Glory

Glory is an historical drama about Robert Gould Shaw, a white New Englander moved by his abolitionist sentiments to join the Union forces in the Civil War. Promoted to colonel, he is put in charge of an experimental all-black regiment of Massachusetts volunteers. His two best friends go with him (a white officer Cary Elwis and a black professor of literature), and the rules of military life strain his friendship with both.

For 21st century viewers, the white actors may be overshadowed by the performances of Denzel Washington - the tough-talking private whipped for desertion after leaving camp to find shoes; and Morgan Freeman - promoted to sergeant major because of his initiative in getting shoes for the poorly shod men.