John Henry - Part 2 of 2

[anewt72690]

Anybody else get goosebumps when John burst through the mountain?

[jbear1218]

Good story

[MrRaNdOmPOTATO]

Alright. I think this will sufficiently replace the reading for college.

[Bwkjam]

Imagine if the machine John went up against was a terminator! Now that would be epic.

[Bwkjam]

@TheSecretShow4You it's a tall tale and like all tall tales theirs a shred of truth. Each time the stories told it becomes a bit more exaggerated and epic. John Henry may or may not have been a real man, but the steam drill was and John Henry might have been the fictional champion of all the men working hard on the rail road who were afraid they might lose their jobs.

[TheSecretShow4You]

Is this story is real history? When I was little I read this story out of a fiction book of fiction stories. Someone tell me if it is real or not. Don't be rude please if ya do.

[DarthNader26]

@TheSecretShow4You John Henry could have very well been a real man who inspired his fellows to beat a tough deadline and earn their rewards that the business was trying to screw them out of. Through retelling after retelling, he goes from a simple leader to this amazing folk hero who managed to beat back the industrial menace with his own two hands by hammering straight through a mountain. It makes the story more interesting and keeps the tale of John Henry alive. It's how most myth works.

[MRZPRODGITY]

I always cr when John dies. It's so surprising and touching that he died for people he didn't even know. Jhon is and will always be, my favorite Tall Tale.

[Canemikat]

God I love this!

[KittMouri]

Thank you SO much for sharing this wonderful piece of American History.

[cDC1457]

rest in peace JOHN HENRY you deserve it

[tokyomop]

I fucking love tall tales.

[MySpitfire19]

I'm Canadian and I grew up with these stories. Man I wish we had stories like this. Mounties don't really count.

[EEVEEwolf1]

John is amazing. He led his family an his friends to the promised land that they earned

[MJRookieRook]

Awww *tear* when she said "...and that's just the sound of your papa driving steel to Glory."

The little boy's adorable. John was cute too lol

[MsBombalurina]

this story always makes me cry.. :'(

But it is very inspiring :) and I love it

[goofyguber7]

When I was five I would watch this nonstop this is the best movie ever I used to cry so much

[goldpelt]

5 people cant handle a 20 pound hammer

[GriselleAngelys]

Love John Henry!!!! I cry every time I watch this...

[Vashola100]

I dont like the fact that they killed him off at the end. they always kill off the good black guy

[gldndragon77]

@Vashola100 he wasn't "killed off", he died just like in the legend, due to exhaustion.

[mechatech70]

@Vashola100 Of course he died in the end. You've never heard of the legend? He died for what he believed in, and for his freedom.

[MrWINNSLAW]

"Children should be exposed to stories like this and not Little Wayne!"

[PHATB0Y20]

"polly my dieing wish is...dont let them make a cheep cartoon of me!"

[TheQuickdraw94]

@PHATB0Y20 cheap cartoon?? sir this was an inspiration to many.

[justa16thnote]

What a deadbeat Dad, can't even be there for his kid.

[Stussmeister]

Hmmm...John Henry's son looks just like him, only younger...I think we may be on to something here...

[Dreamtastic27]

WOAH!

[ZoroarkGirl]

So John rests in peace.He deafeted the big machineand ased promesed he died with the hammer in his hand.But some people says hes dead some people says hes alive.I infortunetly says hes alive,If you ever ride a train in Virginia make sure you listen for him singing,My name is John Henry!I was born 40 lbs with a hammer in my hand!

[TheInferno515]

the MIGHTY John Henry!

[sap115]

Awesome

[zendejasandreaz]

why did he have to die

[tigerqueen007]

@zendejasandreaz According to folklore, he overworked himself trying to cross that rock and beat that steam drill that he has an aneurysm.

[zendejasandreaz]

@tigerqueen007  oh...... i knew that

not really

[sweetiebabe1able]

is it just me or is that one sexy cartoon?

[CaliforniaSun3]

that made me cry

[EDGYGIRL93]

the wife shouldnrt have pushed him :(

[gluestick868]

Go Canada!

[DimensionsofChange]

Could John Henry outrun the Flash?

[TheZacula]

@DimensionsofChange Perhaps not. But he could probably get through a mountain faster than Superman.

[DimensionsofChange]

@TheZacula So this guy is like Black Paul Bunyan?

[TheZacula]

@DimensionsofChange Same category, in that it's an American tall tale. Not true, but still a very fine and inspiring story that reflects American values and culture.

[DimensionsofChange]

@TheZacula Like jello pudding?

[TheZacula]

@DimensionsofChange Yes, but slightly less wobbly.

[DimensionsofChange]

@TheZacula ic

[adsweaty]

stupid machiene! robots are evil

[ZoroarkGirl]

@adsweaty All things should be done with with no thought in return oh and use a hammer and if you become a railrode fixer, thank John Henry.

[WolfsbaneRevolution]

why did he have to die!? ;_;

[Dawnpool93]

Awesome short!

[Reycied]

The animation during the mountain-hammering scene was amazing, and very stylish. And growing up, John Henry was always one of my favorite Tall Tales. It's a shame that America's old mythology, while popular, has never gotten to be as popular as the ancient stories.

[Stussmeister]

@Reycied, indeed. While stories of legends such as John Henry, Casey Jones, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, and many, many others are certainly popular, they haven't quite reached the same audience as the stories of ancient times. As a self-described history nut, however, I personally believe that it is in remembering our history, and the people who helped make it happen, that we are able to discover more about ourselves.

[goodymfla]

somethin ain't right about this. Parts of it rings positive, but man, somethin ain't right.

"I" mean, why is it nearly always one person has take on the load, for others? All them mf standing around. The contest ought to been inclusive, since they all was going to benefit. Wow! Oh! "I" chalk it up to human frailties and ego! In the end, another baby without a daddy! Dyin on some old bull s---!

[Warrior11Clutz]

Little white boy: my daddy the president little black boy: my daddy John Henry white boy : damn, u win

[BotosanD]

hey does anyone know where to get this song?

[ztslovebird]

It's such a moving story, and the animation style was PERFECT for the telling of it!

[xiTzblazinx]

The art here is spectacular :D I love the drawings.

[soluscristus1]

Beautiful story!

[badlildozer818]

the picture at the end in the back looks like mr T

[minnib69]

thankyou,this helped my son with his homework.he had did a report on john henry.

[tomboy10119]

AWWWWWWWWWWW THE LITTLE BROWN KIDS SO CUTE!

[kociemama23]

I remember when I was in 1st grade and they showed us this it was cool and we all cried at the end

[tanajah14]

When I was younger this story use to make me cry

[sarahz913]

i remember i watched this in school around ten years ago when i was 7 and still today i watch this over and over again. :-D

[EasthamMa]

what happent to john henry? 0:00

[murimuki]

@EasthamMa He dies :'(

[10ferg]

@Skeedaddy91. Where were you born??

[Skeedaddy91]

1:23...the banjo lick sounds like JACO! :) I liked this toon...I wish I was born in the U.S.A!!!

[1st503rdSGT]

very moving

[22rad11]

im still confused. how does he die?

[jon76398]

@22rad11 he was working to fast i think they say his hart just gave out or like it burst because he was so tired

[bigpopparamma]

@22rad11

In this short he died of exhaustion. There were other versions of how he died:

1) The most popular version was that after he tunneled through the mountain, he see his wife who was waiting at the other end. While standing and glancing at her, the steam drill crashes through and runs him over.

2) He died of a cardiac arrest after resulting of continuous hammering through the wal.

3) He worked himself to death.

[RalphyDee]

When I was a kid, I had the book & record. A 45. & I use 2 listen 2 this story. James Earl Jones told the story but it wasn't this 1. It was 1 especially made 4 the 45 turntable record player. Lemme tell U that when John henry died, they started singing & it was soooo sad. I actually cried back then. I was hoping 2 find it but couldn't. When I started watching this 1 & saw that James was telling the story, I thought I found it. I had so many of those stories on records. Damn. The simple things.

[LivingCrusader]

John Henry: An American Original

James Earl Jones: A Modern One

[wolf2hawk]

@LivingCrusader who?

[LivingCrusader]

@wolf2hawk James Earl Jones, the host of the show and world renowned actor.

[Gatyena]

That was a great story and what makes it so great is because it's true. Jhon Henry really was a man how figth for his and his people dreams and won beacuse he belives it's could be possible to make those dreams come true. And of course he had his loveones beside him all the time.

today we really need more guys like Jhon Henry :D

[therealjennytad]

i love this video its sooo cute the relationship between her and her late husband is soo cute i love colored people :)

[jaymoney281]

i remember watching that vid in royal palm elementary a good 5 or 6 years ago... and i have been looking for it ever since.. i am so glad that i found it

[devon12ish]

the reason he died is for over working to hard and his heart couldn't keep up so it stopped

[Mac3622]

Who was the woman who narrated/played Polly? I thought I heard that voice before.

[candyhawk19]

@Mac3622 its Alfre Woodard

[chidory19]

John Henry was indeed a mighty man

[MrJoko97]

search for joe bonamassa the ballad of john henry

[cookiez707]

Lmao! 1:22!!

[cookiez707]

Can people just die like that? That's the only thing I don't like about the story, he dies :(

[tigerqueen007]

@cookiez707 According to folklore that he popped a blood vessel in the brain.

[foamyjesus]

IN A BATTLE OF SINNERS AND SAINTS LOL

[xxreiglerxx]

he really is an american hero

[xxreiglerxx]

this is a great movie to show for school if you are studying black history

[jason029099]

is the guy whom made the story of john henry the same who made the story of Paul Bunyan?

[goodswd]

there goes a steeel drivin man

[hobbitchild08]

Belief is something we all need to have... not only in ourselves... but in each other. I do not believe in letting appearances blind my judgment upon meeting someone.... If that were my case.. I wouldn't have some of the wonderful friends I have today... I believe in people who want to dream.. as a dreamer myself. We need more John Henry's... more legends, not celebrities, to idolize.

[TheClonetrooperbly]

go john henry go

[jahircedeno]

made me cried alot fav story and movie

[Kiwiislandbird]

what does he die of? heart failure?

[miscapb]

i Always wondered that, how he died....maybe was heart failure idk?

[tigerqueen007]

@miscapb I found out in the folklore that he popped a blood vessel in his brain.

[miscapb]

ohh ok thanks!

[CorndogMaker]

Okay, everyone is so sad about John Henry but what about some sympathy for the shadowy figure in the steam drill? Did they even see if he was alive or dead when his drill fell apart? No!

[ahleynickel]

this is a beatiful story he actually died with his hammer!!!!!!!:]

[mzthickqueen]

i just noticed that polly killed john by making him go on.

[7fire7ice7]

that's a beautiful story

[86am]

I wish this was a full length feature. I love the music and characters.

[erevaj]

Agreed, this would've been an amazing full length feature

[maddoxfanx]

Manly tears were shed

[waitsone]

I remember being in gradeschool we had to watch a animated short of this in class back in the 80's. Me and my friends thought this one of the coolest stories ever when we were kids.

[rochelimit55555]

he died???? noooooooooooooooooooo

[12clubpenguinfan12]

he died froma heart attack or he worked too hard i read in a book once long time ago he said"a man aint nothing but a man"

[kenz1031]

wow this brought bak alot of memories

[BADNTJD]

i love this video and John Henry

[Belvmiracles]

whoooo!!! I would have to say the music's my favorite part! haha! John Henry, John Henry, John Henry was a mighty man!!" :D

[CheeseWheel3]

Noooo! John Henry! D:>

[animatr0nic]

dat's amerika, baby

[notsoginger]

is this a true story, based on a true story, or simply inspirational fiction?

[20dark20]

its a bit of both

[cuteleanne256]

i cant stand it! ilove watching stuff about john henery! such a great guy......

[cuteleanne256]

WHOO JOHN HEERY RULES!! i would LOVE to study more about him by the way was he real or fake?

[Gaarahinafan2]

I agree. He was amazing. But how did he die?

[cuteleanne256]

he died of working too hard, he over worked himself. :(

[bluethunder25]

I don't believe in the term, "working or trying too hard."

[cuteleanne256]

now that you mention it..... well i guess he just tired himself till he died!

[hyprlynx91]

His heart gave out, just like that, after all it was his heart that gave him the strength to move mountains, both in body and mind... Humans never seize to amaze me, their soul is unique ... Also , when that pathetic excuse for a machine failed, I laughed, but even John Henry could not stop the future of technology and nothing will stand in it's way... I believe in John Henry, and I believe Machines can and will have the strenght and determination of a human soul...

eventually.

Peace

[mweezy]

Well, John Henry wasn't the only person who tried to stop the machines from taking over jobs. But he was definitely the first person who challenged a machine in an extremely laborious job.

But anyway, no matter how advanced we get, we'll still have many things that require humane hands.

[Barsee23]

Hyprlynx91

well said

[kunai86]

very poetic hyprlynx, very poetic

[sailorearth2007]

I'm sorry but a machine will never have what we have. John had a determination that would never let out. A machine might be able to do the same work people can do but it's just a machine....it has no feeling or pride. It has no desire to never quit until freedom is gained or a goal is reached.

[MrRazzeldazzel88]

@sailorearth2007 ummmm you make no sense



[sailorearth2007]

@MrRazzeldazzel88 um I believe I do

[MrRazzeldazzel88]

@sailorearth2007 a machine can do a much better job than a human ever could.

[pdaddyrick]

@sailorearth2007 john henry knew that he was risking his life for a reason. unlike humans, quitting is not an option for machines. they can only fail. machines don't need to eat or rest. they are a testament to humanity's ingenuity and should be embraced. it's a good thing that rare people like john henry don't have to die to lay a few railroad tracks at the same pace as a machine. this is more of a story about a man who sacrificed his life to save his family and the legacy of his forefathers.

[SwordCrazy676]

@hyprlynx91

Honestly, I think that he did help stop the future. After awhile, steam powered drills stopped being used and the workers kept going.

[amm019]

@hyprlynx91 Those are true words, but I doubt that machines will have that determination and strength of a human soul, those attributes are too special and too (in my view) powerful for machines to have. Also, those two attributes can't be programmed into something, they have to be inspired.

[MrWINNSLAW]

@amm019 "I've got to cosign with you on that one! Look at the Terminator: man vs machine! Skynet knew that its most potent threat would come from man-thus-we can clearly see that even the machines know what time it is!"

[Gunganfan]

Noone really knows for sure. John Henry was a common name used by many freed slaves.

[GoletanGuy]

That was fucking fantastic. Talk about an indomitable spirit and admirable self sacrifice.

[snakes3425]

With all the problems we're facing today, we need heroes like John Henry more then ever.

[Argonaut22j]

John Henry isn't gone. He will always be a part of America.

[DumberCheese]

@snakes3425 true that

[basic204]

@snakes3425 Yes we do. I wounder what legends out age will leave behind.

[rosemystic22]

@snakes3425

the moral is not to rely on others but to do what you beleive is right in your heart, stand strong and fight for what you beleive in even if it means no one supports you or you might fail. we dont need other people like john. we need to rise up on strong legs and support ourselves and help each other to make a better world for our children and its not about strength in muscle but strength in heart , no matter your race, gender or religion stand stong and be like john henry.

[4392158]

my name is john henry morgan..pretty sweet

[aroda24]

although it's a cartoon, it made me wanna cry when john henry died. :(

[chdoyle2007]

thats ok! Bambi was recently voted greatest tear jerker of ALL TIME!

[ARP7777777]

Hurrah for the power of the human spirit, over mere machinery. "And John Henry drove his 15 feet, and the steam drill only made 9."

[cccwarrior81]

i want a hammer in my hand son of a whore

[hersheyandshadow]

What an imagination you would have had then!

[Izawwlgood]

John Henry, badass.

[princestafford]

This should be a Movie and Broadway Play. If Lion King, Beauty and the Beast,Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins can get up there. So should ''John Henry''.

[gojirasox]

Disney was going to make a film on each of the folklore toons but opted to make the live action film Tall Tale (1995) It was oretty good...Patrick Swayze as Pecos Bill LOL

[hersheyandshadow]

Then at school plays, I would be John Henry himself, but at camp plays, I would be Polly, John's wife/girlfriend!

[princestafford]

I was around 7 or 8 in the early 70's when I first heard this story. I remember thinking, Paul Bunyan,Peter and the Wolf,Peter Pan,Jack and the Beanstock were all cool stories. Until I heard ''John Henry''. I remember the shock and heartbreak I felt when He died at the end. I didn't see that coming. It haunted Me for a while. He was more kick-ass than Paul Bunyon would ever be was My thinking at that time. LOL! I would get into fights over Henry vs Bunyan. Forget how many times I saw the Office

[givemevideos]

My dad's name is John Henry.

I'd never heard of this story before it was brought up in an episode of the Sarah Connor Chronicles last week.

[blueboy093]

man john henry is probably the folklore version of superman

[JASON19805]

classic.

[SaintTenebras]

this was awesome. :)

does anyone know what year this was made?

[freakedhelle]

its unfair:(

why shall he die??

[12clubpenguinfan12]

he died for the vally he live in

[Saturnome]

Of course this film had to be HAND drawn...!

[ReaKGutta]

Sounds more like a subliminal message, Black Gold and the truth about the railroads purpose

[Moonstone2732]

John Henry's wife looks very pretty. John Henry was & still is one of my favorite American heroes.

[TheThirdEyeCeesU]

John Henry is one of my personal heroies. There are so many morals to his story, i.e., the strength of man's will; how despite how impressive machines are, man is still the ultimate machine; the greatness of one sacrificing himself for the common good of others. It is also foreshadowing how the workforce (ie, people) would ultimately be replaced by automation (ie, machines). A lot to be learned in this historical tale.

[sailorearth2007]

Well said. To quote a phrase from Disney's Hercules "A hero is not measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart."

[FilmTraum]

This is so wonderful!

[luv4shorty]

I'm all choked up and shit

[Fishercherrlynn]

I first saw this story back in Elementary school(3rd gradish)and man did his death hit me hard.

[Badartist]

I saw in the 3rd grade too:p. God I hated that school... anywho, thanks whoever uploaded this!

[WhyAyeMann]

i saw this around 3rd grade too.

[ThrottleStuckOpen]

Special, stirring stuff. I'll watch this again with my two little children.

[chevvy18]

That was absolutly fantastic....

[JoshLucas5]

Damn, John Henry was one bad MF!!

[huntress1863]

Wonderful, simply wonderful! This is my first time seeing this, and it was wonderful!!!!

Thanks so much for posting this!

[drips310]

i have seen this at my school

[Concetta20]

Wow! That was so awesome, it gave me chills!