I'm not a film critic, but I am a lineman. This film was an excellent example of the lifestyle lived by linemen, even in today's times. In regards to the comments made by "planktonrules", there is no explanation as to why Slim wants to be a lineman, it's a matter of heart. You have it or you don't. Henry Fonda managed to convey this quite well. I do admit the character of Slim is a bit too innocent, but seems appropriate for the background. And yes, for the record, rarely does anyone use true names, mostly nicknames given to you by those who have been there before you. This is a brotherhood, which is well expressed in this film. We wish there were more films like this about linemen.