Dedication
This project would not have been possibe without the help of two very special men…
In memory of Paul Swann (1912-2006)
And in honor of Jackie Swann
Acknowledgments
While this project has pretty much been a one man production there are a lot of people who have contributed to it in various ways. I would like to make sure they are recognized and know I appreciate them.
Support. Vicki, my wife, has patiently put up with a lot because of this project. She has stood by me, encouraged me, and sometimes taken more than her fair share of the parenting load because of this dream. The film's post-production happened while she was pregnant with our third child. She is a blessing from God and my love for her grows deeper every day.
A special thank you. This film could not have happened without Paul and Jackie Swann. They allowed me to interview them and film their equipment.
Filming. Almost all of the film was shot at the Threshermen's Show. The Tennessee-Kentucky Threshermen's Association was gracious enough to allow me to film at their show. Larry and Tommy Pinson allowed me to film their combine. There are also a lot of people who are seen on film. They include:
On the binder — Frank G. Childers; Billy Dowlen; John Ford; Henry Turner.
On the engine and separator — Charles Bumpus; Robert A. Davis, III; and all the volunteers who hauled wheat.
At the sawmill — John "Oscar" Johnson; Danny Miller; Donald P. Olsen; Tom "Felix" Rice; and all the volunteers at the sawmill.
Pictures and film. Several old photos and home movies (Super 8 film) were used in this project. They were contributed by William E. Osborne, Duncan Metcalfe, Ruth Simmons, Anne Swann, Margarette Swann, Mickey Tate and Mary Ruth Trumphour.
Music. The music was basically recorded as an impromptu, live performance. Chester Frazier played bass and David Head played guitar. All the music that was used was improvised on the spot and was recorded at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
Use of Material. Richard Keck has allowed me to use his memorabilia from the Keck-Gonnerman Company.
About the Film
The Call of the Whistle was first produced as a 53 minute film. It premiered on May 10, 2003. About 300 copies were made and sold. It is currently unavailable but may return some day after some re-editing.
A book was also released as a companion to the film. The content of the book was a transcript of the film with additional resources and this site is a re-release of that book.
I decided to list all the acknowledgments from the original project as this content would not have been possible without these people. Besides, many of the pictures on this site are frames grabbed from filmed footage.
For more about the film read the Concept and Treatment and Making Of Notes.
