Riding The Rails (American Experience)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Documentary: B-
How bad was The Depression? When you hear people talk about no one starving in the United
States, you know that is as bold a lie and myth as there can be. Before the rise of the American teenage and
youth culture, before the country became so youth-obsessed, youth were abused
and pretty much disposable. Many of
them are still are to too many in power and with money, but Riding The Rails
(1997) is a fine record of it.
When The Great Depression hit, families that did exist
were so devastated, that many teens left home looking for work and a better
life. What this special shows is to the
very great extent teenaged men were hopping railroads to go all over the
country. Epidemic was the first word
that came to mind as the show unravels and the movement gets larger and
larger. The number climbed to an
estimated 250,000 and this documentary was the result of dozens of solicited
letters at the start of the project.
Several survivors are interviewed, as well as historical
film clips and facts included throughout.
Running 77 minutes, it is always compelling, informative and could have
gone on longer. Either way, it is a
deserved multi-award winner and a vital record of a facet of The Great
Depression that should never be forgotten.
Be sure to see it.
The 1.33 X 1 originated on analog videotape and looks good
for its age, likely the NTSC format.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 is simple stereo and just fine, including all the
classic songs by the likes of Woody Guthrie, Doc Watson and Jimmie Rogers among
others. Extras include a taped
interview with producer/director/writers Michael Uys and Lexy Lovell, a stills
section, a book excerpt and a weblink.
There is much more to say about this subject and it would be nice to see
this as the beginning.
- Nicholas Sheffo
