Soldier Jack, or The Man Who Caught Death in a Sack

Story Line

Adapted from an Appalachian Jack Tale set in the late 1940s, this tale follows a World War II veteran named Jack who, in return for an act of kindness, receives two magical gifts: a sack that can catch anything and a jar that can show whether a sick person will recover or die. Jack becomes a national hero when he rescues the president's daughter from a serious illness by capturing Death in his magic sack. However, after many years without Death in the world, Jack realizes that he has upset the natural order and releases Death to save humankind from perpetual old age and misery.

“Wickety-wak, into my sack!”

Top Cast

Floyd King

Beggar at Station

Michael Heintzman

Jack

Mark Jaster

Beggar on Hill

Nancy Robinette

Waitress

Steve Monroe

Frightened Boy

Tom Agner

Mr. Bliven