Patrick Henry

Originally Aired: April 17, 1939 Cavalcade of America #161, "Patrick Henry," follows the journey of a young Virginia failure who would become one of the founding fathers of the American Revolution. At age twenty-four, Patrick Henry has already failed three times as a planter and storekeeper, disappointing his father, Colonel John Henry, with his shabby appearance and mounting debts. Seeking a new path, he approaches the bar examination after studying law for only four weeks, facing the skeptical John Randolph, a distinguished Williamsburg attorney. Despite his lack of formal legal training, Patrick demonstrates an intuitive grasp of natural law and justice that transcends mere book learning. The episode traces Henry's early life from his boyhood in the New Light Presbyterian Church, where Reverend Samuel Davies preaches about resisting tyrannical authority, through his early failures and struggles. As the young nation celebrates the accession of King George III in 1760, this unlikely figure stands on the brink of transformation, armed with a quick wit, a ready tongue, and principles that will soon challenge the very throne they honor.