35 Facts About The Movie Six Triple Eight (2024)

Six Triple Eight: A Glimpse into History

"Six Triple Eight" is a period drama directed by Tyler Perry, set during World War II. The film tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a predominantly African American women's unit that served overseas. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this movie.

1. Title and Plot: The movie is titled "Six Triple Eight," referring to the battalion's unique designation. The plot revolves around the battalion's mission to clear a three-year backlog of undelivered mail in the European Theater of Operations.

2. Historical Context: The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was formed in 1945, with over 800 African American women serving in the unit. They were the only predominantly black women's Army Corps battalion to serve overseas during World War II.

Leadership and Cast

The film features a stellar cast that brings the historical figures to life, led by Kerry Washington.

3. Leadership: Kerry Washington stars as Captain Charity Adams, the commander of the 6888th battalion. Captain Adams is portrayed as a strong leader who faces numerous challenges, including discrimination and sexism.

4. Supporting Cast: The movie features a diverse cast, including Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, and Shanice Shantay. Susan Sarandon plays First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who played a crucial role in advocating for the involvement of black women in the war effort.

5. Oprah Winfrey's Role: Oprah Winfrey portrays Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a respected educator and public figure who advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Dr. Bethune was instrumental in pushing for the involvement of black women in the war effort.

Behind the Scenes

Tyler Perry's direction and the production team's efforts bring this historical drama to life.

6. Tyler Perry's Direction: The film is written and directed by Tyler Perry, known for his work in films like "Madea Goes to Jail" and "Boo A Madea Halloween." Perry's direction brings a unique perspective to the historical events depicted in the movie.

7. Production Team: The production team includes Nicole Avant, Angi Bones, Tyler Perry, Keri Selig, Tony Strickland, and Carlota Espinosa as producers. The film is produced by Tyler Perry Studios, Intuition Film Productions, Netflix, and Mandalay Pictures.

8. Release Date: The movie was released in limited theaters on December 6, 2024, and became available on Netflix on December 20, 2024.

9. Runtime: The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes, providing a detailed and immersive experience for viewers.

10. Genre: The movie falls under the genres of drama and war, highlighting the historical context and personal struggles of the characters.

11. Original Language: The original language of the film is English, ensuring that the story is accessible to a broad audience.

Historical Accuracy and Significance

The film aims to maintain historical accuracy while providing a compelling narrative.

12. Historical Accuracy: The film aims to maintain historical accuracy while also providing a compelling narrative. It highlights the challenges faced by the women in the battalion, including racism and sexism.

13. Congressional Gold Medal: In 2022, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for their contributions during World War II.

14. Mission Objective: The primary mission of the 688th was to clear the backlog of undelivered mail, which was crucial for boosting the morale of soldiers fighting in Europe. The motto "No Mail, Low Morale" encapsulates the importance of their task.

15. Challenges Faced: The women in the battalion faced numerous challenges, including discrimination, sexism, and the harsh conditions of war. Despite these obstacles, they managed to sort over 17 million pieces of mail ahead of time.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

The film delves into the personal lives and struggles of the characters.

16. Leadership by Example: Captain Charity Adams sets an example of leadership and determination. Her character is portrayed as someone who inspires her team to overcome the challenges they face.

17. Personal Struggles: The film also delves into the personal struggles of the characters. For example, one of the main characters, Lena, joins the battalion after her beau goes off to war and is reportedly killed in action.

18. Racial Undertones: The movie tackles racial undertones prevalent during World War II. It poignantly illustrates how these attitudes were counter-productive and challenged stereotypical attitudes.

19. Acting Talent: The acting talent in the film includes Kerry Washington, who is competent but not outstanding in her role. However, Shanice Shantay's performance as Johnnie Mae stands out for its liveliness and earthiness.

20. Awards and Nominations: The movie has received three wins and two nominations, although specific details about these awards are not provided in the available sources.

Promotion and Reception

The film's promotion and reception have been noteworthy.

21. Trailers and Promotions: The film has several trailers available, including an official trailer, teaser trailers, and a preview for Netflix's series and movies in 2024.

22. Photos and Cast List: The movie features 34 photos and a detailed cast list, including notable actors like Sam Waterston and Gregg Sulkin.

23. Comparison with Other Films: The movie is compared to other films like "Maria," "The Piano Lesson," and "Blitz," which are all period dramas with similar themes of historical significance and personal struggle.

24. Netflix Streaming: The film is available to stream on Netflix, making it accessible to a wide audience interested in historical dramas and war movies.

Legacy and Impact

The movie highlights the historical significance and legacy of the 6888th battalion.

25. Historical Significance: The movie highlights the historical significance of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It is a testament to the contributions made by African American women during World War II.

26. Educational Value: The film has educational value, providing insights into the experiences of African American women during World War II. It serves as a tool for teaching about this period in history.

27. Cultural Impact: The movie is expected to have a cultural impact by shedding light on a lesser-known chapter in American history. It aims to inspire audiences with the stories of these brave women.

28. Support from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt plays a crucial role in advocating for the involvement of black women in the war effort. Her character is portrayed by Susan Sarandon in the film.

29. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s Advocacy: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, portrayed by Oprah Winfrey, was instrumental in pushing for the involvement of black women in the war effort. Her advocacy helped pave the way for the formation of the 6888th battalion.

Tyler Perry’s Unique Touch

Tyler Perry’s direction and writing bring a unique perspective to the historical events depicted in the movie.

30. Tyler Perry’s Writing Style: Tyler Perry’s writing style brings a unique perspective to the historical events depicted in the movie. His direction and writing ensure that the story is engaging and emotionally resonant.

31. Themes of Resilience and Determination: The film explores themes of resilience and determination. The characters face numerous challenges but remain steadfast in their mission to clear the backlog of undelivered mail.

32. Historical Accuracy in Details: The film includes historical accuracy in details such as the use of hangars full of rotting envelopes and packages, which adds to the authenticity of the story.

33. Impact on Morale: The film highlights how the work of the 6888th battalion had a significant impact on the morale of soldiers fighting in Europe. The timely delivery of mail boosted their spirits and kept them connected to home.

34. Legacy of the 6888th Battalion: The legacy of the 6888th battalion is celebrated in the film. It serves as a testament to the bravery and dedication of African American women who served during World War II.

35. Critical Reception: While the film has received positive reviews for its historical significance and engaging narrative, some critics have noted that the execution is somewhat bland and that the acting talent is not outstanding in all roles.

The Legacy of Six Triple Eight

"Six Triple Eight" (2024) shines a spotlight on the incredible story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Directed by Tyler Perry, this film captures the essence of resilience and determination displayed by over 800 African American women during World War II. With standout performances by Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and Susan Sarandon, the movie brings to life the challenges and triumphs of these unsung heroes.

Their mission to clear a massive backlog of undelivered mail was crucial for maintaining soldier morale. Despite facing racism and sexism, they sorted over 17 million pieces of mail, proving their mettle. The film not only entertains but educates, highlighting a significant yet often overlooked chapter in history. Available on Netflix, "Six Triple Eight" is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas and the contributions of African American women during the war.