I have found nothing to dispute that it was a true story about John Griffith who in 1937 made the most costly decision of his life. He gave up the life of his ten year old son in order to save a commuter train full of people. I remember using the story as an illustration for a theological statement about the sacrifice the Father made in giving up His Son Jesus Christ. It's a modern parable.
Unknown to me, a movie was made and released in 2003. The producer and director were Czechs and the film is dubbed with English. Nevertheless because of the nature of the story, the impact of the movie is powerful by all reports. The film is entitled ‘Most’ which is the Czech word for ‘bridge.’ The 33 minute film was nominated for an Oscar (best foreign film).
The protagonist is a bridge operator and a father and is based on the story of John Griffith who lived in Oklahoma until the stock market crash of 1929. He moved to Mississippi and took a job as bridge operator on a railroad trestle. In 1937 his eight year old son was with him at the bridge first in the office with dad and then outside. John lifted the drawbridge to permit a ship to pass under it. As a fast approaching commuter steam train, the Memphis Express, carrying 400 passengers bore down on the bridge, John saw his son below playing around the bridge gears. Without time to rescue his son, and unable to get his attention, he realized the horrific decision he needed to make - to sacrifice his son. He must lower the bridge to prevent the death or injury of hundreds of people.
The website for the movie is www.MostTheMovie.com
Watch a 3 minute clip Most - The Bridge (3:56)
BUT this YouTube 6 minute clip is better by far, with a clearer concept of the movie version and with profound script to add a spiritual lesson.
As a matter of fact I have been fine but for a sore neck, a kind of whiplash, and we conclude I fell asleep. Humorous really, every time I picture it.
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