A Soldier's Story Poster

A Soldier's Story 1984

★ 6.8200 votes101 min📅 1984-09-14

"Alone, far from home, and far from justice, he has three days to learn the truth about a murder... and the truth is a story you won't forget."

Directed by Norman Jewison, *A Soldier's Story (1984)* delivers a gripping drama set in the segregated South of the 1940s. The film follows Captain Davenport, a sharp military lawyer sent to investigate the murder of a black Master Sergeant near a Louisiana Army base.

Director: Norman Jewison

Cast

Howard Rollins
Howard Rollins
Captain Davenport
Adolph Caesar
Adolph Caesar
Sergeant Waters
Art Evans
Art Evans
Private Wilkie
Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend
Corporal Ellis
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington
Private First Class Peterson
David Alan Grier
David Alan Grier
Corporal Cobb
David Harris
David Harris
Private Smalls
Dennis Lipscomb
Dennis Lipscomb
Captain Taylor
Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle
Big Mary
Wings Hauser
Wings Hauser
Lieutenant Byrd

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Soldier's Story (1984) about?

This military drama centers on a murder investigation led by Captain Davenport, a Black lawyer sent to a segregated Louisiana base in the 1940s. His mission uncovers deep-rooted racism, fear, and betrayal within the ranks as he races to solve a killing the army would rather ignore.

Who directed A Soldier's Story?

Norman Jewison, an acclaimed director known for socially conscious films like *In the Heat of the Night*, helms this powerful drama.

Who stars in A Soldier's Story?

The cast features Howard Rollins as Captain Davenport, Adolph Caesar as Sergeant Waters, and Denzel Washington in a memorable role alongside Art Evans and Robert Townsend.

Is A Soldier's Story (1984) worth watching?

With its compelling mystery, strong performances, and sharp social commentary, *A Soldier's Story* is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and historical films. Its themes remain relevant, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

How long is A Soldier's Story?

The film runs for 101 minutes, offering a tight, intense narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

🎥 Trailer

About A Soldier's Story (1984) — A Gripping WWII-Era Murder Mystery

Directed by Norman Jewison, *A Soldier's Story (1984)* delivers a gripping drama set in the segregated South of the 1940s. The film follows Captain Davenport, a sharp military lawyer sent to investigate the murder of a black Master Sergeant near a Louisiana Army base. Tasked with unraveling a web of deceit, Davenport confronts institutional prejudice, fear among Black troops, and a hostile command structure—all while racing against time to uncover the truth. With its intense atmosphere and sharp social commentary, Jewison's film blends mystery with historical tension, making it a standout in crime and drama cinema.

Starring a powerhouse cast including Howard Rollins, Adolph Caesar, and Denzel Washington in a breakout role, *A Soldier's Story* explores themes of justice, racial inequality, and the cost of silence. The film's claustrophobic setting and morally complex narrative create a haunting experience, leaving audiences to question who holds real power in a system stacked against them.