Lee film to focus on black soldiers

Spike Lee announced plans Tuesday to make a movie he hopes will highlight the contribution of black American soldiers in World War II who fought and died to liberate Europe.

The film will spotlight the courage of black soldiers who, despite suffering discrimination at home, offered a contribution that has so far gone largely unnoticed in other Hollywood movies, Lee said. “We have black people who are fighting for democracy who at the same time are classified as second-class citizens,” the filmmaker said.

Based on the novel “Miracle at St. Anna” by James McBride, the movie will tell the story of four members of the Army’s all-black 92nd “Buffalo Soldier” Division. Shooting of the $45-million film is planned for early 2008.