Mountain Farmer

Shelby Adams, Mimi Pickering. 1973. 16 mm Film.
Mountain Farmer is a visit with Lee Banks, one of the last of the old-style mountain farmers - a man who grew his own and “never bought.” A horse and a wooden plow, a vegetable garden, and a few hogs sustain Lee and his family. A fine film for use in discussions of values, land use, rural sociology, aging, and the persistence of traditional lifestyles in the late 20th century.
“Mountain Farmer is one of the most extraordinary documentaries I’ve ever seen. Its qualities of extreme simplicity and complete honesty combine with a very direct approach to its fascinating, often moving, subject matter.”- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
"Fiddle music plays around scenes of the old man coaxing potatoes from the ground as he carefully guides plow and horse. With only the briefest of introductions, you like the old man, respect his independence, and wish his family well.”- Cineaste
“For any group desiring to appreciate what honest-to-God rural America is, they must see Mountain Farmer. We thoroughly enjoyed it.”- Edinboro State College
All films in the Appalshop collection are protected under Title 17 of the United States Copyright Law. The unauthorized distribution or public performance of copyrighted works constitutes copyright infringement under the Copyright Act, Title 17 U.S Code Section 106(3)-(4). This conduct may also violate the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and The Universal Copyright Convention, as well as bilateral treaties with other countries that allow for protection of Rights Holder copyrighted works even beyond US borders. To receive rights for public performance of our works, including educational or institutional licensing, please contact Appalshop Sales to complete the purchase at 606-633-0108 or [e-mail].
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[@Dan_Akins]

Back when people lived off the land and certainly lived within their means. Good stuff

[@Kath-C]

So important to have all this archived. Thanks for doing it. Watching from Australia. 😊

[@appalshop]

Thanks so much for watching!! --Rachel

[@lewlia]

Thank you for making these available!

[@appalshop]

Glad you are enjoying them! --Rachel

[@KM-om1dy]

I love ALL your videos. One of my favorite channels ever!! Thank you

[@appalshop]

Thank you so much! We appreciate the kind words! - Aaron

[@Wolflung]

reminds me of the way my great-grandfathers lived. My dads from a small mountain village in western Mexico where folks live off the land and do everything themselves. Even this gentlemen's mannerisms, tone, cadence remind me of my great grandfather. Very glad i got to meet him and visit their home region. maybe that's why ive always felt a strong calling to Appalachia. thank you for sharing this

[@gillisBR549]

What state was Mr Banks in? Great stuff!!!

[@appalshop]

Hi! I believe he lived in Premium, also known as Hot Spot, in Letcher County Kentucky. At the time, it may have been known as Johnsons Branch. - Aaron

[@janetcohen9190]

Thanks for video.
Much appreciate the man and his sharing glimpse of his knowledge, skills, and achievements!!! 🎉🎉🎉😊
Such knowledge and skills seems fast disappearing for a number of reasons, their topics best left for discussion in another forum.

[@appalshop]

Thanks for watching! --Rachel