Disney's American Legends (2001) Movie Script
[Banjo plays]
Did you know that knowledge of our heroes
...was passed down to us
by people telling stories?
From generation to generation.
From the loggers
of the northeast...
all the way out to the pioneers
in the covered wagons...
that traveled westward
on the plains.
They began as popular tales
of simple men...
who did mighty things.
The stories of their deeds
grew with every retelling...
into the legends that forged
our national backbone.
These tales not only gave
hope and laughter...
to early Americans--
the settlers, pioneers,
immigrants, freed slaves...
men, women and children--
they gave them the common
ground of myth and legend...
fueling their courage
to push back the frontier...
and build this great country
of ours together.
Our first tale fired
the hearts of Americans...
in the Allegheny Mountains
in 1872.
It glorified the Herculean
efforts of a freed slave...
named John Henry.
One of the earliest
African-American role models...
he was proudly proclaimed
in old time spirituals...
and work songs.
Over the years his legend grew.
People all over the nation
came to respect his memory...
and learn of his great deed...
pitting his own flesh and blood
against the gears and wheels...
of an encroaching
modern machine.
They say that everything about
John was extra extra large...
like this hammer, his appetite...
his belief that he
could move mountains.
At a time when African-Americans
had just begun...
to make their place
in the world...
he was a towering example of
leadership and determination.
Ladies and gentlemen, John Henry.
CHORUS: A man with
the strength of many.
Yes he was.
Brave and bold
with a heart of gold
John Henry was a mighty man.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
Oh.
POLLY: Every soul
has a dream...
and every heart
has a way to make it so.
Now let me tell you
about my John Henry...
who laid down his life
for his dream.
John and me were born slaves.
Nothin' to call our own...
not even each other.
[Whip cracks]
Then the day
of jubilation came...
and all the slaves were free
and John vowed "Never again!"
And with that
I had those chains...
forged into a mighty hammer...
a present for John
on our wedding day.
Oh you'd a-thought
he'd gotten his freedom
all over again. Ha!
He said "Polly I'll die
with this hammer in my hand."
And off we set to find work
and a place of our own.
[Men shouting]
Now the C&O Railroad
had promised land...
50 acres to every man
who'd finish the line.
But when John and I
came up on 'em...
they were already worn out...
and 'bout to lose
their promised land.
MacTAVISH: Lads!
Deadline's been moved up.
If we do not get to the other
side of that mountain...
we can kiss our land good-bye!
What? That can't be done!
- MAN: We had a deal!
- SECOND MAN: It's not fair!
THIRD MAN: We're working
as hard as we can!
JOHN: I'll take you there.
And when did you start
building railroads?
Today.
[Grunts]
POLLY: Well come on, John.
You're the one
that we're depending on.
Swing that hammer
with all your might
I know you can show 'em
how to do it right.
Huh.
Hah.
Huh.
Hah.
Huh.
POLLY: John's hammer rang out
and the tall tales grew.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
Born with a hammer.
A 10-pound hammer.
A 20-pound hammer
right in his hand.
I heard John's mama
liked to sew 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.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
Born with a hammer,
born with a hammer.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
He plowed the earth
so wide and deep.
The seed he sowed
the ground had to keep.
His hammer hit the earth
with such a mighty blow.
Everything he planted
would jump up and grow.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a powerful man.
All our lives we've been so poor.
John, let me show you
what we're working for.
CHORUS: Canaan land,
Canaan land.
Everybody working
for the Canaan land.
Home and freedom hand in hand.
Workin' for the Canaan land.
Oh movin' on down the line
John Henry came right on time.
Now we're movin'
on down the line.
John Henry came right on time.
Home and freedom hand in hand.
Workin' for the Canaan land.
[Steam whistle blows]
[Rumbling]
[Engine chugging]
[Men shouting]
MAN: What is that thing?
It's a steam drill.
That thing's gonna
take our jobs.
But--but we had a contract.
MacTAVISH: Aah!
[Men grumbling]
We had a deal!
Let's get it!
Push it over!
[Grunting]
[Grunting]
This ain't no way
to settle things.
But John they're throwing us
away like we was nothin'!
I've got a better way.
A challenge.
[Hisses]
I've got 2 free hands
and a 20-pound hammer.
If I can best
this here machine...
the land you promised is ours.
[Hissing]
John, we're free.
You don't have to do this.
Polly, if they steal
our dreams...
they put a chain
'round our souls.
Somebody's got to stand tall.
Believe in me.
[Sighs]
MAN: Go, John.
MAN: John's gonna do it.
Come on, John!
Show that steam drill!
Furthest by sundown gentlemen!
MAN: You can do it!
SECOND MAN: This is it!
THIRD MAN:
You can do it, John!
[Cheering]
Unh! Unh!
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
[Roars]
Unh!
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a powerful man.
Huh, hah.
Huh, hah.
Steel drivin' man, John Henry was.
Steel drivin' man, oh yes he was.
So proud, defiant, a gentle giant.
A steel drivin', natural man.
[Grunting]
MAN: John wins!
[Cheering]
[Steam whistle blows]
Huh?
It's not sundown yet.
[Men grumbling]
[Sighs]
Well a-come on, John.
You're the one that
we're dependin' on.
Swing that hammer, bust that rock.
Come on, give it
everything you've got.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
Born with a hammer,
born with a hammer.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
John and the drill
made the valley shake.
Rumblin' almost
caused an earthquake.
Thunder and lightning
was everywhere.
Oh Lord, that battle
was beyond compare.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a powerful man.
Born with a hammer,
born with a hammer.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
- Ohh!
- Ohh!
[Cheering and laughing]
[Bang]
[Clattering]
[Gasping]
Aye Polly, he did it!
[Groans]
Oh, and he was smilin'...
'cause he moved that mountain
and led us to the promised land.
You can move mountains too, baby.
All you got to do is believe.
[Thunder]
Oh, don't you be scared of
that thunder no more, child.
The storm's done rolled away...
and that's just
the sound of your papa...
drivin' steel to glory.
So, just remember...
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
O when you believe
you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
In Talcott West Virginia
a statue of John Henry...
now towers over
the Great Bend Tunnel.
It is a powerful reminder
that the American spirit...
is as indomitable today
as it was yesterday.
"Long long after...
"When settlers put up
beam and rafter...
"They asked the birds
'Who gave this fruit?'
"'Who watched this fence
till the seeds took root?'
"To the farthest west
he followed the sun...
"His life an empire
just begun."
These are the verses
of an American poet...
Vachel Lindsay...
who admired our next hero.
The hero... John Chapman...
known to you and me
as Johnny Appleseed.
When America celebrated
its independence in 1776...
Johnny was a barefoot boy of 3.
He was a bearded vegetarian...
who wore a coffee sack
and a tin pot hat.
He lived by his own rules...
he killed no animals,
he loved the earth...
and believed that all men
were his brothers.
Using his legendary
green thumb...
he helped to feed
hungry pioneers...
by planting apple seeds
over hundreds of miles.
Johnny was proof that you
didn't need great strength...
or size to become
an American legend.
A man's deeds can live on.
SETTLER: Every time I see
an apple blossom sky...
I think of Johnny Appleseed.
'Cause of course
them clouds up thar...
they ain't really clouds
at all. No, sir.
Why shucks there wouldn't be
no apple blossom sky...
if it weren't for the fact
that Johnny--
But now hold on here.
Guess I better start
back to the beginning...
and that's when Johnny
lived on a farm...
near Pittsburgh town.
The year was 1806
or maybe there around.
Now just to look at him
you'd say Johnny Appleseed...
never would make a pioneer.
[Whistling]
He was such a sawed-off,
scrawny, little fella.
Course that didn't
faze Johnny none.
Shucks, he had his apple trees...
and the mornin' sun
and the evenin' breeze.
[Whistling]
[Twittering]
The Lord is good to me.
And so I thank the Lord.
For givin' me the things I need.
The sun and rain
and an apple seed.
Yes, He's been good to me.
[Whistling]
I owe the Lord so much.
For everything I see.
I'm certain
if it weren't for Him.
There'd be no apples
on this limb.
He's been good to me.
Oh here am I
'neath the blue blue sky.
A-doin' as I please.
Singin'
with my feathered friends.
Hummin' with the bees.
I wake up every day.
As happy as can be.
Because I know
that with His care.
My apple trees
they will still be there.
Oh the Lord is good to me.
[Whistling]
SETTLER: Workin', singin',
carefree and gay.
That's how Johnny
spent each day--
A-tendin' to his apple trees.
SETTLER: Lately
little Johnny here...
would feel a stirrin'
in the air.
A rumblin' rollin' under beat...
of restless men
with restless feet.
PIONEERS: ...rollin' west.
There's plenty of room for you.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Out to the great unknown.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Or you'll be left alone.
WOMEN: We made a home before.
We're startin' out again.
MEN: We ain't a-feared
o' man nor beast.
We're strong-hearted men.
ALL: So get on the wagon
rollin' west.
Seekin' a land that's new.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
There's plenty of room for you.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Out to the great unknown.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Or you'll be left alone.
The rivers may be wide.
The mountains may be tall.
But nothin' stops the pioneer.
We're trail blazers all.
Oh get on the wagon rollin' west.
Out to the great unknown.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Or you'll be left alone.
You'll be left alone.
SETTLER: Poor Johnny.
He weren't no pioneer
and he knowed it.
It was all just pretend.
And them folks goin' west
to build this nation...
sure made pickin' apples...
look like a plumb useless
occupation.
Well sir, that's when
a miracle happened.
VOICE: Well, what's
holdin' ya, Johnny?
SETTLER: ...says a voice.
VOICE: Go on.
Go on out west
if that's your choice.
SETTLER: Well sir,
it was a angel.
Johnny's own private
guardian angel.
Might look mighty
queersome to you and me...
But you know
that's just the way
John figured he'd be.
Well, speak up boy.
Don't stand there gawkin'.
Unlock your jaw
and get to talkin'.
Y-yes sir.
Yes sir!
Why don't I go west?
'Cause I ain't got the muscle
or the breadth of chest.
Out thar it's the strong men
who survive and I'm about...
the puniest fella alive.
Shame to ya, Johnny.
You got faith, and courage,
and a level head.
But shucks.
You see, sir...
all I know is apple trees.
And what's wrong with
apples if you please?
Ain't they 'bout
the finest fruit...
in all the land?
Why--why shoot man.
They take the cake.
Just think Johnny...
of all the things
that apples make.
There's uh a-apple pickles.
Oh so tasty.
Apple tarts and apple pasty.
Apple dumplings not to mention...
- Applesass?
- ANGEL: Yes.
And there's apple fritters.
Light as thistle.
And for folks
to wet their whistle.
Tangy apple cider in a glass.
Stew 'em fry 'em
boil 'em bake 'em.
Apple pie and apple cake 'em.
ANGEL: Yep, you can
cook 'em any way.
There's apple this
and apple that.
The recipes would fill your hat.
Why, I could carry on
like this all day.
So pack your stuff
and get a-goin'.
Get them apple trees a-growin'.
There's a lot of work
out there to do.
BOTH: There's a lot
of work to do.
Yes, sir!
[Whistling]
I mean no, sir.
You see, sir...
I ain't got the tracks
ain't got the gear...
or none of the things
I'll need out there.
You ain't got the--
dadgum it boy!
I'm ashamed of you!
You got the stuff
to see you through.
ANGEL: Why, you got...
all the seeds you're needin'...
and for pretty darn
good readin'...
There ain't nothin'
finer than your book.
Here's a mighty handy bonnet--
even got a handle on it.
Turn it upside down
and you can cook.
So come on son and get a-goin'.
Get them apple trees a-growin'.
BOTH: There's a lot
of work out there to do.
Oh there's a lot of work to do.
SETTLER: Well sir,
that's how it all began.
That's how Johnny, all alone...
set out to meet
the great unknown.
'Twas a mighty big
and fearsome place...
for a man to face.
SETTLER: A little man
and all alone...
without no knife without no gun.
And though the forest is
dark and wide...
with fearsome critters
on every side...
Johnny just kept walkin' on.
SETTLER: Walked
until at last he found...
a little spot of open ground...
with fertile soil
and warmsome breeze--
a likely place for apple trees.
Now the varmints here
they couldn't know...
if John was friend
or John was foe.
So some took off
in sudden flight...
and some got sot
to claw and bite.
But if Johnny see'd 'em
he paid no heed...
just got busy a-plantin'
apple seeds.
[Whistling]
SETTLER: Now them varmints
come from everywhere...
to watch that man
a-diggin' there.
Didn't like what
they was seein'.
Didn't trust no human bein'.
SETTLER: Yep that
ornery human had to go...
but who was a-gonna tell him so?
Well not a soul
could answer that...
until here come along
a black and white cat.
Now he weren't too bright
but he didn't much care.
He knowed he had
a certain air...
about him.
[Whistling]
SETTLER: Well sir,
that done it.
The critters ne'er seed
the beat of that...
the likes of a human
a-likin' that cat.
Why shucks, this
little man had went...
and busted every precedent.
He was the very first to come...
without no knife,
without no gun...
And so it was
from that time on...
every last living varmint
was a friend to John.
[Whistling]
They surely was.
JOHN: The Lord is good to me.
And so I thank the Lord.
For givin' me the things I need.
The sun and rain
and an apple seed.
Yes, He's been good to me.
SETTLER: Well, as time
went by...
Johnny kept right on
a-plantin' his apple trees...
and makin' friends everywhere.
And his best friends
was the pioneers...
for of course
John was plantin' more...
than an apple tree.
He was plantin'...
his own boundless
faith and courage too...
and that give folks
new heart new hope...
in the job they had to do.
SETTLER: And as more
and more pioneers...
come to push back the forest...
the kindly deeds
of little Johnny Appleseed...
spread throughout the land.
And more than once...
with a good
old-fashioned jubilee...
folks would honor
Johnny Appleseed...
and the fruit of the apple tree.
SQUARE DANCE CALLER:
To the right of the ring.
And the inside arch
and the outside under.
Ain't gonna rain
without no thunder.
First and third balance swing.
Come right out
to the right of the ring.
And you buckle up 4
with 8 hands around.
I'll swing yours
and you swing mine.
I'll swing my girl half time.
Twist her straight to a do-si-do.
Chicken in the bread pan
kickin' out dough.
Big pig a-rootin' up
a little tater row.
One more change and home you go.
SETTLER: Now sometimes
if John was a-passin' by...
he'd mosey over and kinda
look in on the doin's...
'Cause it sure
tickled him to see...
how the fruit of his labors...
brought all kinds
of folks together...
and made 'em good neighbors.
Now duck for the apple
4 in a row.
Thank ye son--corners go.
Apple core.
CROWD: Baltimore.
CALLER: Bite that apple
to the core.
CALLER: Ready now.
Allemande left
with the old left hand.
Back to your partner
right and left grand.
Whirl 'em right
and whirl 'em wrong.
Straighten 'em out
and trot 'em along.
Right and left 4 in a row.
Second couple on the corners go.
Apple core.
CROWD: Baltimore.
CALLER: Gent
and the pretty girl.
Try once more.
[Crowd laughs]
[Triangle clanging]
WOMAN: Come and get it!
The victuals' on
the table's set...
it's all a-waitin' to be et!
Come and get it!
- Apple pickles.
- Mighty tasty.
- Apple butter.
- Apple pasty!
Apple dumplin's.
How'd you like some applesass?
Yes, ma'am!
SETTLER: Yep Johnny did bring
folks a heap o' happiness.
But shucks he weren't
lookin' for thanks.
Didn't have time for it.
He knowed a man can't
take no rest...
if he aims to plant
the whole darn wilderness...
in apple trees.
SETTLER: And so it was
for more than 40 year...
John walked and planted
that whole frontier.
SETTLER: Yes, sir...
40 years of walkin'
and plantin'.
And in that space
of twoscore year...
this little man
he throwed his shadow...
clear across the land...
across 100,000 miles square.
SETTLER: And in that shadow
everywhere...
you'll find he left
his blessings three...
CHORUS: Love and faith.
And the apple tree.
ANGEL: Boy for sleepin'
you take the cake!
Come on, get up!
[Whistles]
We got a longsome trip to make.
Huh? Why, Mr. Angel.
Howdy do?
ANGEL: I'm fine.
And how be you?
I'm fine.
Just feelin'--whoop!
Who's that sleepin'
in the evenin' dusk?
Why that's just your husk, John.
Your mortal husk.
My husk?!
You mean to say
I'm--I'm passed away?
Dag nab it, angel!
I just can't go.
Got crops to harvest,
seeds to sow.
Now, now, now.
Hold on boy.
Down here on earth
your work is through.
But yonder well
we need ya, Johnny.
Yep, we sure do.
You'd think we had
most all we please...
but we ain't.
We're kinda short
on apple trees.
Well, I swan.
I didn't know.
What are we waitin' fer?
C'mon let's go!
JOHNNY: We're wastin' time.
Let's get a-goin'.
Get them apple trees a-growin'
BOTH: There's a lot
of work up there to do.
Oh, there's a lot of work to do.
SETTLER: Well sir, now
you know the reason why...
whenever I see
that certain sky...
I think of little John.
'Cause it's like I said
if you'll recall...
them clouds ain't really
clouds at all.
They're apple blossoms
if you please...
from John's heavenly
orchard of apple trees.
CHORUS: And someday
there'll be apples there.
For everyone
in the world to share.
SETTLER: The Lord
is good to me.
CHORUS: Ah ah ah ah ah.
Our legends tell us a lot
about how we see ourselves.
In the northern frontier...
lumberjacks worked hard
in heat rain and snow.
At night,
around flickering campfires...
they bragged about the man
who could straighten rivers...
and reshape mountains
with his bare hands.
Enter Paul Bunyan.
Strong as 10 grizzlies
63 axe handles high...
and he had a soft spot
in his heart...
for a massive blue ox
named Babe.
The forest rang like thunder
with their labors.
Nothing made
of flesh and blood...
could match Paul Bunyan's power.
You'll see.
Here's Paul Bunyan.
CHORUS: North America
was a great big land.
With a great big job to be done.
A job that needed
a great big man.
Paul Bunyan was the one.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
[Echoing]
Paul Bunyan.
My name is Cal McNab.
Lumberjack by trade.
Reckon I was the first person
in our part of the country...
to see Paul Bunyan.
CAL: Our town was cut
right out of the big timber...
on the coast of Maine.
Should've known
something unusual...
was gonna happen that night.
A sou'easter come up
and the wind howled so...
thought it was gonna blow
our town right off the map.
Come daylight I took a look...
to see what was left
of the place.
[Howling]
I spotted an odd-looking
craft on the beach.
That's where the howling
was coming from.
Hey, Ma! What in the world
do you suppose that is?
CAL: The howling
roused the whole town...
and everybody rushed down
to investigate.
MAN: Never saw
anything like it.
Looks like a big cradle.
Now be careful, Cal.
[Howling]
Well, I'll be hornswoggled.
A baby!
And it's a whopper!
CAL: The whole town
adopted him...
and named him Paul... Bunyan.
Everybody pitched in
to supply his needs.
They held sewin' bees
and knittin' circles...
to make his clothes.
Feedin' him wasn't
any small job either.
[Slurping]
CAL: I led the singing
to put him to sleep at night.
One, two...
Good night, sleep tight.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
You're only 10 axe handles high.
But you'll get bigger by and by.
Good night,
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
PAUL: Waaah!
[Laughing]
CAL: 'Twasn't long afore Paul
was big enough to go to school.
He was a bright boy
and never tardy.
TEACHER: Good morning, Paul.
[Laughing]
Good morning, children.
Now everyone be seated.
[Creak]
Will the first pupil to work
the sum of five plus two...
rise and show the answer?
[Creak]
Eek!
That is correct, Paul...
but for heaven's sake
don't raise the roof.
[Bell ringing]
ALL: School's out!
School's out! Yay!
BOYS: The boys would head
for the swimmin' hole.
Just as soon as
their studies had ceased.
Come on, Paul!
And though young Paul
was sometimes last,
he surely never was least.
Hey, Paul.
Here he comes!
Paul Bunyan.
Though he loved to swim
what a time he had.
What a problem, me oh my.
[Splash]
When his front was in the water.
Oh his back was high and dry.
How about a dive Paul?
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul
Paul Bunyan
Paul Bunyan.
CAL: Christmas was
a big event in our town.
We had our tree
in the town square...
on account of Paul.
I handed out the presents.
You kids ready?
Well here's something
for Johnny...
and for Susan.
And for Paul...
Here's a gift from
the whole town!
A double-bladed axe!
CAL: Paul took
to cutting timber...
like a duck takes to water.
Afore long our saw mills
had enough timber...
to last a lifetime.
That opened
plenty of new farmland...
and our town grew so fast
it got to crowdin' Paul.
So one morning
we weren't too surprised...
to find a note in the square.
"...and plenty of room.
Love, Paul.
"P.S. I'll write soon."
We're gonna miss that boy.
I am Chris Crosshaul...
straw boss of a logging crew
in the middle west.
I will never forget...
The first time
I saw Paul Bunyan.
I was topping trees one morning.
I looked up...
and there stood
the biggest man I ever saw.
[Deep voice]
With my double-blade axe,
and my hobnail boots,
I go where the timber is tall.
When there's work to be done,
don't mess around.
Just sing right out for Paul.
- Hey, Paul.
- I'm comin', boys.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
- Hey, Paul.
- Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
Well he picked up his axe
and he chopped a tree.
Clean down
with his forward swing.
Got him another
when his axe swung back.
That timber-cuttin' king.
He kept on a-chopping
the live-long day.
And then when it was night.
He walked back over
the stumps he'd cut.
And stomped 'em out of sight.
Thanks, Paul.
'Twarn't nothin'.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
CHRIS: Well sir Paul cleared
that country so quick...
farmers had their crops
in the first week.
So Paul headed west for
the big woods and more room.
He hadn't gone far
when he ran into...
the worst blizzard
this country ever saw.
It was so cold
even the snow was blue.
When Paul built a fire
the flames froze.
While he was building
a second fire...
to melt the first one...
he heard a low "moo."
[Moo]
He looked all around...
and there under a fog bank...
he found a big ox...
frozen just as blue as the snow.
[Clinking]
[Clank clank]
Now that ox was mighty
grateful for being rescued.
[Moo]
They hit it right off
and became real pals.
Paul named him "Babe."
The two of them headed west...
but the storm got worse
and they got so lost.
[Wind howling]
Well sir, they left
lots of tracks behind them...
and come spring those tracks
filled with water...
and this area became known as
"The Land of 10,000 Lakes."
With winter over Paul
and Babe went right to work.
They logged off
North and South Dakota...
dug the Missouri river to float
the logs to the saw mills...
and then so they could
look the country over...
and see what else to do...
they built Pike's Peak.
Now that was
a fair day's work...
even for Paul...
So next morning
he overslept a little bit.
Babe wanted him to get up.
[Rrrring]
Hey!
What's the idea you big blue ox?
Now watch it, watch it!
Ha ha ha!
Cut it out, Babe!
Well, one little shove
led to another...
Whoa!
[Moooo]
And the first thing you know...
they was rough-housing
all over the countryside.
[Screech]
Ha ha ha!
[Moo]
Ha ha--oof!
Then Paul and Babe
got into a big tug-of-war.
They piled dirt and rocks
so high...
it formed a range of mountains.
Today they are called
the Grand Tetons.
Well sir, all this
horseplay--I mean oxplay--
made Paul and Babe
kind of dirty...
so Paul looked
the countryside over...
and got together with Babe...
and before long he had
built them a shower bath.
They went off
and left it running...
and today Paul's shower bath
is called Yellowstone Falls.
Shot Gunderson's my name.
I'm river foreman
of a timber camp...
near the Oregon Trail.
My outfit
was mighty discouraged...
the day Paul Bunyan arrived.
We were getting plenty
of timber in the river...
but we couldn't move it
to the saw mills...
'cause the river was
so dad-burned crooked.
Paul looked the situation
over careful-like...
then he harnessed Babe
with a yoke...
hitched on a big anchor...
and then threw it in
at the head of the river.
Gee-up, Babe!
[Snorts]
Well, Paul and Babe
they heaved and hauled.
And the job was quickly done.
They pulled
that crooked river out.
As straight as
the barrel of a gun.
Hey, Paul.
They're on their way!
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
[Echoing]
Paul Bunyan.
SHOT: Now the country
began to prosper.
Yep civilization had arrived
in the great northwest...
and with it came
the "Prophets of Progress."
Now just move in
a little closer, boys.
Yessiree right in this box...
is the invention that's
gonna revolutionize...
the logging business.
If you'll step over
to the nearest tree...
I'll demonstrate.
With my double-blade axe
and my hobnail boots
I go where the timber's tall--
Thunderation!
What's that?
Yessir, boys...
just turn on the steam
and let 'er go!
Hey there!
Who are you...
and what the Sam Hill's
that thing?
Me? I'm Joe Muffaw
and this thing...
is the latest model of
the handy-dandy steam saw.
Now bub, if you'll
just step aside...
I'd like to cut this tree down.
[Coughs]
Huh! Up here we cut
timber with a big axe...
like this one...
and we haul it with
a big ox like that one!
[Moo]
Look bub, you gotta
get with the times...
become modern.
There's the latest invention
for hauling timber.
MUFFAW: A steam lokey.
[Toot toot]
With this steam saw
and that engine...
I can cut and haul
more timber...
than you and that blue ox
ever thought of.
Huh, is that so?
You with your newfangled
contraptions?
You with your big axe
and old-fogey ways!
I'll show you what
I can do with this axe!
I dare you to try it!
Ha! Looks like a toy to me!
Toy, huh?
I'll show you!
[Snorts]
[Toot toot]
SHOT: There was only
one way to settle it.
I was appointed judge.
This contest to last one hour!
Then I'll measure
the stacks of timber...
and declare the winner.
You fellers ready?
Ready!
Ready!
[Men whistling and cheering]
[Chugging]
[Snorts]
Hey, Paul.
Keep a-swingin', Paul!
Paul Bunyan.
Yay, Paul!
Cut that timber, show him how.
Beat that city slicker now.
- Hey, Paul.
- MAN: Get up Paul!
Paul Bunyan.
[Bang]
SHOT:
The race looked dead even...
and when I went
to measure the stacks...
they looked dead even too.
Well I shinnied up
Paul's stack first...
Pulled
the measuring chain taut...
For Paul, 240 feet... even!
[Cheering]
Hooray for Paul!
[Muttering]
For Joe, 240 feet...
and 1/4 inch.
[Men groan]
Yippie!
Poor Paul.
Poor Paul Bunyan.
SHOT: Yep, the machine
had beaten man.
But don't you folks feel sorry
for Paul and Babe.
I hear they're up Alaska way...
and mighty happy.
Lots of room up there, you know.
And those northern lights
you see in the sky...
well that's Paul and Babe
having a lot of fun...
oxing around...
Knocking the Aurora Borealis
out of the countryside.
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha--oof!
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
[Train whistle]
CONDUCTOR: All aboard!
JAMES EARL JONES: Our
next hero's real name...
was John Luther Jones.
But you probably know him
as Casey Jones--
a crack train engineer...
who was courageous, loyal...
and who had an unflinching
sense of duty.
In the late 1800's...
rail tracks stretched
from the cities of the east...
to the plains of the west.
With bent backs
and hard labor...
America's immigrants--Europeans,
Asians, and Africans--
laid the tracks that carried
the building blocks...
of our nation: food, lumber,
and the U.S. Mail.
Casey was a master
at the throttle.
He could play
a musical symphony...
on a train whistle...
and he could get the mail
to the station...
in record-breaking time.
[Toot toot]
Casey would have marveled
at today's modern advances...
like the bullet train
and e-mail.
Now, here is Casey Jones.
NARRATOR: 'Tis morning!
Ah 'tis morning...
and all the trains
in the railroad yard...
are fast asleep.
All except Casey's.
His engine is slow asleep.
Hey! [Whistles]
Good morning, Casey.
CHORUS: Come all you rounders
if you want to hear.
A story all about
a brave engineer.
Casey Jones was
the rounder's name.
On a high right wheeler
he won his fame.
Casey Jones! Casey Jones!
Casey Jones, are you ready?
[Toot toot]
Ready to start
for the western land.
NARRATOR: They're off!
They're off!
Help!
SINGER: Out of the junction
on the fly,
Casey had that look in his eye.
The brakeman knew
by the engine's moan,
the man at the throttle
was Casey Jones.
CHORUS: Casey
Jo-o-o-o-o-o-o-nes.
NARRATOR: Egad!
Ha ha!
Didn't think we'd make it,
did you?
[Sigh]
[Humming]
NARRATOR: Too ripe.
NARRATOR: Nice day...
wasn't it?
CHORUS: The rain was
coming down 5 or 6 weeks.
The railroad track was
like the bed of a creek.
It slowed him down
to a 10-mile gait.
And it made the western
mail exactly 8 hours late.
DEEP VOICE: Casey Jones.
Plowin' through the water.
Casey Jones.
Sluggin' through the mud.
DEEP VOICE: Casey Jones.
Plowin' through
the wa-a-a-a-achoo!
NARRATOR: Take off the brakes,
train's got the shakes.
Egad!
CHORUS: Hours behind,
there isn't time to fret.
Keep knocking at the fire door.
Don't give up yet.
You gotta keep a schedule,
oh you gotta keep a schedule.
Oh you better look out, Casey!
[Brakes screech]
[Toot toot]
NARRATOR:
What now, brown cow?
Beat it bossy, I'm busy.
Got a date and I'm late.
Go back to your mate.
You old cow, you old cow,
you old cow.
Fresh... homogenized.
Pasteurized... polarized.
CHORUS: Make up schedule
do not fail.
Gotta get to Frisco
with the western mail.
Gotta get to Frisco,
gotta get to Frisco.
Gotta get to Frisco,
gotta get to Frisco...
NARRATOR: Somebody's
on the wrong track!
Egad!
A-ha-ha-ha-ha!
I'll save you!
Oh! Oh! Save me! Oh!
NARRATOR: My hero!
Curses!
Foiled again!
NARRATOR: What do you know!
She mail!
CHORUS: Casey knew that
he was runnin' too fast.
He ran through the signal,
last station past.
SINGER: He says I believe
we're gonna make it through.
'Cause she steams a lot
better than I ever knew.
NARRATOR: Uh-oh.
He who wrecks a train
on a hillside...
is not on the level!
Going down!
[Crash]
[Engine chugging]
NARRATOR: Not in condition.
Smokes too much!
Ahh!
[Train whistle blows]
NARRATOR: Hi-ho, Silverware!
NARRATOR: Hey Casey,
you got company.
Anybody we know?
Take that! And that!
And that!
- Ow!
- And that!
And that! And that!
And that!
Time out. Substitution.
Take this! And this!
And this! And this!
And this! And this!
Everybody off!
Everybody off!
Well, back to work.
Egad!
Egad!!
CHORUS: Casey came
a-runnin' up the Reno hill.
He tooted on his whistle
with an awful shrill.
Whoo whoo whoo-ooh.
He opened up his throttle
just as far as she'd go.
Just how fast he was a-steamin',
we will never know.
[Train whistle blows]
Whoa!
Ahh-aah!
[Boing! Boing! Boing!]
NARRATOR:
What's that coming?
Looks like a train.
Egad! It is a train!
CHORUS: Round the curve
and down the hump.
Two trains gonna bump.
Egad!
[Toot toot toot toot]
Egad!
CHORUS: Better jump,
you're gonna be dead.
Hey Casey, here comes a freight.
I say, here comes a freight!
NARRATOR: Don't worry mate,
we won't be late!
Egad!
Look! Look! Look! Look!
Freight! Freight! Freight!
So what?
So long!
NARRATOR: Egad!
[Explosion]
[Crash]
[Somber music plays]
CHORUS: Headaches
and heartaches.
And all kinds of pain.
They're just a part of
the railroad game.
[Sigh]
Stories of brave men,
noble and grand.
Belong to the life
of a railroad man.
[Toot toot]
CHORUS: Casey Jones,
is he gonna make it?
NARRATOR: If that's Casey
I'm a Rhode Island rooster!
Well, cock-a-doodle-doo!
CHORUS: Well, he knew his duty.
And he finally went west
with the western mail.
NARRATOR: Next time
take the train!
Who will be the doers
and dreamers of tomorrow?
Any one of you could be
a Johnny Appleseed.
Maybe you have a devotion
to duty like Casey Jones.
Or you have an inner strength...
to stand tall against adversity
like John Henry.
Use your imagination.
What frontiers will you conquer?
Look for the heroes around you
and celebrate them.
You can find them in the past,
in the present...
even in the mirror.
Because you're the stuff
that legends are made of.
[Banjo plays]
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
O when you believe
you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
- Just keep on keepin' on.
- O keep on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
Believe that you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
Believe that you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
Believe that you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.
Did you know that knowledge of our heroes
...was passed down to us
by people telling stories?
From generation to generation.
From the loggers
of the northeast...
all the way out to the pioneers
in the covered wagons...
that traveled westward
on the plains.
They began as popular tales
of simple men...
who did mighty things.
The stories of their deeds
grew with every retelling...
into the legends that forged
our national backbone.
These tales not only gave
hope and laughter...
to early Americans--
the settlers, pioneers,
immigrants, freed slaves...
men, women and children--
they gave them the common
ground of myth and legend...
fueling their courage
to push back the frontier...
and build this great country
of ours together.
Our first tale fired
the hearts of Americans...
in the Allegheny Mountains
in 1872.
It glorified the Herculean
efforts of a freed slave...
named John Henry.
One of the earliest
African-American role models...
he was proudly proclaimed
in old time spirituals...
and work songs.
Over the years his legend grew.
People all over the nation
came to respect his memory...
and learn of his great deed...
pitting his own flesh and blood
against the gears and wheels...
of an encroaching
modern machine.
They say that everything about
John was extra extra large...
like this hammer, his appetite...
his belief that he
could move mountains.
At a time when African-Americans
had just begun...
to make their place
in the world...
he was a towering example of
leadership and determination.
Ladies and gentlemen, John Henry.
CHORUS: A man with
the strength of many.
Yes he was.
Brave and bold
with a heart of gold
John Henry was a mighty man.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
Oh.
POLLY: Every soul
has a dream...
and every heart
has a way to make it so.
Now let me tell you
about my John Henry...
who laid down his life
for his dream.
John and me were born slaves.
Nothin' to call our own...
not even each other.
[Whip cracks]
Then the day
of jubilation came...
and all the slaves were free
and John vowed "Never again!"
And with that
I had those chains...
forged into a mighty hammer...
a present for John
on our wedding day.
Oh you'd a-thought
he'd gotten his freedom
all over again. Ha!
He said "Polly I'll die
with this hammer in my hand."
And off we set to find work
and a place of our own.
[Men shouting]
Now the C&O Railroad
had promised land...
50 acres to every man
who'd finish the line.
But when John and I
came up on 'em...
they were already worn out...
and 'bout to lose
their promised land.
MacTAVISH: Lads!
Deadline's been moved up.
If we do not get to the other
side of that mountain...
we can kiss our land good-bye!
What? That can't be done!
- MAN: We had a deal!
- SECOND MAN: It's not fair!
THIRD MAN: We're working
as hard as we can!
JOHN: I'll take you there.
And when did you start
building railroads?
Today.
[Grunts]
POLLY: Well come on, John.
You're the one
that we're depending on.
Swing that hammer
with all your might
I know you can show 'em
how to do it right.
Huh.
Hah.
Huh.
Hah.
Huh.
POLLY: John's hammer rang out
and the tall tales grew.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
Born with a hammer.
A 10-pound hammer.
A 20-pound hammer
right in his hand.
I heard John's mama
liked to sew 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.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
Born with a hammer,
born with a hammer.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
He plowed the earth
so wide and deep.
The seed he sowed
the ground had to keep.
His hammer hit the earth
with such a mighty blow.
Everything he planted
would jump up and grow.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a powerful man.
All our lives we've been so poor.
John, let me show you
what we're working for.
CHORUS: Canaan land,
Canaan land.
Everybody working
for the Canaan land.
Home and freedom hand in hand.
Workin' for the Canaan land.
Oh movin' on down the line
John Henry came right on time.
Now we're movin'
on down the line.
John Henry came right on time.
Home and freedom hand in hand.
Workin' for the Canaan land.
[Steam whistle blows]
[Rumbling]
[Engine chugging]
[Men shouting]
MAN: What is that thing?
It's a steam drill.
That thing's gonna
take our jobs.
But--but we had a contract.
MacTAVISH: Aah!
[Men grumbling]
We had a deal!
Let's get it!
Push it over!
[Grunting]
[Grunting]
This ain't no way
to settle things.
But John they're throwing us
away like we was nothin'!
I've got a better way.
A challenge.
[Hisses]
I've got 2 free hands
and a 20-pound hammer.
If I can best
this here machine...
the land you promised is ours.
[Hissing]
John, we're free.
You don't have to do this.
Polly, if they steal
our dreams...
they put a chain
'round our souls.
Somebody's got to stand tall.
Believe in me.
[Sighs]
MAN: Go, John.
MAN: John's gonna do it.
Come on, John!
Show that steam drill!
Furthest by sundown gentlemen!
MAN: You can do it!
SECOND MAN: This is it!
THIRD MAN:
You can do it, John!
[Cheering]
Unh! Unh!
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
[Roars]
Unh!
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a powerful man.
Huh, hah.
Huh, hah.
Steel drivin' man, John Henry was.
Steel drivin' man, oh yes he was.
So proud, defiant, a gentle giant.
A steel drivin', natural man.
[Grunting]
MAN: John wins!
[Cheering]
[Steam whistle blows]
Huh?
It's not sundown yet.
[Men grumbling]
[Sighs]
Well a-come on, John.
You're the one that
we're dependin' on.
Swing that hammer, bust that rock.
Come on, give it
everything you've got.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a mighty man.
Born with a hammer,
born with a hammer.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
John and the drill
made the valley shake.
Rumblin' almost
caused an earthquake.
Thunder and lightning
was everywhere.
Oh Lord, that battle
was beyond compare.
John Henry! John Henry!
John Henry is a powerful man.
Born with a hammer,
born with a hammer.
Born with a hammer
right in his hand.
- Ohh!
- Ohh!
[Cheering and laughing]
[Bang]
[Clattering]
[Gasping]
Aye Polly, he did it!
[Groans]
Oh, and he was smilin'...
'cause he moved that mountain
and led us to the promised land.
You can move mountains too, baby.
All you got to do is believe.
[Thunder]
Oh, don't you be scared of
that thunder no more, child.
The storm's done rolled away...
and that's just
the sound of your papa...
drivin' steel to glory.
So, just remember...
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
O when you believe
you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
In Talcott West Virginia
a statue of John Henry...
now towers over
the Great Bend Tunnel.
It is a powerful reminder
that the American spirit...
is as indomitable today
as it was yesterday.
"Long long after...
"When settlers put up
beam and rafter...
"They asked the birds
'Who gave this fruit?'
"'Who watched this fence
till the seeds took root?'
"To the farthest west
he followed the sun...
"His life an empire
just begun."
These are the verses
of an American poet...
Vachel Lindsay...
who admired our next hero.
The hero... John Chapman...
known to you and me
as Johnny Appleseed.
When America celebrated
its independence in 1776...
Johnny was a barefoot boy of 3.
He was a bearded vegetarian...
who wore a coffee sack
and a tin pot hat.
He lived by his own rules...
he killed no animals,
he loved the earth...
and believed that all men
were his brothers.
Using his legendary
green thumb...
he helped to feed
hungry pioneers...
by planting apple seeds
over hundreds of miles.
Johnny was proof that you
didn't need great strength...
or size to become
an American legend.
A man's deeds can live on.
SETTLER: Every time I see
an apple blossom sky...
I think of Johnny Appleseed.
'Cause of course
them clouds up thar...
they ain't really clouds
at all. No, sir.
Why shucks there wouldn't be
no apple blossom sky...
if it weren't for the fact
that Johnny--
But now hold on here.
Guess I better start
back to the beginning...
and that's when Johnny
lived on a farm...
near Pittsburgh town.
The year was 1806
or maybe there around.
Now just to look at him
you'd say Johnny Appleseed...
never would make a pioneer.
[Whistling]
He was such a sawed-off,
scrawny, little fella.
Course that didn't
faze Johnny none.
Shucks, he had his apple trees...
and the mornin' sun
and the evenin' breeze.
[Whistling]
[Twittering]
The Lord is good to me.
And so I thank the Lord.
For givin' me the things I need.
The sun and rain
and an apple seed.
Yes, He's been good to me.
[Whistling]
I owe the Lord so much.
For everything I see.
I'm certain
if it weren't for Him.
There'd be no apples
on this limb.
He's been good to me.
Oh here am I
'neath the blue blue sky.
A-doin' as I please.
Singin'
with my feathered friends.
Hummin' with the bees.
I wake up every day.
As happy as can be.
Because I know
that with His care.
My apple trees
they will still be there.
Oh the Lord is good to me.
[Whistling]
SETTLER: Workin', singin',
carefree and gay.
That's how Johnny
spent each day--
A-tendin' to his apple trees.
SETTLER: Lately
little Johnny here...
would feel a stirrin'
in the air.
A rumblin' rollin' under beat...
of restless men
with restless feet.
PIONEERS: ...rollin' west.
There's plenty of room for you.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Out to the great unknown.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Or you'll be left alone.
WOMEN: We made a home before.
We're startin' out again.
MEN: We ain't a-feared
o' man nor beast.
We're strong-hearted men.
ALL: So get on the wagon
rollin' west.
Seekin' a land that's new.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
There's plenty of room for you.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Out to the great unknown.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Or you'll be left alone.
The rivers may be wide.
The mountains may be tall.
But nothin' stops the pioneer.
We're trail blazers all.
Oh get on the wagon rollin' west.
Out to the great unknown.
Get on the wagon rollin' west.
Or you'll be left alone.
You'll be left alone.
SETTLER: Poor Johnny.
He weren't no pioneer
and he knowed it.
It was all just pretend.
And them folks goin' west
to build this nation...
sure made pickin' apples...
look like a plumb useless
occupation.
Well sir, that's when
a miracle happened.
VOICE: Well, what's
holdin' ya, Johnny?
SETTLER: ...says a voice.
VOICE: Go on.
Go on out west
if that's your choice.
SETTLER: Well sir,
it was a angel.
Johnny's own private
guardian angel.
Might look mighty
queersome to you and me...
But you know
that's just the way
John figured he'd be.
Well, speak up boy.
Don't stand there gawkin'.
Unlock your jaw
and get to talkin'.
Y-yes sir.
Yes sir!
Why don't I go west?
'Cause I ain't got the muscle
or the breadth of chest.
Out thar it's the strong men
who survive and I'm about...
the puniest fella alive.
Shame to ya, Johnny.
You got faith, and courage,
and a level head.
But shucks.
You see, sir...
all I know is apple trees.
And what's wrong with
apples if you please?
Ain't they 'bout
the finest fruit...
in all the land?
Why--why shoot man.
They take the cake.
Just think Johnny...
of all the things
that apples make.
There's uh a-apple pickles.
Oh so tasty.
Apple tarts and apple pasty.
Apple dumplings not to mention...
- Applesass?
- ANGEL: Yes.
And there's apple fritters.
Light as thistle.
And for folks
to wet their whistle.
Tangy apple cider in a glass.
Stew 'em fry 'em
boil 'em bake 'em.
Apple pie and apple cake 'em.
ANGEL: Yep, you can
cook 'em any way.
There's apple this
and apple that.
The recipes would fill your hat.
Why, I could carry on
like this all day.
So pack your stuff
and get a-goin'.
Get them apple trees a-growin'.
There's a lot of work
out there to do.
BOTH: There's a lot
of work to do.
Yes, sir!
[Whistling]
I mean no, sir.
You see, sir...
I ain't got the tracks
ain't got the gear...
or none of the things
I'll need out there.
You ain't got the--
dadgum it boy!
I'm ashamed of you!
You got the stuff
to see you through.
ANGEL: Why, you got...
all the seeds you're needin'...
and for pretty darn
good readin'...
There ain't nothin'
finer than your book.
Here's a mighty handy bonnet--
even got a handle on it.
Turn it upside down
and you can cook.
So come on son and get a-goin'.
Get them apple trees a-growin'.
BOTH: There's a lot
of work out there to do.
Oh there's a lot of work to do.
SETTLER: Well sir,
that's how it all began.
That's how Johnny, all alone...
set out to meet
the great unknown.
'Twas a mighty big
and fearsome place...
for a man to face.
SETTLER: A little man
and all alone...
without no knife without no gun.
And though the forest is
dark and wide...
with fearsome critters
on every side...
Johnny just kept walkin' on.
SETTLER: Walked
until at last he found...
a little spot of open ground...
with fertile soil
and warmsome breeze--
a likely place for apple trees.
Now the varmints here
they couldn't know...
if John was friend
or John was foe.
So some took off
in sudden flight...
and some got sot
to claw and bite.
But if Johnny see'd 'em
he paid no heed...
just got busy a-plantin'
apple seeds.
[Whistling]
SETTLER: Now them varmints
come from everywhere...
to watch that man
a-diggin' there.
Didn't like what
they was seein'.
Didn't trust no human bein'.
SETTLER: Yep that
ornery human had to go...
but who was a-gonna tell him so?
Well not a soul
could answer that...
until here come along
a black and white cat.
Now he weren't too bright
but he didn't much care.
He knowed he had
a certain air...
about him.
[Whistling]
SETTLER: Well sir,
that done it.
The critters ne'er seed
the beat of that...
the likes of a human
a-likin' that cat.
Why shucks, this
little man had went...
and busted every precedent.
He was the very first to come...
without no knife,
without no gun...
And so it was
from that time on...
every last living varmint
was a friend to John.
[Whistling]
They surely was.
JOHN: The Lord is good to me.
And so I thank the Lord.
For givin' me the things I need.
The sun and rain
and an apple seed.
Yes, He's been good to me.
SETTLER: Well, as time
went by...
Johnny kept right on
a-plantin' his apple trees...
and makin' friends everywhere.
And his best friends
was the pioneers...
for of course
John was plantin' more...
than an apple tree.
He was plantin'...
his own boundless
faith and courage too...
and that give folks
new heart new hope...
in the job they had to do.
SETTLER: And as more
and more pioneers...
come to push back the forest...
the kindly deeds
of little Johnny Appleseed...
spread throughout the land.
And more than once...
with a good
old-fashioned jubilee...
folks would honor
Johnny Appleseed...
and the fruit of the apple tree.
SQUARE DANCE CALLER:
To the right of the ring.
And the inside arch
and the outside under.
Ain't gonna rain
without no thunder.
First and third balance swing.
Come right out
to the right of the ring.
And you buckle up 4
with 8 hands around.
I'll swing yours
and you swing mine.
I'll swing my girl half time.
Twist her straight to a do-si-do.
Chicken in the bread pan
kickin' out dough.
Big pig a-rootin' up
a little tater row.
One more change and home you go.
SETTLER: Now sometimes
if John was a-passin' by...
he'd mosey over and kinda
look in on the doin's...
'Cause it sure
tickled him to see...
how the fruit of his labors...
brought all kinds
of folks together...
and made 'em good neighbors.
Now duck for the apple
4 in a row.
Thank ye son--corners go.
Apple core.
CROWD: Baltimore.
CALLER: Bite that apple
to the core.
CALLER: Ready now.
Allemande left
with the old left hand.
Back to your partner
right and left grand.
Whirl 'em right
and whirl 'em wrong.
Straighten 'em out
and trot 'em along.
Right and left 4 in a row.
Second couple on the corners go.
Apple core.
CROWD: Baltimore.
CALLER: Gent
and the pretty girl.
Try once more.
[Crowd laughs]
[Triangle clanging]
WOMAN: Come and get it!
The victuals' on
the table's set...
it's all a-waitin' to be et!
Come and get it!
- Apple pickles.
- Mighty tasty.
- Apple butter.
- Apple pasty!
Apple dumplin's.
How'd you like some applesass?
Yes, ma'am!
SETTLER: Yep Johnny did bring
folks a heap o' happiness.
But shucks he weren't
lookin' for thanks.
Didn't have time for it.
He knowed a man can't
take no rest...
if he aims to plant
the whole darn wilderness...
in apple trees.
SETTLER: And so it was
for more than 40 year...
John walked and planted
that whole frontier.
SETTLER: Yes, sir...
40 years of walkin'
and plantin'.
And in that space
of twoscore year...
this little man
he throwed his shadow...
clear across the land...
across 100,000 miles square.
SETTLER: And in that shadow
everywhere...
you'll find he left
his blessings three...
CHORUS: Love and faith.
And the apple tree.
ANGEL: Boy for sleepin'
you take the cake!
Come on, get up!
[Whistles]
We got a longsome trip to make.
Huh? Why, Mr. Angel.
Howdy do?
ANGEL: I'm fine.
And how be you?
I'm fine.
Just feelin'--whoop!
Who's that sleepin'
in the evenin' dusk?
Why that's just your husk, John.
Your mortal husk.
My husk?!
You mean to say
I'm--I'm passed away?
Dag nab it, angel!
I just can't go.
Got crops to harvest,
seeds to sow.
Now, now, now.
Hold on boy.
Down here on earth
your work is through.
But yonder well
we need ya, Johnny.
Yep, we sure do.
You'd think we had
most all we please...
but we ain't.
We're kinda short
on apple trees.
Well, I swan.
I didn't know.
What are we waitin' fer?
C'mon let's go!
JOHNNY: We're wastin' time.
Let's get a-goin'.
Get them apple trees a-growin'
BOTH: There's a lot
of work up there to do.
Oh, there's a lot of work to do.
SETTLER: Well sir, now
you know the reason why...
whenever I see
that certain sky...
I think of little John.
'Cause it's like I said
if you'll recall...
them clouds ain't really
clouds at all.
They're apple blossoms
if you please...
from John's heavenly
orchard of apple trees.
CHORUS: And someday
there'll be apples there.
For everyone
in the world to share.
SETTLER: The Lord
is good to me.
CHORUS: Ah ah ah ah ah.
Our legends tell us a lot
about how we see ourselves.
In the northern frontier...
lumberjacks worked hard
in heat rain and snow.
At night,
around flickering campfires...
they bragged about the man
who could straighten rivers...
and reshape mountains
with his bare hands.
Enter Paul Bunyan.
Strong as 10 grizzlies
63 axe handles high...
and he had a soft spot
in his heart...
for a massive blue ox
named Babe.
The forest rang like thunder
with their labors.
Nothing made
of flesh and blood...
could match Paul Bunyan's power.
You'll see.
Here's Paul Bunyan.
CHORUS: North America
was a great big land.
With a great big job to be done.
A job that needed
a great big man.
Paul Bunyan was the one.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
[Echoing]
Paul Bunyan.
My name is Cal McNab.
Lumberjack by trade.
Reckon I was the first person
in our part of the country...
to see Paul Bunyan.
CAL: Our town was cut
right out of the big timber...
on the coast of Maine.
Should've known
something unusual...
was gonna happen that night.
A sou'easter come up
and the wind howled so...
thought it was gonna blow
our town right off the map.
Come daylight I took a look...
to see what was left
of the place.
[Howling]
I spotted an odd-looking
craft on the beach.
That's where the howling
was coming from.
Hey, Ma! What in the world
do you suppose that is?
CAL: The howling
roused the whole town...
and everybody rushed down
to investigate.
MAN: Never saw
anything like it.
Looks like a big cradle.
Now be careful, Cal.
[Howling]
Well, I'll be hornswoggled.
A baby!
And it's a whopper!
CAL: The whole town
adopted him...
and named him Paul... Bunyan.
Everybody pitched in
to supply his needs.
They held sewin' bees
and knittin' circles...
to make his clothes.
Feedin' him wasn't
any small job either.
[Slurping]
CAL: I led the singing
to put him to sleep at night.
One, two...
Good night, sleep tight.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
You're only 10 axe handles high.
But you'll get bigger by and by.
Good night,
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
PAUL: Waaah!
[Laughing]
CAL: 'Twasn't long afore Paul
was big enough to go to school.
He was a bright boy
and never tardy.
TEACHER: Good morning, Paul.
[Laughing]
Good morning, children.
Now everyone be seated.
[Creak]
Will the first pupil to work
the sum of five plus two...
rise and show the answer?
[Creak]
Eek!
That is correct, Paul...
but for heaven's sake
don't raise the roof.
[Bell ringing]
ALL: School's out!
School's out! Yay!
BOYS: The boys would head
for the swimmin' hole.
Just as soon as
their studies had ceased.
Come on, Paul!
And though young Paul
was sometimes last,
he surely never was least.
Hey, Paul.
Here he comes!
Paul Bunyan.
Though he loved to swim
what a time he had.
What a problem, me oh my.
[Splash]
When his front was in the water.
Oh his back was high and dry.
How about a dive Paul?
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul
Paul Bunyan
Paul Bunyan.
CAL: Christmas was
a big event in our town.
We had our tree
in the town square...
on account of Paul.
I handed out the presents.
You kids ready?
Well here's something
for Johnny...
and for Susan.
And for Paul...
Here's a gift from
the whole town!
A double-bladed axe!
CAL: Paul took
to cutting timber...
like a duck takes to water.
Afore long our saw mills
had enough timber...
to last a lifetime.
That opened
plenty of new farmland...
and our town grew so fast
it got to crowdin' Paul.
So one morning
we weren't too surprised...
to find a note in the square.
"...and plenty of room.
Love, Paul.
"P.S. I'll write soon."
We're gonna miss that boy.
I am Chris Crosshaul...
straw boss of a logging crew
in the middle west.
I will never forget...
The first time
I saw Paul Bunyan.
I was topping trees one morning.
I looked up...
and there stood
the biggest man I ever saw.
[Deep voice]
With my double-blade axe,
and my hobnail boots,
I go where the timber is tall.
When there's work to be done,
don't mess around.
Just sing right out for Paul.
- Hey, Paul.
- I'm comin', boys.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
- Hey, Paul.
- Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
Well he picked up his axe
and he chopped a tree.
Clean down
with his forward swing.
Got him another
when his axe swung back.
That timber-cuttin' king.
He kept on a-chopping
the live-long day.
And then when it was night.
He walked back over
the stumps he'd cut.
And stomped 'em out of sight.
Thanks, Paul.
'Twarn't nothin'.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
CHRIS: Well sir Paul cleared
that country so quick...
farmers had their crops
in the first week.
So Paul headed west for
the big woods and more room.
He hadn't gone far
when he ran into...
the worst blizzard
this country ever saw.
It was so cold
even the snow was blue.
When Paul built a fire
the flames froze.
While he was building
a second fire...
to melt the first one...
he heard a low "moo."
[Moo]
He looked all around...
and there under a fog bank...
he found a big ox...
frozen just as blue as the snow.
[Clinking]
[Clank clank]
Now that ox was mighty
grateful for being rescued.
[Moo]
They hit it right off
and became real pals.
Paul named him "Babe."
The two of them headed west...
but the storm got worse
and they got so lost.
[Wind howling]
Well sir, they left
lots of tracks behind them...
and come spring those tracks
filled with water...
and this area became known as
"The Land of 10,000 Lakes."
With winter over Paul
and Babe went right to work.
They logged off
North and South Dakota...
dug the Missouri river to float
the logs to the saw mills...
and then so they could
look the country over...
and see what else to do...
they built Pike's Peak.
Now that was
a fair day's work...
even for Paul...
So next morning
he overslept a little bit.
Babe wanted him to get up.
[Rrrring]
Hey!
What's the idea you big blue ox?
Now watch it, watch it!
Ha ha ha!
Cut it out, Babe!
Well, one little shove
led to another...
Whoa!
[Moooo]
And the first thing you know...
they was rough-housing
all over the countryside.
[Screech]
Ha ha ha!
[Moo]
Ha ha--oof!
Then Paul and Babe
got into a big tug-of-war.
They piled dirt and rocks
so high...
it formed a range of mountains.
Today they are called
the Grand Tetons.
Well sir, all this
horseplay--I mean oxplay--
made Paul and Babe
kind of dirty...
so Paul looked
the countryside over...
and got together with Babe...
and before long he had
built them a shower bath.
They went off
and left it running...
and today Paul's shower bath
is called Yellowstone Falls.
Shot Gunderson's my name.
I'm river foreman
of a timber camp...
near the Oregon Trail.
My outfit
was mighty discouraged...
the day Paul Bunyan arrived.
We were getting plenty
of timber in the river...
but we couldn't move it
to the saw mills...
'cause the river was
so dad-burned crooked.
Paul looked the situation
over careful-like...
then he harnessed Babe
with a yoke...
hitched on a big anchor...
and then threw it in
at the head of the river.
Gee-up, Babe!
[Snorts]
Well, Paul and Babe
they heaved and hauled.
And the job was quickly done.
They pulled
that crooked river out.
As straight as
the barrel of a gun.
Hey, Paul.
They're on their way!
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
[Echoing]
Paul Bunyan.
SHOT: Now the country
began to prosper.
Yep civilization had arrived
in the great northwest...
and with it came
the "Prophets of Progress."
Now just move in
a little closer, boys.
Yessiree right in this box...
is the invention that's
gonna revolutionize...
the logging business.
If you'll step over
to the nearest tree...
I'll demonstrate.
With my double-blade axe
and my hobnail boots
I go where the timber's tall--
Thunderation!
What's that?
Yessir, boys...
just turn on the steam
and let 'er go!
Hey there!
Who are you...
and what the Sam Hill's
that thing?
Me? I'm Joe Muffaw
and this thing...
is the latest model of
the handy-dandy steam saw.
Now bub, if you'll
just step aside...
I'd like to cut this tree down.
[Coughs]
Huh! Up here we cut
timber with a big axe...
like this one...
and we haul it with
a big ox like that one!
[Moo]
Look bub, you gotta
get with the times...
become modern.
There's the latest invention
for hauling timber.
MUFFAW: A steam lokey.
[Toot toot]
With this steam saw
and that engine...
I can cut and haul
more timber...
than you and that blue ox
ever thought of.
Huh, is that so?
You with your newfangled
contraptions?
You with your big axe
and old-fogey ways!
I'll show you what
I can do with this axe!
I dare you to try it!
Ha! Looks like a toy to me!
Toy, huh?
I'll show you!
[Snorts]
[Toot toot]
SHOT: There was only
one way to settle it.
I was appointed judge.
This contest to last one hour!
Then I'll measure
the stacks of timber...
and declare the winner.
You fellers ready?
Ready!
Ready!
[Men whistling and cheering]
[Chugging]
[Snorts]
Hey, Paul.
Keep a-swingin', Paul!
Paul Bunyan.
Yay, Paul!
Cut that timber, show him how.
Beat that city slicker now.
- Hey, Paul.
- MAN: Get up Paul!
Paul Bunyan.
[Bang]
SHOT:
The race looked dead even...
and when I went
to measure the stacks...
they looked dead even too.
Well I shinnied up
Paul's stack first...
Pulled
the measuring chain taut...
For Paul, 240 feet... even!
[Cheering]
Hooray for Paul!
[Muttering]
For Joe, 240 feet...
and 1/4 inch.
[Men groan]
Yippie!
Poor Paul.
Poor Paul Bunyan.
SHOT: Yep, the machine
had beaten man.
But don't you folks feel sorry
for Paul and Babe.
I hear they're up Alaska way...
and mighty happy.
Lots of room up there, you know.
And those northern lights
you see in the sky...
well that's Paul and Babe
having a lot of fun...
oxing around...
Knocking the Aurora Borealis
out of the countryside.
Ha ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha--oof!
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
Paul Bunyan.
He's 63 axe handles high.
With his feet on the ground
and his head in the sky.
Hey, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
Paul Bunyan.
[Train whistle]
CONDUCTOR: All aboard!
JAMES EARL JONES: Our
next hero's real name...
was John Luther Jones.
But you probably know him
as Casey Jones--
a crack train engineer...
who was courageous, loyal...
and who had an unflinching
sense of duty.
In the late 1800's...
rail tracks stretched
from the cities of the east...
to the plains of the west.
With bent backs
and hard labor...
America's immigrants--Europeans,
Asians, and Africans--
laid the tracks that carried
the building blocks...
of our nation: food, lumber,
and the U.S. Mail.
Casey was a master
at the throttle.
He could play
a musical symphony...
on a train whistle...
and he could get the mail
to the station...
in record-breaking time.
[Toot toot]
Casey would have marveled
at today's modern advances...
like the bullet train
and e-mail.
Now, here is Casey Jones.
NARRATOR: 'Tis morning!
Ah 'tis morning...
and all the trains
in the railroad yard...
are fast asleep.
All except Casey's.
His engine is slow asleep.
Hey! [Whistles]
Good morning, Casey.
CHORUS: Come all you rounders
if you want to hear.
A story all about
a brave engineer.
Casey Jones was
the rounder's name.
On a high right wheeler
he won his fame.
Casey Jones! Casey Jones!
Casey Jones, are you ready?
[Toot toot]
Ready to start
for the western land.
NARRATOR: They're off!
They're off!
Help!
SINGER: Out of the junction
on the fly,
Casey had that look in his eye.
The brakeman knew
by the engine's moan,
the man at the throttle
was Casey Jones.
CHORUS: Casey
Jo-o-o-o-o-o-o-nes.
NARRATOR: Egad!
Ha ha!
Didn't think we'd make it,
did you?
[Sigh]
[Humming]
NARRATOR: Too ripe.
NARRATOR: Nice day...
wasn't it?
CHORUS: The rain was
coming down 5 or 6 weeks.
The railroad track was
like the bed of a creek.
It slowed him down
to a 10-mile gait.
And it made the western
mail exactly 8 hours late.
DEEP VOICE: Casey Jones.
Plowin' through the water.
Casey Jones.
Sluggin' through the mud.
DEEP VOICE: Casey Jones.
Plowin' through
the wa-a-a-a-achoo!
NARRATOR: Take off the brakes,
train's got the shakes.
Egad!
CHORUS: Hours behind,
there isn't time to fret.
Keep knocking at the fire door.
Don't give up yet.
You gotta keep a schedule,
oh you gotta keep a schedule.
Oh you better look out, Casey!
[Brakes screech]
[Toot toot]
NARRATOR:
What now, brown cow?
Beat it bossy, I'm busy.
Got a date and I'm late.
Go back to your mate.
You old cow, you old cow,
you old cow.
Fresh... homogenized.
Pasteurized... polarized.
CHORUS: Make up schedule
do not fail.
Gotta get to Frisco
with the western mail.
Gotta get to Frisco,
gotta get to Frisco.
Gotta get to Frisco,
gotta get to Frisco...
NARRATOR: Somebody's
on the wrong track!
Egad!
A-ha-ha-ha-ha!
I'll save you!
Oh! Oh! Save me! Oh!
NARRATOR: My hero!
Curses!
Foiled again!
NARRATOR: What do you know!
She mail!
CHORUS: Casey knew that
he was runnin' too fast.
He ran through the signal,
last station past.
SINGER: He says I believe
we're gonna make it through.
'Cause she steams a lot
better than I ever knew.
NARRATOR: Uh-oh.
He who wrecks a train
on a hillside...
is not on the level!
Going down!
[Crash]
[Engine chugging]
NARRATOR: Not in condition.
Smokes too much!
Ahh!
[Train whistle blows]
NARRATOR: Hi-ho, Silverware!
NARRATOR: Hey Casey,
you got company.
Anybody we know?
Take that! And that!
And that!
- Ow!
- And that!
And that! And that!
And that!
Time out. Substitution.
Take this! And this!
And this! And this!
And this! And this!
Everybody off!
Everybody off!
Well, back to work.
Egad!
Egad!!
CHORUS: Casey came
a-runnin' up the Reno hill.
He tooted on his whistle
with an awful shrill.
Whoo whoo whoo-ooh.
He opened up his throttle
just as far as she'd go.
Just how fast he was a-steamin',
we will never know.
[Train whistle blows]
Whoa!
Ahh-aah!
[Boing! Boing! Boing!]
NARRATOR:
What's that coming?
Looks like a train.
Egad! It is a train!
CHORUS: Round the curve
and down the hump.
Two trains gonna bump.
Egad!
[Toot toot toot toot]
Egad!
CHORUS: Better jump,
you're gonna be dead.
Hey Casey, here comes a freight.
I say, here comes a freight!
NARRATOR: Don't worry mate,
we won't be late!
Egad!
Look! Look! Look! Look!
Freight! Freight! Freight!
So what?
So long!
NARRATOR: Egad!
[Explosion]
[Crash]
[Somber music plays]
CHORUS: Headaches
and heartaches.
And all kinds of pain.
They're just a part of
the railroad game.
[Sigh]
Stories of brave men,
noble and grand.
Belong to the life
of a railroad man.
[Toot toot]
CHORUS: Casey Jones,
is he gonna make it?
NARRATOR: If that's Casey
I'm a Rhode Island rooster!
Well, cock-a-doodle-doo!
CHORUS: Well, he knew his duty.
And he finally went west
with the western mail.
NARRATOR: Next time
take the train!
Who will be the doers
and dreamers of tomorrow?
Any one of you could be
a Johnny Appleseed.
Maybe you have a devotion
to duty like Casey Jones.
Or you have an inner strength...
to stand tall against adversity
like John Henry.
Use your imagination.
What frontiers will you conquer?
Look for the heroes around you
and celebrate them.
You can find them in the past,
in the present...
even in the mirror.
Because you're the stuff
that legends are made of.
[Banjo plays]
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
O when you believe
you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
- Just keep on keepin' on.
- O keep on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
Believe that you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
Believe that you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.
No mountain too high.
No valley too low.
No river too wide.
No place too far to go.
O believe.
Believe that you can overcome.
The battle is already won.
- O just keep on.
- Keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
- No matter who you are.
- No matter.
No matter where you're from.
- Nothing can stop you.
- Nothing can stop you.
From who you can become.
Just keep on keepin' on.
Stand tall just like John.
Hey, ee-ay.