Watch The Negro Soldier

The Negro Soldier is a documentary film released in 1944, directed by Stuart Heisler and produced by Frank Capra. The film was made during World War II, and it sought to educate the public about the black soldiers serving in the United States Army. The Negro Soldier was groundbreaking at the time, as it celebrated the contributions of black soldiers and challenged racial stereotypes that were pervasive in American society.

The movie opens with a powerful speech by African-American historian and civil rights activist Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, who sets the tone for the film. He speaks about how black soldiers have always played a crucial role in American history, despite facing discrimination and prejudice. The movie then follows the experiences of African-American soldiers from their enlistment to their training, deployment, and combat.

The Negro Soldier features interviews with black soldiers who provide firsthand accounts of their experiences in the army. They describe the racism that they faced, both at home and abroad, and how they overcame it. They also speak about the pride that they felt in serving their country and proving their worth as soldiers.

The film also discusses the history of slavery and the role that African Americans played in the development of the United States. It highlights the contributions of black soldiers in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World War I. The Negro Soldier argues that black soldiers have always fought for freedom and equality, and that their sacrifices have helped to make America a better place for all.

The movie shows black soldiers undergoing rigorous training, including physical fitness drills and weapon handling. It also shows them participating in mock battles and practicing their combat skills. The film emphasizes the importance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

One of the standout sequences in the movie is a depiction of a battle scene, which uses staged footage as well as archival footage from actual battles. The scene is tense and suspenseful, as viewers witness the bravery and skill of black soldiers in combat. The Negro Soldier challenges stereotypes of African Americans as being lazy, cowardly, or unskilled, and instead illustrates their courage, intelligence, and resilience.

Throughout the film, there are also excerpts from speeches by notable African-American leaders, including Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, and A. Philip Randolph. These speeches stress the importance of equal rights and opportunities for African Americans, and they provide historical context for the struggles that black soldiers faced in the army.

The Negro Soldier ends with a call to action, urging viewers to support the fight against discrimination and racism. The film is a powerful statement against prejudice and bigotry, and it celebrates the bravery and achievements of black soldiers in the face of adversity.

Overall, The Negro Soldier is an important landmark in the history of cinema, as it challenged prevailing racial attitudes and helped to pave the way for greater acceptance and equality for African Americans in American society. The film is a testament to the courage and dedication of black soldiers, and it serves as a reminder of their vital contributions to American history.

The Negro Soldier is a 1944 documentary with a runtime of 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.