Review of Railroadin'

Railroadin' (1929)
Interesting note on job prospects for Black Americans in 1929
1 November 2004
It's been noted that the sound track of "Railroadin' " is difficult to hear. I FINALLY figured out what Farina said after the gang had finished admiring all of the locomotives at the roundhouse. This is early in the film. What he had to say was quite a statement on the prospects of what kind a job a young, black kid might find. His white companions stated something to the effect, I'm going to be an engineer and drive that" Farina, on the other hand, declared, "Well, I'm gonna change my name to GEORGE and be a porter!" ALL porters on the railroad in those days were referred to as "George".

Fascinating little film being a railroad fan and employee. AT&SF RR historians will like seeing the Santa Fe equipment. (They tried to cover over the names.)
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