The Six Triple Eight – A Heroic Tale of Unsung WWII Heroines

The Six Triple Eight follows the remarkable journey of the 6888th Battalion, a group of over 800 African American women who were deployed to Europe during World War II. Faced with the daunting task of sorting and delivering millions of pieces of mail to soldiers scattered across the continent, the women of the 6888th worked under harsh conditions with limited resources. Despite these challenges, they accomplished their mission with remarkable efficiency and speed, boosting the morale of the troops and earning their place in history. The film not only highlights their monumental task but also delves into their personal struggles, the camaraderie they shared, and the discrimination they faced both abroad and at home.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Six Triple Eight is a powerful historical drama that tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion during World War II. This film brings to life the incredible and often overlooked contributions of these courageous women who played a vital role in supporting the Allied forces by clearing a massive backlog of mail, ensuring that soldiers received critical communication from their loved ones. Through this dramatization, The Six Triple Eight honors the legacy of these trailblazing women and their determination to overcome the challenges of racism and sexism in a time of war.

Main Cast

1. Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams

• Background: Kerry Washington stars as Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th Battalion and the first African American woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Washington’s portrayal of Adams highlights her leadership, resilience, and determination to lead her battalion to success against all odds.

2. Ebony Obsidian as Private Alyce Dixon

• Background: Ebony Obsidian plays Private Alyce Dixon, a spirited member of the battalion known for her quick wit and determination. Obsidian, known for her roles in Sistas and If Beale Street Could Talk, brings energy and depth to the role, portraying Dixon’s resolve in the face of adversity.

3. Milauna Jackson as Sergeant Major Daisy Richardson

• Background: Milauna Jackson takes on the role of Sergeant Major Daisy Richardson, a key figure within the battalion who plays a pivotal role in maintaining morale and discipline among the troops. Jackson’s performance showcases the strength and leadership required to navigate the challenges of war.

4. Kylie Jefferson as Private Mildred Carter

• Background: Kylie Jefferson stars as Private Mildred Carter, a young soldier whose journey in the battalion represents the hope and determination of the women who served. Jefferson’s background as a dancer and actress brings a unique physicality to the role, highlighting Carter’s perseverance.

5. Shanice Shantay as Private Mildred Coles

• Background: Shanice Shantay portrays Private Mildred Coles, a dedicated and hardworking member of the 6888th. Shantay, known for her roles in Run the World and The Chi, brings nuance to the character, illustrating the personal sacrifices made by these women during the war.

6. Sarah Jeffery as Private Ruby Bradley

• Background: Sarah Jeffery takes on the role of Private Ruby Bradley, a young and determined soldier. Jeffery, known for her work in Charmed and Descendants, portrays Bradley’s journey with sensitivity and strength, adding depth to the battalion’s story.

7. Pepi Sonuga as Private Mary Morse

• Background: Pepi Sonuga stars as Private Mary Morse, a key member of the battalion. Sonuga, recognized for her roles in Famous in Love and 9-1-1, brings warmth and determination to the character, illustrating the bond between the women of the 6888th.

8. Moriah Brown as Private Willie May Johnson

• Background: Moriah Brown plays Private Willie May Johnson, a dedicated soldier whose commitment to the battalion’s mission is unwavering. Brown’s portrayal adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal challenges and triumphs faced by these women.

9. Jeanté Godlock as Private Ida Mae Callahan

• Background: Jeanté Godlock portrays Private Ida Mae Callahan, a spirited and courageous member of the battalion. Godlock, known for her roles in Daybreak and The Simone Biles Story, delivers a powerful performance that captures Callahan’s bravery and dedication.

10. Jay Reeves as Sergeant John Palmer

• Background: Jay Reeves plays Sergeant John Palmer, one of the few male characters in the film who supports the women’s mission. Reeves, known for his role in All American, brings a grounded and supportive presence to the cast.

11. Jeffery Johnson as Captain Robert Gray

• Background: Jeffery Johnson stars as Captain Robert Gray, a military officer who interacts with the battalion. Johnson’s role adds a layer of complexity to the story, illustrating the broader military context in which the 6888th operated.

12. Baadja-Lyne Odums as Mother Henrietta

• Background: Baadja-Lyne Odums plays Mother Henrietta, a figure representing the families left behind as the women serve abroad. Odums brings emotional depth to the role, portraying the sacrifices made by the soldiers and their loved ones.

13. Donna Biscoe as Grandmother Evelyn

• Background: Donna Biscoe takes on the role of Grandmother Evelyn, a character who symbolizes the generational impact of the women’s service. Biscoe’s performance adds a poignant touch to the narrative, reflecting on the legacy of the 6888th.

14. Gregg Sulkin as Lieutenant William Moore

• Background: Gregg Sulkin portrays Lieutenant William Moore, a young officer who interacts with the battalion. Sulkin, known for his roles in Wizards of Waverly Place and Runaways, adds complexity to the film with his portrayal of a character navigating the military hierarchy.

15. Scott Daniel Johnson as Colonel Edward Fox

• Background: Scott Daniel Johnson plays Colonel Edward Fox, a senior military officer overseeing the battalion’s mission. Johnson’s portrayal adds tension and drama to the story, illustrating the challenges faced by the women as they fulfill their duties.

16. Susan Sarandon as General Lucille

• Background: Susan Sarandon takes on the role of General Lucille, a high-ranking officer who plays a pivotal role in the story. Sarandon’s presence adds gravitas to the cast, highlighting the importance of leadership and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated military environment.

17. Dean Norris as Colonel Walter Davis

• Background: Dean Norris stars as Colonel Walter Davis, a key figure in the military command structure overseeing the 6888th Battalion. Norris, known for his role in Breaking Bad, brings intensity and authority to the role, adding depth to the military aspect of the story.

18. Sam Waterston as General John

• Background: Sam Waterston portrays General John, a senior military leader who interacts with the 6888th Battalion. Waterston’s performance, marked by his signature gravitas, adds weight to the narrative, showcasing the broader military and historical significance of the battalion’s mission.

Production and Direction

The Six Triple Eight is a powerful World War II drama brought to life by Tyler Perry, who not only directed and wrote the film but also served as a producer. The film, which tells the story of the war’s only Women’s Army Corps unit of color, features an all-star cast led by Kerry Washington. Perry was joined by producers Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tony L. Strickland, Keri Selig, and Carlota Espinosa in bringing this important and often overlooked piece of history to the screen. Their combined efforts ensure that the story of the 6888th Battalion is told with the respect and gravitas it deserves.

Challenges and Environments

Filming The Six Triple Eight presented unique challenges, particularly in accurately portraying the wartime conditions under which the battalion operated. The production team had to meticulously recreate the environment of 1940s Europe, including the large warehouses filled with mail that the women had to sort through under tight deadlines. The film also addresses the intersection of race and gender during this period, requiring careful handling of sensitive topics to ensure the story is told with the respect and dignity it deserves.

Trailer Highlights

The trailer for The Six Triple Eight provides a glimpse into the intense and inspiring journey of the 6888th Battalion. Key highlights include:

• The introduction of Major Charity Adams and her leadership as she motivates her battalion to take on the seemingly impossible task.
• Emotional scenes that capture the camaraderie among the women as they face both external and internal challenges.
• Dramatic sequences showing the battalion in action, sorting through mountains of mail under pressure.
• Moments of personal reflection and struggle, as the women confront the realities of war and the prejudice they face.

Critical Reception and Fan Anticipation

The Six Triple Eight is highly anticipated, particularly among fans of historical dramas and those interested in untold stories of World War II. Early buzz suggests that the film will be both a critical and commercial success, with particular praise for its cast and the depth of its storytelling. Critics are expected to highlight the film’s focus on an often overlooked aspect of history and its powerful portrayal of the strength and resilience of African American women during the war.

Director of The Six Triple Eight

The Six Triple Eight is an upcoming American war drama film written and directed by Tyler Perry, inspired by a 2019 WWII History magazine article by Kevin M. Hymel. Perry’s direction brings his unique vision to this powerful story, highlighting the courage and resilience of the only all-Black, all-female battalion during World War II. The film is set for a limited theatrical release on December 6, 2024, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on December 20, 2024.

Release Date

The Six Triple Eight is set to premiere on 20 December offering audiences a chance to witness this incredible story of courage, leadership, and perseverance.

Overall Review

The Six Triple Eight is a must-watch for anyone interested in World War II history, African American history, or stories of women’s contributions to major historical events. With a stellar cast, meticulous production, and a story that resonates with both historical significance and emotional impact, the film stands as a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the 6888th Battalion.

ALSO READ: MONSTERS The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT OFFICIAL TRAILER NETFLIX