A Soldier's Story (1984)

Director:

Norman Jewison

Writers:

Charles Fuller (play)
Charles Fuller (screenplay)

Release Date:

28 February 1985 (Netherlands)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery | War

Tagline:

Alone, far from home, and far from justice, he has three days to learn the truth about a murder...and the truth is a story you won't forget.

Plot:

An African American officer investigates a murder in a racially charged situation in World War II.

Plot Keywords:

African American | Captain | Racial Prejudice | Racism | Southern

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

Howard E. Rollins Jr.	...	Captain Davenport
Adolph Caesar	...	Sergeant Waters
Art Evans	...	Private Wilkie
David Alan Grier	...	Corporal Cobb
David Harris	...	Private Smalls
Dennis Lipscomb	...	Captain Taylor
Larry Riley	...	C.J. Memphis
Robert Townsend	...	Corporal Ellis
Denzel Washington	...	Private First Class Peterson
William Allen Young	...	Private Henson
Patti LaBelle	...	Big Mary
Wings Hauser	...	Lieutenant Byrd
Scott Paulin	...	Captain Wilcox
John Hancock	...	Sergeant Washington
Trey Wilson	...	Colonel Nivens

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M | Singapore:PG | Iceland:12 | Netherlands:6 | Argentina:13 | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:PG | West Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Clarendon, Arkansas, USA

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

Samuel L. Jackson originated the role of Pvt. Henson in "A Soldier's Play", which was played by William Allen Young in the film version.

Goofs:

Factual errors: Several soldiers, and Captain Davenport in particular, are frequently shown wearing their hats indoors. Soldiers never wear their hats indoors unless they are under arms or are wearing full dress as part of a ceremony.

Quotes:

Private Wilkie: Is it true, sir, that when they found him, his stripes and insignia were still on the uniform?
Captain Davenport: Yes.
Private Wilkie: Something's wrong, ain't it, sir? I mean, those Klan boys, they can't stand to see us in these uniforms. They usually take the stripes and stuff off before they lynch us.

Movie Connections:

References The Glenn Miller Story (1954)

Hidden treasure!

This is one of my all time favorite movies. The thing that I find so amazing is that few people have ever heard of it much less seen it. The acting and story line is excellent. This is one of those great whodunits with a great twist that compels us to examine our stereotypes and presumptions. If you find yourself looking for a great tip at the video store check this movie out. I think you'll enjoy it.