Rising From the Rails: The Story of the Pullman Porter (2006)

**Also available in VHS with limited extras**RISING FROM THE RAILS: THE STORY OF THE PULLMAN PORTER, a documentary based on the best-selling book by Larry Tye, chronicles the relatively unheralded Pullman Porters, generations of African American men who served as caretakers to wealthy white passengers on luxury trains that traversed the nation during the golden age of rail. Unbeknownst to most of their white passengers, porters played critical political and cultural roles, becoming trailblazers in the struggle for African American dignity and self-sufficiency, patriarchs of black labor unions, and helping give birth to the Civil Rights Movement. Ultimately, however, their greatest legacy is that which they left to future generations. RISING FROM THE RAILS is an engaging and moving tribute to these men who rose, with dignity, from the rails. Product Description

Topical and Misleading.

At the conclusion of the "Rising From the Rails" DVD, I came to the conclusion I had purchased an infomercial for the author's book. Dispite a couple of heart-felt testomonials, this production lacked any balance to aid the viewer's perception of the atrocious working conditions which were common place during the industrial revolution. No reference was made of the European immigrants that were mutilated or killed in the coal mines, foundries, and railyards which supported the railroads the porters rode upon. I would suspect the author misled many viewers that racial inequality in those times was exclusively towards African Americans, when infact it also existed for significant numbers of European imigrants. I expected the storyline to contain other personal experiences such as the train wreck victim experience, rather than percieved racial inequities of the period. Unfair and unbalanced production. February 7, 2007

A History Little Known and Long Forgotten

I can not tell you how moved I was by RISING FROM THE RAILS, the Story of the Pullman Porter. I received the film as a gift from a friend whose son was involved in the production of the film. Growing up in the late 1950's I remember fondly the Age of Steam but was unaware of the significant impact that the Pullman porters had on the rise of the Black middle class and the resultant Civil Rights movement. This is a powerful story and documentary film making at its finest! May 7, 2006

A Magnificient Film

I was simply astounded by this film. Having grown up in the 50's and traveled by train with my family on numerous occasions, I was deeply moved by the images and stories of the Pullman Porters. The interviews, flashbacks, dramatic depictions were extremely well done, and I particularly noticed the excellent photography and narratives. My own recollection was that the Pullman Porters were highly regarded, and I had a sense of sincere respect and safety in their presence, even as a young child. It is so interesting to see that the fruits of their hard work and sometimes excessive discipline, are the many successful sons and daughters who can now tell their beautiful and touching stories. The filmmakers of Rising From The Rails deserve an Academy Award. I am ordering a number of DVD's to send to friends and family. February 16, 2006

Brilliant!

Larry Tye and Brad Osborne have successfully added several important pieces to the puzzle of our American history. The story of the pullman porter is told with authenticy, sincerity, and dignity. A must see for anyone who wants to better under the long-lasting, positive impact that these humble "servants" had on American culture. February 12, 2006

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