In what will hopefully be an emmy nominated perfomance, Tichina Arnold, who's best known for her roles in 'Martin' as well as 'Everyone Hates Chris', does a serious turn in the TV drama, 'The Lena Baker Story'.
'The Lena Baker Story' takes place in the early 1900's through 1945 in Cuthbert, Georgia. It's the story of one woman's attempt to rise above the challenges of life, the choices she makes, and the consequences of those choices. The moment she thinks she has overcome her inner demons, she is called to work for Elliot Arthur, a father, a millworker and a drunk. As their relationship unfolds, it becomes strange, strained, and highly unacceptable for the time. Elliot Arthur needs Lena and in return Lena seems to need him. He abuses her and keeps her from her children by imprisoning her in his home. When she has finally had enough, Lena stands up and attempts to break free from the bondage of Elliot Arthur. A struggle ensues, and Elliot Arthur, a white man, is shot by Lena Baker, an African-American woman, on a hot, humid night in Southwest Georgia in 1945.
A jury of 12 white men, her subpoenaed peers, found Lena guilty of murder in less than 6 hours. She received the death penalty as her sentence, earning Lena Baker a place in history as the first and only woman to be sentenced to death by electric chair in the state Georgia. She was pardoned posthumously in 2005.
'The Lena Baker Story' was written, directed, and produced by Ralph Wilcox. It is based on a true story and was inspired by Dr. Lela Bond Phillips' book Lena Baker Story.
Cast also includes Beverly Todd, Peter Coyote, Michael Rooker.
No airdate has been set as of yet.
Comments: (19)
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By: Britspeaks on 7/17/2008 1:43PM
Hopefully Tichina will get her just do...so many of our black actresses go unnoticed.
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By: Robbie Rob on 7/17/2008 12:44PM
This will be amazing....but I'm usually torn when viewing stories like this....entertained by the talents of those portraying those who've struggled so in the not-so-distant past, and emotionally drained and frustrated by the ignorance and hatred of others who were the perpetrators of those times.
None the less, I know that Ms. Arnold will be excellent in her role as Ms. Baker. It's great to see her in a serious acting role.
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By: charnie01 on 7/17/2008 12:48PM
WOW! I have read so many things about the lives of black people and I never knew about the story of Lena Baker. It just proves to me that there are so many stories out there about us. Many of our grandmothers and grandfathers have stories to tell of those times. I can't wait to see this movie. I am so glad that our stories and our struggles are finally being told. Tichina Arnold seems to shine in this film.
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By: Robbie Rob on 7/17/2008 12:52PM
This story will be as interesting as it will be a learning experience for many - I'm a little embarrassed to say I've never even heard of this woman....I can tell from viewing the trailer that it will be an amazing movie....however, I'm usually torn when watching stories like this....entertained by the talents of those portraying the poor souls
who've struggled so in the not-so-distant past, and emotionally drained and frustrated by the ignorance and hatred of others who were the perpetrators of those times.
None the less, I know that Ms. Arnold will be excellent in her role as Ms. Baker. I look forward to seeing her versatility as a serious actress.
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By: jclark23323@gmail.com on 7/17/2008 3:18PM
It's great to see her in a more serious role and it looks pretty damn good. It is also nice to see Beverly Todd again. Very important story to be told. I hope they both get nominated
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By: Impressed on 7/18/2008 8:15AM
Kudos to Tricina! This trailer shows great talents. Thanks to 'The Lena Baker Story' that was written, directed, and produced by Ralph Wilcox and special thanks to the inspiration by Dr. Lela Bond Phillips. Once again, history is being shared through the eyes of our leaders. I am looking forward to this gift of awareness. Thanks again for sharing the truth...another young person who wants to know where they are coming from...
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By: Dee Gray on 7/18/2008 10:28AM
WOW!WOW !! Tichina Arnold--You are my girl...I love you. You are a great Actress. YES, I hope you finally get your do. Many have overlooked your talent for too too long. God Bless you MUCH and keep up the GREAT WORK YOU DO. I've got to tell my young African American boys/girls about The Lena Baker Story also. We ned to hear more of the struggles and accomplishments of our Black family. PEACE DEE GRAY SIGNING OFF.
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By: DAC on 7/18/2008 11:58AM
Thank You God for giving her this opportunity. I am so Happy for Tichina Arnold, she has earned this role and I know she will do Very Well.
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By: DAC on 7/18/2008 12:01PM
I am sorry to say I never heard about this story and I'm glad it's being told.
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By: NA-NA-BOO-BOO on 7/18/2008 4:21PM
THREE CHEERS FOR TICHINA ARNOLD. MANY BLESSINGS TO HER. IT IS SO VERY SAD HOW SO MANY OF OUR EXTREMELY TALENTED BLACK ACTRESSES GET MEDIOCRE WORK OR MOSTLY GET IGNORED IN HOLLYWOOD JUST BECAUSE OF THEIR BEAUTIFUL "DARKER SKIN".
PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL
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