Assault at West Point: The Court-Martial of Johnson Whittaker Movie Review 1994

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.

Distribution

Lions Gate Entertainment, 2700 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404, Phone: (310)449-9200, Fax: (310)255-3870, URL: http://www.lgf.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS
Running time 98 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Period Piece: 19th Century, African America, True Stories, Order in the Court, Law & Lawyers, Justice Prevails...?

Screenplay

Harry Moses

Cast

Seth Gilliam, Samuel L. Jackson, Sam Waterston, John Glover, Al Freeman

Director

Harry Moses

Music

Terence Blanchard

Producer

Harry Moses, Bob Rubin, Bill Siegler, Showtime