There are 25 million functional illiterates in the United States, and this film made for television is purportedly based upon events in the life of one of them, Jesse Hallam, portrayed here in typically wooden fashion by Johnny Cash, primarily about Hallam's troubles after moving to a large city (Cincinnati). Hallam, a miner since 14 from the Coal Fields sector of Western Kentucky in Muhlenberg County, has no choice but to leave his country home when his young daughter requires spinal surgery in the Ohio metropolis, paid with cash in advance obtained from the sale of his property after his wife's death. He pits his native intelligence and work ethic against the problem of not being able to read or write, and discovers that in order to support himself and his two children, he must become literate; scenes involving the methods used in developing his new skills are the most engrossing of the production. Brenda Vaccaro plays Marion Galucci, vice-principal of the high school which Jesse's son Tom attends, doing her best with an underwritten role as Hallam's mentor, and one must appreciate the spirited performance of veteran Eli Wallach as her father Sal, employer and sponsor of the erstwhile coal miner. Adequately helmed by television director Gary Nelson, the work's stature rises from fine camera-work by Gayne Rescher, while Cash sings several appropriate songs on the sound track, which features some excellent instrumental performances, including deft banjo work by Oscar Scruggs.
12 Reviews
running away from words
SteveSkafte13 February 2012
Watching at old TV movie is sometimes like digging through a dead relative's closet. There's some air of familiarity to it, memories coming to the surface, and this odd feeling of discovery. Through the 70s and 80s, countless TV movies were filmed and aired in much the same way as early cinema - watched once, then forgotten forever. "The Pride of Jesse Hallam" is like something you might find in the back of a dusty drawer. But that doesn't mean it's a bad thing.
I've always liked Johnny Cash as an actor. He was never really given the chance to pursue it on a deeper level, just a handful of televised roles - most of which went widely unseen. But he's always had a very dark and mysterious persona, and makes you believe every word he says. Here, he sings several songs for the soundtrack as well - one of which (Moving Up) he wrote. It's fascinating to see Eli Wallach, playing an elderly man here (he was only 66). Interesting to note that he is still alive over thirty years later (!), nearly a decade after the death of Johnny Cash.
The storyline of "The Pride of Jesse Hallam" is fairly standard TV movie fare. There's the sick child, the troubled youth, the awkward love interest, and so forth. But it's the main issue of illiteracy that makes things somewhat more unusual. The interplay of the characters is believable, especially between Cash and Wallach. They're the backbone of this story, and everything that holds it together. As far as I know, the only edition out there is a really dirty, unrestored film transfer. Hopefully it will be released in a higher quality edition at some point. It's not a great film, but it's worth the time.
I've always liked Johnny Cash as an actor. He was never really given the chance to pursue it on a deeper level, just a handful of televised roles - most of which went widely unseen. But he's always had a very dark and mysterious persona, and makes you believe every word he says. Here, he sings several songs for the soundtrack as well - one of which (Moving Up) he wrote. It's fascinating to see Eli Wallach, playing an elderly man here (he was only 66). Interesting to note that he is still alive over thirty years later (!), nearly a decade after the death of Johnny Cash.
The storyline of "The Pride of Jesse Hallam" is fairly standard TV movie fare. There's the sick child, the troubled youth, the awkward love interest, and so forth. But it's the main issue of illiteracy that makes things somewhat more unusual. The interplay of the characters is believable, especially between Cash and Wallach. They're the backbone of this story, and everything that holds it together. As far as I know, the only edition out there is a really dirty, unrestored film transfer. Hopefully it will be released in a higher quality edition at some point. It's not a great film, but it's worth the time.
Heartfelt performance by Johnny Cash .............
merklekranz26 September 2011
Illliterate and looking for work in Cincinnatti, Johnny Cash's struggles are many. His Daughter is in the hospital for a back operation, his Son is having problems adjusting to school, and Cash cannot read, so finding a job is a tremendous challenge. Eventually, Eli Wallach gives Cash a chance to work, and also encourages him to seek help for his illiteracy. The performance by Cash is both heartfelt and heartbreaking. This certainly is not a big movie. This certainly is not an often explored subject, but for those looking for strong character development, along with some good acting, "The Pride of Jesse Hallam" will reward. - MERK
The prison of illiteracy
bkoganbing14 September 2020
I was much moved by The Pride Of Jesse Hallam and with the performance of
Johnny Cash as the prtagonist. Having known at least one illiterate person in
m life I know what a trap that is to the mind.
Cash who didn't need reading skill to work in the coal mines of Kentucky's Mecklenburg County is a fish out of water when he moves to Cincinnati because his crippled daughter Chrystal Smith needs an operation on her spine. Just about every cent he's earned goes to pay for surgery and he has to find work.
An assistant principal at his son Ben Marley's new school played by Brenda Vaccaro hekps considerably even with getting him a job at her father's produce warehouse. Eli Wallach as the immigrant owner from Italy and Cash the man from the Kentucky hills form quite a friendship. Cash and Wallach have some great scenes together.
Whether you are a Puerto Rican kid raised in a group home whom I knew or a miner from rural Kentucky illiteracy is a terrible affliction. Roy Gomez whom I knew loved comic books and a very sharp woman who worked at an attorney's office was the first one who observed he loved those comics because the pictures told the story for him. I only wish he had lived long enough to remedy the situation as Johnny Cash does in The Pride Of Jesse Hallam.
The last scene is an unforgettable one. This is one really good film and a soundtrack with some Johnny Cash songs don't hurt either.
Cash who didn't need reading skill to work in the coal mines of Kentucky's Mecklenburg County is a fish out of water when he moves to Cincinnati because his crippled daughter Chrystal Smith needs an operation on her spine. Just about every cent he's earned goes to pay for surgery and he has to find work.
An assistant principal at his son Ben Marley's new school played by Brenda Vaccaro hekps considerably even with getting him a job at her father's produce warehouse. Eli Wallach as the immigrant owner from Italy and Cash the man from the Kentucky hills form quite a friendship. Cash and Wallach have some great scenes together.
Whether you are a Puerto Rican kid raised in a group home whom I knew or a miner from rural Kentucky illiteracy is a terrible affliction. Roy Gomez whom I knew loved comic books and a very sharp woman who worked at an attorney's office was the first one who observed he loved those comics because the pictures told the story for him. I only wish he had lived long enough to remedy the situation as Johnny Cash does in The Pride Of Jesse Hallam.
The last scene is an unforgettable one. This is one really good film and a soundtrack with some Johnny Cash songs don't hurt either.
I found this movie to be inspiring
forevereyoung16 July 2006
I am 34 years old and was born and raised in Hopkins Co. Kentucky.. right next to Muhlenberg. I just watched this movie and found it to be very inspirational. It really hit home for me.. literally. I hope others find it so as well. I have always liked Johnny Cash's music, but I hadn't seen him as an actor until now. I am going to be volunteering to help in the literacy program in my area. I see things in a whole new light after watching this movie. I'm damn proud to be from Kentucky. I feel sorry for people who judge a book by it's cover and I hope to make a difference in the lives of others myself. God Bless.. I know He sure has blessed me. MSHC
Was Great!
zombiluvr3 July 2006
I am a musician & I've always loved Johnny.. so this was a given.. I just now saw it on country music channel...& just happened to be reading (Johnny Cash the man in Black) his biography... gave me chills! I would Highly recommended...for any fan of JC & anyone who likes a good solid movie!... My mom loved it too... I am a BIG horror fan, but music movies are always cool! True to form, Johnny plays a REAL person. He's been through it all, drugs, divorce, the hard life on the road, & it shows in his performance here. He is a natural actor (as are most musicians, not all though), He really made it nice, I'm going to buy this if I can find the DVD!
A hidden diamond!
thedandc-220 May 2007
I saw this DVD as a double-feature with "Five Minutes to Live," another B-movie made by Johnny Cash, in the impulse-buy section at Wal-Mart. It was only $1, and I had never heard of either of these movies, but I said, "Why not? It's only $1, and I love Johnny Cash." I brought it home, and immediately put it in the DVD player. From the very beginning, I was so captured by it! Cash did an excellent job at this character, and I even found myself getting teary-eyed during his job-searching scenes. I recommend EVERYONE see this movie! It can really hit close to home, and make you consider what life would be like in his position.
good movie!
afrienducouldlove24 February 2006
I was 22 when this movie came out. I really enjoyed it. This was the first movie that I really ever saw Johnny Cash act in. He was truly as gifted as an actor as he was a singer. He did a good job portraying people from the area he is supposed to be from. I'm from Kentucky and on a side note, contrary to popular belief, not everybody from Kentucky is illiterate. Also, while there are plenty of coal mines in western Kentucky, there are way more in the Eastern part of the state and probably a lot more illiteracy problems too. Not sure why the writers of the movie chose for Jesse Hallam to be western Kentucky instead of eastern.
A Touching Tale of Change
joshuawood201230 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
In TV movie "The Pride of Jesse Hallam", the late singer Johnny Cash plays the titular Jesse Hallam, an illiterate widower who moves to Cincinnati. Cash plays the character wonderfully, conveying the pride and frustration of an illiterate man living in a literate world. As the character searches for career opportunities in the big city, so he can support his struggling son and ailing daughter, his inability to read strikes him as it never has before, you can truly feel the man's great pain. He fights for his son, who also struggles to read, to remain in the tenth grade, and he supports his daughter as she undergoes spinal surgery. This film shows a character whose life is full of struggle and frustration, and it moves one to tears. As Hallam finally begins to learn, under the tutelage of a reluctant but enthusiastic school administrator, the joy, but caution, of a man so long denied that fundamental skill is palpable. There are not many words to describe this film, as it is quite simple, but terribly emotional. It is a tale of a man breaking from the bonds of circumstance, and becoming more than his forefathers. The greatest flaw of this film lies not in its content, but its production. The movie was a low-budget, made for television film, and it, at times, really shows. Never does it actively detract from the experience, but it warrants mention. Overall, this film explores the trials of an illiterate man, and his family, as he grows and changes towards a better future, and it is truly amazing.
Johnny Cash gives a superb performance in this poignant and powerful made-for-TV feature
Woodyanders5 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Late, great country singer Johnny Cash gives a sturdy and strikingly effective performance as Jesse Hallam, a poor and illiterate, but proud and willful Kentucky coal miner who's forced to sell his house and move to Cincinatti so his ailing daughter can get a spinal operation. Hallam has difficulty both finding a job and adjusting to the hectic pace of big city life due to his inability to read and write. Hallam soon realizes that he's going to have to become literate in order to succeed in the city.
Capably directed with praiseworthy tact and sensitivity by Gary Nelson, with a thoughtful script by Suzanne Clauser, sharp, pretty cinematography by Gayne Rescher, and a lulling, folksy, harmonic country score by Cash and Alan Shapiro (Cash also sings a few catchy, lively songs on the soundtrack), this fine film addresses the serious and troubling issue of illiteracy in a moving and compelling way. Cash's terrific portrayal of Hallam effortlessly carries the picture; he brings a craggy grace and stubborn dignity to the role that's credible, commanding and even quite affecting (the scene where Hallam haltingly reads to his daughter in the hospital is extremely touching). The strong supporting turns by Eli Wallach as a fiery, excitable warehouse owner who hires Hallam to work for him, Brenda Vaccaro as a compassionate high school vice principal who becomes Hallam's mentor, Ben Marley as Hallam's surly, estranged, equally unlettered teenage son, Chrystal Smith as Hallam's sickly daughter, and Guy Boyd as an unsympathetic cop are all on the money as well. An excellent, engrossing and ultimately uplifting movie.
Capably directed with praiseworthy tact and sensitivity by Gary Nelson, with a thoughtful script by Suzanne Clauser, sharp, pretty cinematography by Gayne Rescher, and a lulling, folksy, harmonic country score by Cash and Alan Shapiro (Cash also sings a few catchy, lively songs on the soundtrack), this fine film addresses the serious and troubling issue of illiteracy in a moving and compelling way. Cash's terrific portrayal of Hallam effortlessly carries the picture; he brings a craggy grace and stubborn dignity to the role that's credible, commanding and even quite affecting (the scene where Hallam haltingly reads to his daughter in the hospital is extremely touching). The strong supporting turns by Eli Wallach as a fiery, excitable warehouse owner who hires Hallam to work for him, Brenda Vaccaro as a compassionate high school vice principal who becomes Hallam's mentor, Ben Marley as Hallam's surly, estranged, equally unlettered teenage son, Chrystal Smith as Hallam's sickly daughter, and Guy Boyd as an unsympathetic cop are all on the money as well. An excellent, engrossing and ultimately uplifting movie.
If you root for the underdog, this is the movie for you
praisercheri15 January 2020
This movie is on Amazon Prime for those who want to watch it.
I only gave it an 8 because of the dated production and poor sound. As far as the storyline, you won't find many in its class. Inspirational and wholesome family movie.
It is an old movie but well done ideal for family.
cdltpx16 October 2010
Mr Cash has always been a champion for the down trodden who is more disadvantaged in this world than the illiterate. I have seen many movies and this one hits home not for me but for my grandfather he was illiterate but he had a heart of gold no one did more to form my views of right and wrong more than he. When he passed I felt like an orphan ever since even though I have both parents today at 42. He passed in 76 he never learned to read and was dependent on the aid of his wife as the character in this movie was. This movie inspires you to go and help people learn to read I could not imagine a life not able to read it removes most of the con men out our way.Yet so many today know how to read they still follow the pied piper just like the fairy tale makes you wonder because the illiterate would see right through these politicians we have today. I remember my grandfather yelling "you crook" at the television when President Nixon resigned 8-09-1974 I was 6 rarely did he get upset hardly ever did he talk negative of another.
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