Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: Movie History

“The Lost Valentine,” a 2011 Hallmark drama, stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Betty White, and Sean Faris, based on James Michael Pratt’s novel. The film features TV journalist Susan Allison (Hewitt) profiling Caroline Thomas (White), whose husband, a naval aviator, went missing in action during World War II. Susan, initially skeptical about true love, clashes with Caroline’s grandson Lucas (Faris) but gradually forms a bond with them. Caroline’s story of unwavering love and hope, waiting for her husband at the train station each Valentine’s Day for 66 years, profoundly impacts Susan, challenging her own perceptions of love and commitment.

“Country Music: The Spirit of America,” a 2003 IMAX documentary, co-written and produced by Tom Neff, weaves a rich tapestry of American history through the lens of country music. Co-directed by Neff, Steven Goldmann, and Keith Melton, with a score by Randy Scruggs, the film delves into the United States’ 20th Century narrative, using country music as a vibrant storytelling medium. Also known as “Our Country,” this cinematic journey celebrates the genre’s deep roots and profound impact on American culture, encapsulating pivotal moments and the evolving spirit of the nation.

“Mama Flora’s Family,” a novel by Alex Haley and David Stevens, is a poignant saga spanning from the 1920s to the 1970s. It traces the life of Flora, a black woman from Mississippi, and her descendants. After a young Flora becomes pregnant by Lincoln Flemming, a wealthy man, she faces eviction and the loss of her son. Moving to Stockton, she finds love with Booker Palmer but faces further tragedy. As the story unfolds, it portrays Flora’s resilience in raising her family amidst racial and social turmoil. The narrative follows her son Willie’s struggles in Chicago, her pursuit to reconnect with her estranged son Luke, and her niece Ruthana’s journey. Through wars, societal changes, and personal challenges, Flora’s enduring spirit anchors her family’s story.

“42” is a 2013 biographical film about Jackie Robinson, the first African American in MLB. Starring Chadwick Boseman, it details Robinson’s challenges and triumphs in breaking baseball’s color barrier. The film, praised for its performances and historical significance, highlights key moments of Robinson’s career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, including overcoming racism and winning the National League pennant. The title refers to Robinson’s jersey number, retired across MLB.

“Leatherheads” is a 2008 sports comedy directed by George Clooney, who also stars alongside Renée Zellweger and John Krasinski. Set in the 1920s, it follows the story of a professional American football team captain trying to save his team and the sport. The film involves a love triangle, a war hero’s false heroism, and the evolution of football rules. Despite its charming setting and star-studded cast, the film had mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office.

“Water for Elephants” is a 2011 romantic drama directed by Francis Lawrence, starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz. Based on Sara Gruen’s novel, it tells the story of Jacob, a young man who joins a circus during the Great Depression and falls in love with Marlena, the ringmaster’s wife. The film blends romance, drama, and the harsh realities of circus life, culminating in a climactic showdown and a peaceful later life for Jacob and Marlena.

“October Sky,” a 1999 film directed by Joe Johnston and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, depicts Homer Hickam Jr.’s journey from a coal miner’s son in West Virginia to a NASA engineer, inspired by Sputnik 1. The film, based on Hickam’s memoir ‘Rocket Boys,’ was well-received and filmed in East Tennessee, highlighting the pursuit of dreams against all odds. The title, an anagram for ‘Rocket Boys,’ was chosen for its wider appeal.

“Christy,” an American period drama based on Catherine Marshall’s novel, aired on CBS from 1994 to 1995. Starring Kellie Martin as Christy Huddleston, the series is set in 1912 in the Appalachian village of Cutter Gap, Tennessee. It explores the culture clash between Christy, a young teacher, and the villagers’ old-fashioned Scottish-influenced customs and folk medicine beliefs. Featuring Tyne Daly as Quaker missionary Alice Henderson, the show balances romance with cultural exploration. The final cliffhanger episode left viewers speculating about Christy’s romantic decisions, later resolved in subsequent TV movies.

The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James” depicts the final years of the infamous outlaw brothers. Starring Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, it shows Frank as a family man and book lover, and Jesse as a greedy womanizer, following their 15-year criminal legacy.

1976’s “Eleanor and Franklin” miniseries, starring Herrmann and Alexander, chronicles the Roosevelts’ lives from childhood to FDR’s presidency, including his polio battle and Eleanor’s support. Winning 11 Emmys and a Golden Globe, it’s known for historical accuracy.

Fools’ Parade” (1971), set in 1935 West Virginia, follows three ex-convicts aiming to start a business, hindered by corruption. Starring James Stewart and Anne Baxter, it explores redemption and societal reintegration, facing distribution challenges due to Baxter’s performance concerns.

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In 1991, American Nashville music group The Hollanders covered “You Can’t Blame the Train,” releasing it as a single from their album ‘Family Ties’ on VCA Records. Produced by Dave Burgess, similar to McLean’s original version, this rendition achieved notable success, reaching number 36 on the Cash Box Country Singles chart. The song’s promotion was bolstered by a People’s Choice Award-winning music video featuring the band at a train station and performing on stage. Critically acclaimed, Cash Box highlighted it as an indie feature pick, praising its “electrifying contemporary country flavor,” dynamic sibling harmony, and lyrics that offer a fresh perspective on relationship break-ups.

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Dive into the rich history of the railroad industry and the essential role it played in shaping our nation, from early development to modern times.

Explore living history at TVRM: restored locomotives and railcars narrate the story of rail’s impact, keeping the past alive for future generations.

Explore the fascinating exhibits at TVRM, each one offering unique insights into different aspects of railway technology, history, and culture.

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