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The Tuskegee Airmen On The Screen

Nicholas Fabian Feb 11, 2020

At Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, we are celebrating the accomplishments of the African-American community during Black History Month with the limited time exhibit “Rise Above: Red Tail.” Open February 19^th through the 23^{rd; this} one-of-a-kind experience will teach visitors about the historic Tuskegee Airmen and their accomplishments in breaking barriers in World War II.
The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is one filled with adversity, tribulation, and triumph.  Their story has been the inspiration of several films and moments in popular culture. While we’re preparing for the arrival of “Rise Above: Red Tail,” we’ve been watching many of these movies and want to share the different ways the Tuskegee Airmen have been portrayed on the screen.

“Wings For This Man”

During the war in 1945, the military produced propaganda short “Wings for This Man,” narrated by future President Ronald Reagan, showcasing the Tuskegee Airmen and their accomplishments. The film is interesting because it hints at the uniqueness of the Tuskegee Airmen and the program that trained them, but it is not explicit in addressing race. It does say, however, that to construct the training airfield near Tuskegee University on a former farm, “more than trees had to be cleared away, there was misunderstanding, distrust, and prejudice to be cleared away.” Much like other films of the era shows how pilots are trained, going from the classroom to aerial combat footage, rarely straying from the overarching theme of American heroism and triumph. Watching it in 2020, it sticks out when Reagan says, “you can’t judge a man here the color of his eyes or the shape of his nose,” not so subtle allusions to the racism that would be more fully addressed in the decades to come after the war. While not quite the riveting film that would be a box office smash today, it is an important look into how the military portrayed the Tuskegee Airmen during the war. Unfortunately, it would take 50 years for the Tuskegee Airmen to get the starring role they deserve.

The Tuskegee Airmen

In 1995 “The Tuskegee Airmen” was released by HBO, becoming the first feature film about the groundbreaking Tuskegee Airmen. Starring Laurence Fishburne, Cuba Gooding Jr., John Lithgow, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner shows the racism and prejudice that these young pilots had to face in their effort to serve their country. Starting with their arrival at Tuskegee, Alabama, and following until the unit receives the orders to escort bombers over the skies of Berlin, it is a powerful film that brings to life these heroic men. Combining footage from the war, along with real planes, “The Tuskegee Airmen” creates a more nuanced take on the first African-American military pilots. The film can currently be viewed online and is free for Amazon Prime members.

Night at The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

While not quite a starring role, the Tuskegee Airmen appear in the 2009 family adventure comedy film “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” as pilots who encounter the main heroes, including Amelia Earhart. That sounds odd, but it is a movie where ancient Egyptian magic brings museum exhibits to life, so it shouldn’t be considered true to life. All the historical figures in the movie, from Teddy Roosevelt to Albert Einstein, are all caricatures rather than serious interpretations, so there isn’t much to learn from it. However, in one touching moment, one of the Airmen, portrayed by Craig Robertson, thanks Earhart for helping to break down barriers, “clearing the runway,” for them. Available on various platforms online, it’s a fun light family picture.

Red Tails

Finally, that brings us to the 2012 film “Red Tails.” To date, it is the only major widely released film about the Tuskegee Airmen. It is essential to bring up one name when talking about this film, though: George Lucas. The creator of Star Wars wanted to create a movie about the Tuskegee Airmen since the late ’80s, and, according to his account, had trouble getting a studio to greenlight a large film with an “all-black” cast and “no major white roles.” So, he decided to finance it himself, and it shows, for better or worse.

While the film does examine the racism, discrimination, and adversity the pilots faced, it mostly hearkens back to older serial films. These kinds of serial adventures inspired other projects that Lucas worked on, such as “Star Wars” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” It’s much more Star Wars X-Wings than D-Day in “Saving Private Ryan,” which sometimes leads to tonal clashing and dialogue that feels out of place. It makes no pretense and celebrates being a flag-waving good time that celebrates America’s role in liberating Europe from the Axis powers. With a cast that filled with mostly unknown actors at the time of the film’s production, David Oyelowo, Leslie Odom Jr., and Michael B. Jordan it is a fun movie that lets the viewer share the excitement of the aerial battles that the characters experience. Inspiring in parts and at times old fashioned, it’s the kind of fun movie that would be great to show to kids of all ages. Available for purchase on most platforms, it is currently streaming on Disney+.

With “Rise Above: Red Tail,” coming soon to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, there has never been a better time to plan your trip here. So after you watch some of those films, be sure to take a look at our guides to see what you should do during a visit, and learn more about “Rise Above” here.