Jean Shepherd's America

Shep recalls the sights, sounds, and experiences of working in a steel mill at age 17, as the operations of a contemporary steel mill play out on screen.

Shep loses his bait but comes up with some tall tales on a fishing trip in Maine's backwaters on the banks of the Kennebec River, with a stop at the Skowhegan County Fair to meet Bob, champion horse weight-puller.

While rumbling across Wyoming aboard a Union Pacific railroad car, Shep recalls a previous trip during his World War II Army days when he pulled KP duty on a troop train.

Recalling the origins of his interest in Alaska in the second grade, Shep journeys through the Alaskan frontier exploring the captivating landscape, the sights and sounds of an Eskimo village, and the pervading silence.

While he cracks lobster claws, Shep cracks jokes and stories about his crazy love affair with all manner of delicacies, from rainbow trout to pecan pie.

Recalling a comic-strip from his boyhood in which the hero escapes on a houseboat from the pursuing villains, Shep takes the helm of a houseboat and contemplates a nomadic life at sea.

Shep assumes the role of Swamp Man, searching for his roots -- and a pickerel "so big you don't dare look it in the eye" -- as he visits the Okefenokee Swamp.

Shep enjoys a leisurely cruise on a yacht -- or as the old man would say, "a boat that doesn't do anything."

Spanish moss...stately mansions...a mint julep, fine cigar and the rocking chair on the veranda...the best of the Old South comes to life when Shep pays a visit.

Shep poses as an American tourist in order to learn more about the more popular vacation spots.

Shep boards the S.S. Emerald Sea in Miami in search of true romance.

Shep and his trusty burro, Flower, wander among mirages and cacti as they follow the trail of the 49ers.