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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: Gatynelle Dawson on 7/18/2008 4:10PM
I had the opportunity to veiw this film and it indeed pulled emotions out of me that are not often exhibited. The story alone is heart wrenching and hard to absorb. BUT Ms. Arnold handled this role with great respect to Ms. Lena Baker, she was absolutely phenomenal and definitely deserves an Emmy. Don't miss you chance to veiw this film because you will develope a whole new respect for Tichina Arnold as an actress, once you view this film.
Lena Baker would have been proud of you Ms. Arnold!!!
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By: BedSty on 7/18/2008 4:53PM
I wonder why was the name of the white man killed changed? His name was Ernest B. Knight. Where did the name Elliot Arthur come from? Can someone answer my question?
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By: say it aint so on 7/18/2008 11:22PM
beedie bead is so talented and its a great thing she gets a chance to show off her gift.
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By: Thomaseenia on 7/18/2008 11:39PM
I'm gonna love to see this movie, Tichina Arnold is a stellar actress, I just love her, I wish I knew the air date so I could program it.... I can't wait for the air time.
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By: Cassandra Moore- Bailey on 7/20/2008 6:55AM
Why is the real name of the culprit not being revealed? If , Ernest Knight maintained such a perverse, derogatory and racist disposition, I am sure that he has living relatives that can maintain the belief that this is something that could possible be gratifying. My grandparents lived not to far from Cuthbert , GA ,in Arlington, GA, and the feelings and emotions concerning race relations hasn't evolved. We need to send a message that we are human and not all things are constructive. Somehow his name needs to be in the story minutes= let's give credit where credit is due.
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By: Dr. Arelious Knighton Jr. on 7/21/2008 11:04PM
I shared the same school desk with James Baker, Mrs.
Lena Baker's son. We were about second or third grade.
I agree with several of the comments; Gene Knight was the real name of the white man Mrs. Baker killed that Sunday night. The people of Cuthbert, Georgia, both black and white, cannot identify with the name Elliot Arthur as the white man who Lena Baker shot. An accurate portrayal of this terrible injustice is necessary to help bring closure to those who remember the racist Jim Crow laws of Georgia during those days and will never forget Mrs. Lena Baker and her children.
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By: Typhillps on 7/22/2008 3:13PM
Been in love with Ms. Arnold since forever I'm waiting for this.
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By: debora on 7/30/2008 9:16AM
Always when White people need someone to take care of them, they look to the black female. Stories like this and there are many is painful.
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By: Catrina on 3/11/2009 8:47PM
I never thought this story would ever be heard. I rememember my great-grandmother telling me this story I also remember she told me they hung a black person from a clock there as well. I am from Cuthbert, my granny use to tell me a lot of things that has gone on in that small town. Its unbelieveable! It's still a racist town.
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