Proud

Just saw 'Proud" on a tape last night and didn't know that there was an all black enlisted man crew on a U.S. Navy ship during WWII. Maybe the acting and direction left something to be desired, but the message came across loud and clear.

I enlisted in the Marines at the age of 17, right after WWII was over. In the 3 years I served, I never saw a black Marine. I understood there were some black Marines that served in service and supply units, but they did not go through boot camp with white Marines and were completely segregated from us.

On the Navy ships I boarded, the only black sailors I ever saw were messmen and stewards in the galley and they kept pretty much to themselves. In 1948, when the armed forces were desegregated, I still didn't notice any difference in the racial makeup of our outfit. At the time I didn't think anything of it, but in hindsight, it was an awful way to treat black Americans. I'm glad that era is over.

The movie itself was nothing to crow abut. The acting was not anything noteworthy, but the story is one that needs to be told and so this movie should probably be shown in every US History class in our schools.

Segregation is a part of our culture and a part of our military. President Lincoln may have freed the slaves, but it was until President Johnson that African Americans were truly made equal.

I knew that there were all black units with white officers in the military, but was not aware of a ship composed of African American, nor of their history. The fact that this movie was made serves the cause of equality and was good for that.

Sadly, one of the Great Ossie Davis' last films. Proud enlightened the viewers of the group of many people of that era that cast a blow to the downfall of segregation within the United States. Showing that we all are citizens, no matter what the color. I only have heard of the hardships endured of many Black Americans within the military. Now I was able to view first hand through this informative film. It is a film that I would recommend history classes to see the accomplishments that have been made throughout the growth of the United States. This film has brought to life the forgotten and shameful history of the USA. Many youth of today a blind to America's history and embarrassing past. Enjoy the Movie, Juan (Elmira, NY)

I watched this movie last night and was a bit disappointed. A lot of the "time facts" were off. At the beginning of the movie, the grandfather made a comment to this grandson and his friends about how they felt when 9-11 hit. This movie was supposed to be taking place in 1994. Also, one of the grandsons friends was wearing an Eagles Donovan McNabb jersey. He hadn't even been drafted as of yet. The story line was good but the facts and actuality of the time frame was so far off base that it made the movie seem cheesy. My boyfriend is an avid reader of WWII books and memorabilia. I rented this movie hoping that it would be good. The acting was so-so. The dog was cute. But the way that this movie was carried out made me glad that I only paid 4 dollars to rent it as opposed to the 50 it would have taken me to watch it in a theater. I hope that who ever reads this understands that I mean no discontent to those who fought the war but the facts and time frame should have been a little more closely monitored.

I enjoyed the movie. Despite the low budget and a foreigner that said he did not know there was discrimination in the American military this film is worth watching. A proper last film for Ossie Davis. With all the violent shoot em up movies out, this should be seen by young people alike. With the exception of Mr Davis and veteran actress Denise Nicholas the group of newcomers performed great. Shooting on location in Ireland added a touch that gave you the impression that you were actually there. Add to that actual footage of the ceremony honoring the crew of the USS Mason for their service to the country. May someone continue to produce these stories without worry of not being Oscar material. Bravo.