The documentary chronicles Cooper's ascent from poverty to become the industrialist responsible for building the first American steam locomotive. He also played a significant role in laying the first trans-Atlantic cable. and if that wasn't impressive enough, he invented a precursor to Jell-O and founded Cooper Union, the Manhattan college that is a tuition-free training ground for architects, artists and engineers. Oh, and by the way, Cooper also ran for president at the age of 84.