Assault at West Point: The Court-Martial of Johnson Whittaker

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Assault at West Point: The Court-Martial of Johnson Whittaker ★★½ 1994 (PG-13)

In 1880, Johnson C. Whittaker, a black West Point cadet, is found beaten, mutilated, and tied to his bed. Instead of seeking his attackers, the Academy sets up a court martial to expel Whittaker, claiming he faked his own attack. Clashes also ignite between Whittaker's defense counsel—white abolitionist lawyer Chamberlain, whose own racism is thinly disguised, and black lawyer Greener, who originally encouraged Whittaker to enroll at the Point. Interesting case but a shallow production. Based on a true story and adapted from the book by John Marszalek. 98m/C VHS . Seth Gilliam, Samuel L. Jackson, Sam Waterston, John Glover, Al Freeman Jr.; D: Harry Moses; W: Harry Moses; M: Terence Blanchard. TV

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