Morgan Freeman’s New Documentary To Tell Story Of First Black Tank Unit To Serve In WWII
New York, NY – The HISTORY® Channel announces its new two-hour documentary “Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion” (working title) featuring Academy Award®-winning actor Morgan Freeman. Produced by Freeman and Lori McCreary’s production company, Revelations Entertainment, in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment, the powerful documentary will tell the true story of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during WWII, and explore in-depth the two major battles they faced – the expansion of Nazism in Europe and racism, oppression, and inequality at home. The documentary will mark Revelations’ third major collaboration with the network.
“It is my honor to partner with The HISTORY Channel on telling the important story of the heroic 761st Battalion,” said Freeman. “The 761st is a story I’ve wanted to tell for over two decades. And now, during this time when the sharing of Black history is being censored and omitted, these incredible men’s bravery and valor not only deserve but need to be told. Their sacrifice for this country was crucial to our victory over Nazi Germany. But they have never received proper credit.”
The 761st Tank Battalion, better known as the first Black Panthers, was the only Black tank unit to see combat in World War II. Formed in the spring of 1942, these units of soldiers played a significant role in military operations during the war against Nazi Germany. However, while the majority Black battalion was fighting one battle overseas, they were simultaneously fighting another in their home country – against racism, segregation, and inequality. “Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion” (w.t.) will feature Freeman interviewing one of the last surviving members of the 761st, as well as the current and first Black Secretary of Defense, Secretary Lloyd Austin, alongside new and archival interviews, period footage, still photographs and new commentary and stories from family and relatives of the Black Panther soldiers. The documentary will also feature insights and opinions of prominent historians on WWII and experts on race and inequality in America.
“Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion” (w.t.) is produced for The HISTORY Channel by Revelations Entertainment, in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment. It is directed by Phil Bertelsen, who will serve as executive producer along with James Younger, Lori McCreary, and Kelly Mendelsohn for Revelations Entertainment. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster serve as executive producers for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Eli Lehrer and Jennifer Wagman serve as executive producers for The HISTORY Channel.
A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights to “Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion” (w.t.).
About The HISTORY® Channel
The HISTORY® channel, a division of A+E Networks, is the premier destination for historical storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events to a signature slate of industry-leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming, The HISTORY® Channel is the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. The HISTORY® Channel has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for seven consecutive years by YouGov BrandIndex, and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For a deeper dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
About Revelations Entertainment
Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary’s Revelations Entertainment’s mission is to reveal truth. Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and Emmy-nominated producer Lori McCreary produced the hit series “MADAM SECRETARY.” Revelations’ film credits include the Award-winning INVICTUS and 5 FLIGHTS UP. Accolades include an Emmy nomination for THE STORY OF GOD, three Emmy award nominations for “THROUGH THE WORMHOLE,” a Peabody Award for the ESPN “30 for 30” episode “The 16th Man” and an Academy Award nomination for Morgan Freeman in the film “INVICTUS.”