Watch Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip For Free

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Excellent but underrated film

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Wonderful job, Ken Burns! As one who was eight when Horatio Nelson Jackson passed away, all I can do is thank him for his pioneering trip.Even back in 1967, when I cruised across the US in my Mustang, a journey spanning North America was a challenge, sixty four years after HNJ did it with Crocker and Bud and mud holes that passed as roads. Now that I see what conditions were like just after the turn of the century (nineteenth to twentieth), I have an increased appreciation for those who gave it a try.A wonderful film that really gives one the sense of being there.All my love to his darling Swipes!

What a great movie. If you enjoy road trips, wilderness adventures, or just tinkering around the garage to see what you can fix, you will find similarities with Horatio Nelson Jackson. He drove cross-country on a $50 bet when most people thought it was impossible. He had to find his way through the American wilderness, fix the auto when it broke, find gasoline where there were no stations, and keep his spirits up when things were going bad. Jackson grasped the opportunity to become part of history at the perfect time. Cars we becoming more reliable, Indians were no longer a threat, and America was populated enough that he didn't go too long without seeing other people. And in just a few short years roads and cars would be commonplace, which would make the feat less exciting and adventurous.Ken Burns does a fantastic job of documenting this journey of a lifetime. He has a way to make the viewer feel like they are sitting right along side with Jackson, his mechanic, and the dog.

This movie clearly illustrates the inspiring determination that made our country great. I felt every bump in the road with Hanks narration and, having traveled a similar route in our modern age, felt the frustration of not being able to find a gas station or garage when one was needed. (Of course, my travels made Jackson's determination even more amazing.)I think that this documentary should be viewed in all the school across the country as we seem to be short on determination and commitment in our society. This brings a subtle message to our youth.Being an animal lover, I was also impressed with Jackson's commitment to Bud.

Who knew? I had never heard of this man's feat, but wouldn't have missed Burns' film for the world. It is a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours and learn some American history to boot.Now I find I want to know more about this fantastic Horatio "Nelly' Jackson...what a man!Burns has knocked another one out of the ballpark....way, way out!