Tall Tale Soundtrack

John Henry was as big as a mountain, with arms as big as oak trees, and could do the work of 10 men in a single day. A workingman's hero, his is the story of courage, strength, and determination. This poignant retelling of the legendary steel driver of the 1860s is part of the American Tall Tales and Legends series, executive produced by Shelley Duvall. In a masterful performance, Danny Glover plays John Henry, a former slave now freeman, who builds the railroad in West Virginia. When his boss threatens to fire all the steel drivers and replace them with a steam drill, Henry musters the muscle to out-drive the machine in a rigorous contest of strength against steel. ("No steel machine will take away the jobs of the working people," Henry vows.) The dramatic film is also a love story, telling of Henry's ever-growing attraction to Polly Ann (Lynn Whitfield), whom he finally wins through charm and perseverance. The film is a must for family and classroom viewing, appropriate for all ages, and an inspiring reminder of virtues upon which America was built. --Lynn Gibson