Two idealistic young Bostonians lead the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, America's first Black regiment in the Civil War. Based on the true story of the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War. Robert Gould Shaw and Cabot Forbes are two idealistic young Bostonians that lead the regiment; Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins is the inspiration who unites the troops ; Pvt. Trip is a runaway slave who joins the regiment.

Originally released as a motion picture in 1989. Based on the letters by Robert Gould Shaw ; based on the book "Lay this laurel" by Lincoln Kirstein ; based on the book "One gallant rush" by Peter Burchard.