Robert Tyler

"A Soldier's Story" is about the murder of a black soldier near the end of World War II. Captain Davenport (Howard E. Rollins, Jr.), is sent to investigate the ruthless shooting death of Sergeant Walters (Adolph Ceasar). Initially, he believes that Walters' death is the latest in a series of racially motivated slayings. But through interviews, Davenport learns that Sarge was a vicious man who drove his men to the brink of rebellion.

Tensions flare in this gripping film about a murder on a black army base near the end of World War II. Captain Davenport (Howard E. Rollins, Jr.), a proud black army attorney, is sent to Fort Neal, Louisiana, to investigate the ruthless shooting death of Sergeant Waters (Adolph Caesar). Through interviews with Sarge's men, Davenport learns that he was a vicious man who served the white world and despised his own roots. Was the killer a bigoted white officer? Or could he have been a black soldier embittered by Waters' constant race baiting? Directed by Norman Jewison from Charles Fuller's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, A SOLDIER'S STORY is both a spellbinding mystery and a superb drama that transcends race.

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

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