The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

The true story of how a group of African American pilots overcame racist opposition to become one of the finest US fighter groups in World War II

Director:

Robert Markowitz

Writers:

Paris Qualles (teleplay), Trey Ellis (teleplay)

Stars:

Laurence Fishburne, Allen Payne, Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 6 wins & 15 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Laurence Fishburne	...	Hannibal Lee
Allen Payne	...	Walter Peoples
Malcolm-Jamal Warner	...	Leroy Cappy
Courtney B. Vance	...	Lt. Glenn (as Courtney Vance)
Andre Braugher	...	Benjamin O. Davis
Christopher McDonald	...	Major Joy (as Chris McDonald)
Daniel Hugh Kelly	...	Col. Rogers
John Lithgow	...	Senator Conyers
Cuba Gooding Jr.	...	Billy Roberts
Mekhi Phifer	...	Lewis Johns
Christopher Bevins	...	Young Hannibal
Eddie Braun	...	Tail Gunner
Max Daniels	...	Left Waist Gunner
Jack Dwyer	...	Operations Officer
James Field	...	Conductor

Storyline

During the Second World War, a special project is begun by the US Army Air Corps to integrate African American pilots into the Fighter Pilot Program. Known as the "Tuskegee Airman" for the name of the airbase at which they were trained, these men were forced to constantly endure harassement, prejudice, and much behind the scenes politics until at last they were able to prove themselves in combat.

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Plot Keywords:

aviator | black history | 20th century | plane | man | 

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Taglines:

They Were Our Country's Best Defense ... And Its Greatest Glory.

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong war violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film's opening preamble states: "This film is based on a true story."

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Goofs

After the initial engagement in Italy, the bomber pilot is asking another officer the identity of the fighter planes with the distinctive tail markings. This conversation is happening at night. The next scene shows some of the fighter pilots walking away from their planes celebrating the mission. It's daytime.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Young Hannibal: [chasing after biplane] Hey! Hey! Hey! Wait for me!

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Desperado/Dangerous Minds/Mortal Kombat/Beyond Rangoon/Lord of Illusions/The Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

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Soundtracks

Straighten Up and Fly Right
Written by Nat 'King' Cole and Irving Mills
Used by permission of EMI Mills Music, Inc. (ASCAP)
Master used by permission of EMI Music Publishing

User Reviews

An Emotionally Charged Look at the African-American History

This is a movie that should be viewed by all Americans interested in seeing a slice of Americana which has for so long been ignored. Most will identify with the raw emotion evoked by the plight of these brave and talented men. Black Americans will be moved to tears as we are reminded of what those trailblazers overcame so that future Black soldiers, airmen and every day citizens could take their rightful place in American society, proud of their past and heritage. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Tuskegee Airmen. This movie makes it clear why.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 August 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Tuskegee Airmen

Filming Locations:

Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films, Price Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White Black and White (archive footage) Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1