion7088
      @rion7088 Před 4 lety +2

      Zachary Flynn the top part of his sledge hammer was mjolnir.

    • @keithcallen2844
      @keithcallen2844 Před 4 lety +15

      John Henry forged Thor's hammer.

  • @guynamedty6168
    @guynamedty6168 Před 6 lety +107

    I played john henry in second grade and ever since then ive looked up to him.

  • @arcingcat
    @arcingcat Před 2 lety +6

    I never heard this story in my 55 years but I now watch it on Christmas Eve 2021. What a nice unexpected gift!!

  • @cable5653
    @cable5653 Před 3 lety +4

    We need more people like john henry. The laziness in this world is unbelievable

    • @parkertitle1923
      @parkertitle1923 Před rokem

      we don’t need more people like him we need people to act like him.

  • @draconicraiden1511
    @draconicraiden1511 Před 4 lety +144

    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

    • @josephcaldwell859jc
      @josephcaldwell859jc Před 4 lety +4

      Agreed

    • @maryharry737
      @maryharry737 Před 3 lety +2

      True the song rocks.

    • @karencroy9386
      @karencroy9386 Před 2 lety +1

      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.

    • @karencroy9386
      @karencroy9386 Před 2 lety +2

      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!

  • @Archbishop_of_the_Noodle
    @Archbishop_of_the_Noodle Před 6 lety +158

    Nice that he lived in this retelling. He usually dies from the stress after beating the machine in most.

    • @emperorconstantine1.361
      @emperorconstantine1.361 Před 5 lety +5

      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.

    • @samuelnajera3440
      @samuelnajera3440 Před 5 lety

      You guys are so right

    • @sonrouge
      @sonrouge Před 5 lety +2

      A man deserves to live to celebrate his greatest achievement.

    • @purplealice
      @purplealice Před 5 lety +3

      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.

    • @PhantomBones101
      @PhantomBones101 Před 5 lety +15

      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.

  • @tjdoyle9780
    @tjdoyle9780 Před 3 lety +9

    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!

  • @godsgrace94
    @godsgrace94 Před rokem +3

    I'm glad he survived; I was always said hearing that he died just after beating the machine.
    He's a hero.

  • @darkrage1138
    @darkrage1138 Před 4 lety +130

    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

  • @DannyTheDano
    @DannyTheDano Před 5 lety +30

    - So when can you start?
    -It looked like i just did.
    That made me smile :)

  • @rotzloffel
    @rotzloffel Před 3 lety +19

    The song is catchy and I almost cried at the end because I thought John would die after creating a tunnel in a mountain

  • @lauralai9694
    @lauralai9694 Před 2 lety +16

    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!

  • @davidsirmons
    @davidsirmons Před 6 lety +662

    If Michael Clarke Duncan were still with us, he'd be freaking perfect for this. God...I miss him. : /

    • @josebaez5967
      @josebaez5967 Před 5 lety +18

      Agreed 100%

    • @blaze5053
      @blaze5053 Před 5 lety +20

      He is still alive. Just on a small island. Tom Hanks told me.

    • @zx6rdood
      @zx6rdood Před 5 lety +4

      Should have had Larry Wheels as John Henry.....

    • @n2locarz1
      @n2locarz1 Před 5 lety +20

      Boss... I tried to take it back, but it was too late.

    • @t.hudgens5940
      @t.hudgens5940 Před 5 lety +7

      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! 🙌

  • @tallpaul8880
    @tallpaul8880 Před 5 lety +65

    John Henry was a steel driving man! ✌🏼🇺🇸

  • @Sabre912
    @Sabre912 Před 4 lety +12

    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

  • @tanyahart2396
    @tanyahart2396 Před 2 lety +2

    That was the absolute best story I've ever heard. He make you wanna do better.

  • @TheBrannagan
    @TheBrannagan Před 6 lety +195

    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.

    • @worldsstrongestblacksmith
      @worldsstrongestblacksmith Před 5 lety +2

      I love this story .one of the best iterations I have seen

    • @CopperAboriginies
      @CopperAboriginies Před 5 lety +1

      Isn't that great, I learned to do the same thing from his life to mine. Never quite.

    • @JustSomeGoy
      @JustSomeGoy Před 5 lety +1

      You should watch Tall Tale. Patrick swayse is pecso bill, awesome movie.

    • @JasonSmith-cz8yj
      @JasonSmith-cz8yj Před 5 lety +1

      But quitting stuff can also feel great too. Just saying.

    • @AzzKicker-bz1cb
      @AzzKicker-bz1cb Před 5 lety

      @Lag Swag
      Pecos Bill!!!

  • @erai5595
    @erai5595 Před 5 lety +45

    🎶 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.

    • @clarrisaherrera9287
      @clarrisaherrera9287 Před 5 lety +2

      I watched this at my daughters school she started singing away 🎶

  • @stephanieruiz3755
    @stephanieruiz3755 Před 3 lety +3

    Moving, to his story has made a profound impact on me, has broken my heart left me in tears, and I vow! I VOW TO NEVER EVER BE DISCRIMINATING OF ANY PEOPLE SKIN COLOR, RACE, NATIONALITY. THANK YOU, this has helped me grow.. thank you...

  • @rebelbelle62
    @rebelbelle62 Před 2 lety +4

    I really like this man, and the values he was teaching his son. More fathers need to be like him. Imo

  • @xbankhead13x
    @xbankhead13x Před 5 lety +39

    If that big dude from the green mile was still alive he would probably played the fictional embodiment of John Henry

  • @superluminal89
    @superluminal89 Před 5 lety +184

    I would have loved to see Michael Clarke Duncan play this role in a feature film before he passed away.

    • @sonrouge
      @sonrouge Před 5 lety +3

      Hear hear!

    • @RR448
      @RR448 Před 5 lety +2

      That would have been great

    • @denaturner8871
      @denaturner8871 Před 5 lety +4

      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.Rushing
      @Adam.Rushing Před 5 lety

      @@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.

    • @denaturner8871
      @denaturner8871 Před 5 lety

      adam rushing I agree on Ving, that's why I listed him first, I'm lost on the "thug" portion of your comment though.

  • @Mr.Higginbotham
    @Mr.Higginbotham Před 2 lety +3

    My favorite of all time telling of the Man, the Legendary John Henry.

  • @tommyg2966
    @tommyg2966 Před 4 lety +18

    This is an exceptionally well done short ... Thank you for adding it to the Omeleto repertoire

  • @jenz281
    @jenz281 Před 5 lety +415

    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.

    • @josephcaldwell859jc
      @josephcaldwell859jc Před 5 lety +4

      Me too

    • @mementocatharsis9372
      @mementocatharsis9372 Před 5 lety +30

      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.

    • @themontephone875
      @themontephone875 Před 5 lety +6

      jennifer valerio . I did not see any race. I saw actual actors playing an actual part that portrays actual characters.

    • @Robertahausen
      @Robertahausen Před 5 lety +3

      why not just consider him an American...and what things are you referring to them being a negative light?

    • @redneckpyromania6965
      @redneckpyromania6965 Před 5 lety +1

      Right this is awesome

  • @adamamaru4535
    @adamamaru4535 Před 5 lety +30

    John Henry is the physical manifestation of America's pioneer spirit. God bless!

  • @WannabeWRX
    @WannabeWRX Před 4 lety +6

    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.

  • @armandosalgado1121
    @armandosalgado1121 Před 2 lety +4

    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.

  • @ImperialLegion15
    @ImperialLegion15 Před 6 lety +33

    This brings back memories of my childhood. I loved listening to the stories of Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, and most importantly John Henry. They did an amazing job with this short!

    • @AzzKicker-bz1cb
      @AzzKicker-bz1cb Před 5 lety +1

      @RedbeardTrev
      How about Big John down in that coal mine??

  • @deathyboi4196
    @deathyboi4196 Před 4 lety +40

    This was far more wholesome and heart warming than I thought it would be. This touches my heart in a way I haven’t felt in a while. Thank you!

  • @Master9una
    @Master9una Před 4 lety +9

    2020 brings us to the old day
    John Henry a legend

  • @danielbrundidge8395
    @danielbrundidge8395 Před 3 lety +4

    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!!

  • @chrismayberry4387
    @chrismayberry4387 Před 5 lety +167

    As a white man, growing up I loved this story! John Henry is an American badass..

    • @rainhnr2580
      @rainhnr2580 Před 5 lety +20

      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.

    • @acidyAc
      @acidyAc Před 5 lety +9

      @@rainhnr2580 some white people dont like the black American history

    • @nickblinko5677
      @nickblinko5677 Před 5 lety +1

      @@rainhnr2580 He didn't need to say he was white, I could tell from the Gadsen flag profile pic.

    • @rainhnr2580
      @rainhnr2580 Před 5 lety +9

      @@acidyAc So what? Some Black people don't like white American history. What's your point?

    • @rainhnr2580
      @rainhnr2580 Před 5 lety +2

      @@nickblinko5677 lol yup

  • @davidbelanger9952
    @davidbelanger9952 Před 4 lety +43

    hammer made out of his shackles??? hair just grew on my chest and balls

  • @haruruben
    @haruruben Před 4 lety +2

    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.

  • @biologicalagent
    @biologicalagent Před 3 lety +6

    From my earliest childhood memories of learning to read to this very day, John Henry remains one of my biggest mythical heroes.

  • @iwal1645
    @iwal1645 Před 4 lety +152

    The drill drove its bit into the rock nine feet. Henry drove his 14 feet. He had won = The American Spirit.

    • @vonburen888
      @vonburen888 Před 3 lety +11

      More like the African Spirit.

    • @iwal1645
      @iwal1645 Před 3 lety +5

      @@vonburen888 Nice try

    • @CEBph5997
      @CEBph5997 Před 3 lety +6

      @@vonburen888
      He may have African Ancestry.
      But he's American by True Grit and by Blood, Sweat and Love for his child.

    • @lnyawilliamsmoore4380
      @lnyawilliamsmoore4380 Před 3 lety

      Indigenous aboriginal native copper colored people from Turtle Island the Niigi-Dane Calloway channel

    • @vonburen888
      @vonburen888 Před 3 lety +2

      @@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"

  • @VinnyMartello
    @VinnyMartello Před 4 lety +66

    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.

  • @theemohippieful
    @theemohippieful Před 3 lety +20

    First comment ever, all I can say is I needed this American hero.

  • @carriefranklin971
    @carriefranklin971 Před 2 lety +2

    This was great. John Henry brought back grade school years.

  • @PrayerPray
    @PrayerPray Před 4 lety +25

    The best version of John Henry... Love the happy and creative ending.

  • @jamalchilders6845
    @jamalchilders6845 Před 5 lety +38

    I always wondered how someone would recreate that old movie I say in elementary school. That was actually quite beautiful. Thank you.

    • @Careck2010
      @Careck2010 Před 4 lety

      Any chance you can find it? I've been looking, But can't find the oringinal I saw in elementary

    • @patrickmcnair1965
      @patrickmcnair1965 Před 3 lety +1

      @@Careck2010 the one I saw was the animated Disney short. It’s on CZcams but You have to pay to watch it.

  • @edwardroche2480
    @edwardroche2480 Před 2 lety +3

    I did love this story, it reminds me how screwed up the system is where the people that work the hardest get paid the least.