USA NETWORK TO PREMIERE ACADEMY AWARD(R)-WINNING FILM "GLORY" WITH SPECIAL INTRODUCTION BY ANDRE BRAUGHER
NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Adds New Movie to Characters Unite Film Series to Advance National Dialogue on Greater Tolerance and Acceptance
Special Limited Commercial Presentation Premieres February 21 at 7/6c in
Commemoration of Characters Unite Month and Black History Month
NEW YORK - February 17, 2015 - USA Network today announced "Glory" as the next movie in the Characters Unite film series to increase awareness of social injustices and encourage greater dialogue. In commemoration of Characters Unite Month and Black History Month, "Glory" will be presented with limited commercials on Saturday, February 21 at 7/6c, featuring a special introduction from Emmy Award-winner Andre Braugher who made his feature debut in the film. Set during the American Civil War, the film tells the true story of The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the Union Army's first formal unit made up entirely of African-American soldiers. It won three Academy Awards in 1990, including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington.
"'Glory' pays tribute to honorable men who faced unimaginable discrimination even as they fought to preserve basic human rights," said Bonnie Hammer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Chairman. "Sadly, racist attitudes depicted in the film are still with us today, and it's our hope that this special telecast will contribute to the kind of dialogue that leads to change."
"It was an incredible honor to be involved in 'Glory' and work amongst a tremendous cast to highlight some of our nation's first black military heroes," said Braugher. "The film pays tribute to the brave soldiers and inspires us to defy adversity when all odds are against us, while paying tribute to those who selflessly fought to preserve the union during the American Civil War."
Based on the letters of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the novel One Gallant Rush, "Glory" was released in 1989 during a time when racial prejudice was a prevalent component of society. Through the historic portrayal of Captain Shaw's (Matthew Broderick) efforts to command the first African-American regiment in the Union Army, the film shined a light on widespread racism during wartime efforts and the powerful results that occurred when those prejudices were erased. In addition to Washington, the film also stars legendary actor Morgan Freeman.
"Glory" is the eighth film in the successful Characters Unite Film Series, which launched in April 2012 with "To Kill a Mockingbird," featuring an introduction by President Barack Obama. Additional films in the series have included "The Color Purple," with an introduction by the film's star, Oscar-winner Whoopi Goldberg; "Schindler's List," featuring an introduction by the film's director Steven Spielberg; "Milk," with an introduction by Emmy(R) Award-winner and activist Neil Patrick Harris; "Philadelphia" introduced by President Bill Clinton; "In the Heat of the Night," with an introduction by music icon Quincy Jones and "Do The Right Thing," featuring an introduction by Rosie Perez.
The screening of "Glory" serves as a focal point for Characters Unite Month, a time when the network shines a bright spotlight on the importance of promoting greater tolerance, respect and acceptance.
Visit www.charactersunite.com for more information and to find out what you can do to make a difference.
About Characters Unite
Characters Unite, USA Network's award-winning public service program, was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Inspired by USA Network's iconic "Characters Welcome" brand and with the support of leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing campaign is dedicated to supporting activities and messaging that combat prejudice and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance -- on-air, online, and in communities across the country.
About USA Network
USA Network, the leader in cable entertainment, offers a powerful stable of dramatic, comedic and unscripted originals in more than 102 million U.S. homes. The network also features spectacular live television, a dynamic portfolio of acquired series and the best in blockbuster theatrical films and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com.
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