SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: Approx. 43:11 Min.
In 2012, Rusty Spur Productions produced the documentary, Buffalo Soldiers: An American Legacy. The project’s director is David Carter, who also briefly appears in a non-speaking cameo as ‘General George Armstrong Custer.’ Its host is Judge Joe Brown (in a reenactment soldier’s costume), with actor Barry Corbin as the off-screen narrator.
Other appearances include Texas State Senator Royce West, Professor B.W. Aston, curator Henry Crawford from Texas Tech University’s History Museum, and Comanche tribal member James Yellowfish. The sizable cast includes living historians/reenactors Paul Cook; Horace Williams; Cody Mobley; Early B. Teal; Tad Gose; David Carter; and Rosieleetta Reed presenting commentary. Portraying Comanche warriors are Kevin Browning; Arthur RedCloud, and Cody Jones. ‘Sgt. Emanuel Stance’ is portrayed by Anthony Reed while Macie Jepsen briefly voices ‘Libby Custer.’
Designed as an interactive, all-ages history exhibit, Brown and Corbin co-narrate how the presence of African American U.S. soldiers began during the Civil War. As stated by the film, in post-war 1866, six new U.S. Army regiments would be established utilizing African-American recruits to help safeguard the Western frontier.
The moniker of “Buffalo Soldiers” would be subsequently bestowed in honor by their Native American adversaries amidst frontier warfare. The documentary also highlights select members who made historic contributions as members of the U.S. Army, as well as their final fates.
Note: The program openly notes one married couple’s presumed difference of opinion. While Libby Custer’s expressed admiration for the bravery and competence of African American soldiers is quoted, it is stated that her husband, General George Armstrong Custer, had earlier declined command of one of the new African American regiments. His reasoning evidently never became public knowledge.
Still, it is wryly commented that, given his own ultimate fate with the Seventh Cavalry in 1876, maybe he made the wrong choice.
REVIEW:
Including extensive use of brief reenactments, not to mention some neat special effects, this articulate and friendly documentary offers sufficient depth for middle school and high school history classes.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
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