The Ballad of John Henry (2020)
This ambitious documentary by St. Louis-based filmmaker Matthew Rice analyzes how an ex-slave became one of America’s greatest tall-tale heroes: John Henry. Based on Scott Reynolds Nelson’s book “Steel Drivin’ Man,” the film provides a fresh perspective on the song and folk tale by exploring a myriad of related subjects, including the convict-lease program, an unjust legal system developed after the Civil War as a replacement for slavery.
Director: Matthew Rice
Runtime: 50 min
Release Date: November 5, 2020
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Matthew Rice
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Ballad of John Henry about?
- This ambitious documentary by St. Louis-based filmmaker Matthew Rice analyzes how an ex-slave became one of America’s greatest tall-tale heroes: John Henry. Based on Scott Reynolds Nelson’s book “Steel Drivin’ Man,” the film provides a fresh perspective on the song and folk tale by exploring a myriad of related subjects, including the convict-lease program, an unjust legal system developed after the Civil War as a replacement for slavery.
- Who directed The Ballad of John Henry?
- The Ballad of John Henry was directed by Matthew Rice.
- How long is The Ballad of John Henry?
- The Ballad of John Henry has a runtime of 50m (50 minutes).