Think cowboys got their start in the great American west? Think again. The documentary movie, “Florida Crackers: The Cattlemen and Cowboys of Florida” sets the record straight about where cowboys and the cattle industry originated in our country. That’s in my home state of Florida! I was sent a review copy of the movie which I watched last night. It is a very good quality production. Here are some of my thoughts as I watched the movie.

The movie includes a lot of very old historic photos of cowboys and cattle. They fit right into the story which includes lots of titles and music. But what really makes this movie for me are all the people who were interviewed. They tell the story and while you listen you’ll see them in action, including the legendary Bud Adams, Adams Ranch. It’s not a boring story. It shows cowboys and cattlemen doing their job. And they do it in the palmetto and swamps that I find beautiful and have really missed living here in the midwest.

Probably one of the standout segments for me was all about doing business with a handshake. Even today these cowboys still conduct some major deals by giving their word and shaking hands. This segment alone made the movie worth watching in my opinion. It’s just one example of the values held by these folks. I wish we saw more values in action like this in our country today.

So, if you like cowboys and some good stories that will help you better understand why they love their animals and the land then I highly recommend this movie. You can buy it online here.