The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)
The HBO film, The Tuskegee Airmen (1995), depicts the inspiring story of the first African-American combat pilots in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Directed by Robert Markowitz, the film follows Hannibal ‘Iowa’ Lee Jr. as he joins fellow flight cadet candidates Billy ‘A-Train’ Roberts, Walter Peoples III, and Lewis Johns on a train to Tuskegee, Alabama. Upon beginning their training, they are introduced to Colonel Noel Rogers and Major Sherman Joy, who each have their own perspectives on the cadets’ journey. While Rogers is optimistic and urges the cadets to prove their doubters wrong, Joy sets a tone for the challenges they will face in training.
Ultimately, both officers see it as an honor for the cadets to successfully complete their training and become aviators. Major Joy reflects the prevailing views of white America at the time, dismissing the cadets and questioning their capabilities. Lt. Glenn then points out the contrasting opinions of the two officers and urges the cadets to take note. That evening, as they chat among themselves, the cadets introduce themselves and their college majors. Walter Peoples confidently declares that no one’s name will be called before his on graduation day. As classes begin, Major Joy begins his scheme to discredit the cadets by having them retake their flight exam in the classroom.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Laurence FishburneHannibal Lee  Allen PayneWalter Peoples  Malcolm-Jamal WarnerLeroy Cappy  Courtney B. VanceLt. Glenn  Andre BraugherBenjamin O. Davis  Christopher McDonaldMajor Joy  Daniel Hugh KellyCol. Rogers  John LithgowSenator Conyers  Cuba Gooding Jr.Billy Roberts  Mekhi PhiferLewis Johns |
The HBO film, The Tuskegee Airmen (1995), depicts the inspiring story of the first African-American combat pilots in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Directed by Robert Markowitz, the film follows Hannibal ‘Iowa’ Lee Jr. as he joins fellow flight cadet candidates Billy ‘A-Train’ Roberts, Walter Peoples III, and Lewis Johns on a train to Tuskegee, Alabama. Upon beginning their training, they are introduced to Colonel Noel Rogers and Major Sherman Joy, who each have their own perspectives on the cadets’ journey. While Rogers is optimistic and urges the cadets to prove their doubters wrong, Joy sets a tone for the challenges they will face in training.
Ultimately, both officers see it as an honor for the cadets to successfully complete their training and become aviators. Major Joy reflects the prevailing views of white America at the time, dismissing the cadets and questioning their capabilities. Lt. Glenn then points out the contrasting opinions of the two officers and urges the cadets to take note. That evening, as they chat among themselves, the cadets introduce themselves and their college majors. Walter Peoples confidently declares that no one’s name will be called before his on graduation day. As classes begin, Major Joy begins his scheme to discredit the cadets by having them retake their flight exam in the classroom.
