The best writing builds a moving story in the mind of the reader. Cinema can bring that story to life in a way that forces viewers to feel a story that might be more monumental than they imagined. I’m four years late, but I recently came across The 24th, a fictionalized depiction of the events surrounding the Houston Riots of 1917 that led to the largest murder trial in U.S. military history.
Several weeks ago, I discussed an Army press release vaguely announcing the correction of the records of 110 soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment convicted at the court-martial . . . after more than a century.
The movie received mixed reviews when released, but even if you agree with the most negative critique, what it brings to life is moving and emotional.
It is worth the watch. Very little is known about U.S. military justice history, military society. Even most of those that practice in the area, in and out of uniform, don’t have any demonstrated interest.
Not only is it important for society to learn this aspect of our society to better oversee an institution that only should exist for the emergency and terrifying circumstance of war, it is important to have such a lawyer on your side. That understanding leads to persuasive–and effective–writing and advocacy to that society.
So, I was four years late. Better than over a hundred.