Thornwell (1981) | Glynn Turman Howard Rollins, Jr

Based on a true story. US soldier James Thornwell was one of his own Army's victims: he was used for macabre drug experimentation. It took 16 years to reveal the truth behind his suffering. CIA Experiments
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Posted for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.
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[@FocalPointElisa]

Glynn Turman was on WBLS tonight promoting a new project. And when asked about a memorable project he talked about Thornwell. History won't be erased.

[@floydthompson8668]

REELBLACK, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR AWESOME ARCHIVES! I HAVE COLLECTED BLACK HISTORY DOCUMENTARIES OVER 30 YEARS, YOU HAVE FILMS AND DOCUMENTARIES I NEVER KNEW EXISTED. ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME, AS AMERICA STRUGGLES TO RECONCILE ITS OWN HISTORY, YOUR WORK IS VITAL AND APPRECIATED!

[@reelblack]

thanks Floyd

[@floydthompson8668]

@@reelblack YOU ARE EVER SO WELCOME!!!!

[@RAMONECRUTE]

YOU ARE APPRECIATED

[@indigohammer5732]

Caps Lock broken?

[@Grampvoorhees513]

Glynn Turman did a hell of a job as always, He is a phenomenal underrated actor! This Movie made me extremely angry! A realistic example of the powers that be trying to fit a square peg into a round hole just to unlawfully burn the Brother Man! Great content as always Mike D. Happy Belated 1 million subscribers! Much deserved! Peace King!💪🏿✊🏾💯👍🏾

[@obedirect5491]

&I approve this message. Reelblack is the real deal.

[@tom11zz884]

The US Government has a history of experimenting on Blacks. James Thornwell is just a part of this long list of experiments sadly. May he R.I.P.

[@brendaphillips6379]

This movie about James Thornwell was reality for so many people who became victims of this society of racism and fascism. After polygraphing the entire unit that Thornwell was in they made him the scapegoat simply because he knew who he was. He was an intellectual who was also cultured and spiritual. The evils were the agencies, the army that wanted to keep him in control. They kept asking him what happened to the documents. He told them that he knew nothing about what was missing. I believe that they were just hell bent on ruining an intelligent black man’s life. I speak from experience, because I have experienced injustice due to what someone has said about me. The truth is when you are outnumbered, and black the powers that be won’t believe the truth if it slapped them in the face. That’s how evil oppressors operate. I hope that at the end that Thornwell found solace and happiness . It was an inhuman treatment that was done to Thronwell. I also hope that his family were able to be compensated for what was done to Mr. James Thornwell. 😢 In December 5, 1980 the US Army did award Mr. Thorn with $625,000 for the hardship that he endured. To me that was crumbs. 😢😭😢🤬😱

[@HER_ROOTS]

He is not dead!

[@SonOfTheRighthand7]

Sad.

[@Lynn.B.]

This was so difficult to watch, but so necessary. Thank you for the upload.

[@bignhumble]

I saw the 60 Minutes report on this story. It made my blood boil

[@cookiescorner]

This movie made my blood boil. 🤬

[@floydthompson8668]

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHY AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS CAN NEVER BE TRUSTED TO TEACH AMERICAN HISTORY (BLACK HISTORY ). TEACHING OUR CHILDREN OUR HISTORY IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

[@Mc007-]

What dose public school have to do with this situation

[@floydthompson8668]

@@Mc007- The answer is in your question.

[@christophertracy2807]

If only more of us understood and abiding by that undeniable rule

[@RAMONECRUTE]

ABSOLUTELY EXACTLY

[@pattiamoh1136]

Reparations now the amount reward wasn't enough he will never be the same they lied about the documents

[@GMANKOOL23]

One of the greatest of examples of interrogation by the police . The fact that they tried to coerce this man into saying he was guilty was sickening . He just wanted it to be over , and told them anything he thought might get them off of his case . The sad part is that it's happened like this for billions of black men , and sadly.....the truth never comes out .

[@venetiakelley]

When I was a young lady, this is what the courts did to me: talked me into pleading guilty for something.

[@ElleBrOw]

Good eve reelblack 🙋🏽‍♀️ Family voted for “The Harder They Fall” tonight. Please tell Mr Woods thanks for the insight on this one 💞

[@reelblack]

You got it!

[@anyahnacolman8636]

THEY HAVE DID SO MUCH DAMAGE TO OUR PEOPLE , AND FEEL THAT THERE IS NO PENALTY , BUT THE MOST HIGH HAS NOT FORGOTTEN HIS CHILDREN . THE JUGEMENT OF THE WICKED , THOUGH THEY HOLD THEMSELVES NOT GUILTY.............

[@edwardswessonjr1241]

These.monsters that did that to him and innocent people CAN ALL BURN IN HELL!

[@brendaphillips6379]

Well said…God’s will be done.

[@GarwinWayne]

I remember when this came out on CBS. Sadly he passed away in 1984 RIP James Thornwell

[@obedirect5491]

WHAAT!! A true story? Thank u, I will research to learn more. So sad and the USA cld care less.

[@dm.walker7800]

Sorry to hear that!! It's extremely tough for black men in this country.

[@THENEWZ24]

Just came here from another channel exposing MK Ultra and someone recommended this movie.

[@bornuhuru]

"When he got out of the Army, James had changed from a promising young man he'd become a misfit. He was unable to carry on the most basic of social interactions." This tells the truth of so many of us. I am a OIF 1 veteran and I am exactly James in this quote.

[@venetiakelley]

I am not a Vet (my father was). But I still battle against PTSD.,

[@obedirect5491]

@Venetia I think your PTSD is like second hand smoking. Our proximity to sickness can make us sick.

[@obedirect5491]

@43:00

[@barbaraknight4203]

My Dad 💧

[@RAMONECRUTE]

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE FROM THE HEART!!!!!!!

[@kidgrebo1]

Nothing surprises me with the US government

[@Riogi]

So true.

[@brendaphillips6379]

Glynn Turman is an excellent actor. His portrayal of Mr. Thornwell was epic. As I watched this movie with deep emotions, I felt some of the pain that that was projected on the screen. As descent of African warriors brought to this land of oppression it upsets me that no matter how hard you try to succeed the oppressive forces still exist even today. 😢 Have mercy on your children dear Lord. 🙏🏽

[@cookiescorner]

Thank you for sharing this part of history in the U.S. Reelblack One. I had no idea this happened. I have so much more to learn and this channel is a one stop shop for A+ (aka APLUS or African People Living in the US or African People Living Under the Sun) history, entertainment and education. ❤🖤💚

[@jimcarroll695]

jf Flawrida or texASS gets it's way, Non of this would be known by anyone

[@tcrump212IsLmbrJck_t]

The cognitive dissonance we have to endure... #tuskegeeandtherest

[@venetiakelley]

🙏🏽And enduring still.

[@obedirect5491]

Your hashtag says it ALL!

[@pepperjonesugoChristian]

Along with all of the things that Dr. Kunjufu recommends we all must learn the law in order to improve the condition of our lives. And also read to our children, have reading clubs where the family is engaged in reading a new book together - family appropriate lit - or audiobooks. A great possible replacement for television.

[@Riogi]

This is awful and so sad. You do not treat fellow human beings as THINGS. This is an arrogant and evil mentality that will one day be met with Divine retribution.

[@cirdecyam]

It's not an experiment if it once was tried before. Sounds like a strategy.

[@joeclayton4967]

Another great MTM Production. Glynn Turman is an amazing actor.

[@brooksmelvin5666]

This the same political, cultural and educational scenario since we have been colonized and oppressed for the last 600 years. (1492) Checkmate.

[@brooksmelvin5666]

Thank You All (ASE)

[@broadwaybiz211]

Thanks for this upload

[@RainRelaxRadio]

In 1981 I was in the 11th grade. One of my good friends at school was Glenn Truman Jr. Sometimes we called him Russell. He looked EXACTLY like his father. I mean exactly. When this movie came out everyone at school would pass by Glenn and say, I do not have the documents! We didn't realize this was based on a real story back then. The summer of 1984 or 85 Glenn and I hung out for the whole summer. He stayed at my place while I was in college, he had a job with his Dad who was making the Twilight Zone movie. I guess he was the stand in for his Dad. I don't remember. At that time I thought he was in the movie, which I've still never seen. Sadly in 1986 Glenn was killed at the beach when someone got mad at him over a parking spot. Terrible and senseless. I always think of him and wish he could have been around to be a part of everything his friends have done over the years

[@barneyronnie]

I guess you forgot his name: Glynn Turman, jr. LIAR!!

[@RainRelaxRadio]

@@barneyronnie you must have an emotional issue going on to be so triggered by someone you don't even know. I didn't forget his name, It was Glynn Russell Turman. We called him Glynn or Jr to tease him because he looked and sound just like his father. He was my friend and is very missed.

[@barneyronnie]

@@RainRelaxRadio Well, I knew the original Mr. Thornwell. Was just curious about the incorrect spellings. The government destroyed James' life. Take care.

[@RainRelaxRadio]

@@barneyronnie That's very very interesting about know Mr. Thornwell. I am not a typer, I type with two fingers very fast like a news reporter from the 1950s so I'll misspell words sometimes. Most of the time I read what I write but sometimes I miss things or may not read it if its a quick reply. I mean to spell Glynn's name Turman. I sure would like to know more about the real Mr. Thornwell.

[@barneyronnie]

@@RainRelaxRadio I apologize for coming across as rude. Technology sometimes makes it Easier to misspell words which is ironic. James was a shell of a human being, suffering intense panic attacks, horrible anxiety and a persistent feeling of unreality/depersonalization. He and I were both enrolled in a research study for extreme anxiety at USC. He struck me as a VERY intelligent man, but the LSD torture produced so much damage to his psyche that it was impossible for James to recover. His ability to concentrate was virtually nonexistent, and he told me that the cause involved intrusive thoughts and hallucinations. It seemed as though he had the worst case of ADD that people had ever seen. Sometimes, we were asked to complete a task, like taking a bus. One time he began screaming and crying on the bus and wanted off. He'd forgotten why we were on the bus and the destination. That man suffered more than anybody I had ever known. After the study, we would occasionally talk on the phone, but eventually he forgot who I was. I cried for him and his living hell. His large settlement did nothing to make him happy. He occasionally could dazzle people by amazing math calculations in his head. Finally, he never took his suffering out on others. I knew him long ago for a short time, but can still remember that on rare occasions when he smiled, it lit up the room. RIP James (Never Again)

[@RealEyes.Realize.RealLies]

Wow this is beyond sinister. My heart goes out to James Thornwell. After watching this, I felt like I was about to snap.

[@467-k1m]

What a sad, sad story. I have, many years ago taken pure LSD. If you don't watch out it over. Hopefully, James has improved. I wish him all the best forever. Sincerely, Sentebay in 🇺🇸 at 80+ years old.

[@geraldinekearns8198]

This was an emotional movie but had a lot of relevance. I was in the 4th grade when this 1st premiered.

[@lisawalls1007]

BLESSED EVENING STAY SAFE

[@urbansmoothent4]

This was so scary to me as a kid, I never watched it again. I can’t even watch it now 😢

[@Susieq26754]

Almighty God, Jesus Christ is coming back soon, and when He does many are going down. Revelation 13

[@mariposamarshall9773]

Along with Syphillis experiments on black service men- Mr. Thornwell sued for 10 million and was awarded a paltry $625,000- WHAT AN INSULT

[@THENEWZ24]

This man has been through a lot😢

[@BlackedOutExcalibur]

I’m 27 and haven’t seen this in a while 👌🏾👌🏾

[@jnadle1]

While portions of the film were shot in France, much of the film was shot at CBS Studio Center, Studio City.

[@angelae5748]

1:02:12 Was there a "stolen document", or was that a false pretense? If there was an actual document, what information did it contain? And, who actually stole the document? I ask these questions because if they were tryng to get info out of Thornwell for weeks or months, the so-called enemy has had the info for weeks or months, and you cannot undo that.

[@babysweettart]

Great movie. Thank you

[@omennemo8844]

Why did he say he took the documents while everyone was sitting around? Even joking I would have never admitted to something I didn't do.

[@thelastshallbefirst6531]

H was using his wit. After so many times of being interrogated, any human being will result to sarcasm and cynicism when pushed to the limits. Good example of how false confessions are obtained.

[@467-k1m]

Never say never. Folks have ways to get to you. Never say NEVER.

[@omennemo8844]

@@467-k1m Under these circumstances I would NEVER admit to something I didn't do. First of all I would say nothing and ask for an attorney.

[@omennemo8844]

@@467-k1m I would ask for an attorney and say nothing. I have been there and done that.

[@janiceharley9051]

What a Serious movie. I believe that this happens everyday. I have a son that was in a Boy's home and I know they gave him Something and he was never the same Confused and depressed forever this happen at 14 years old he took the Principle son Halloween candy. He's 42 years now and as a young boy his IQ was high very. Now he's never gotten older than 14 years of age. Janice Harley I love him and I am Struggling with him 😩

[@JVfsail]

Blessings to you and your son.

[@janiceharley9051]

Thank you so much for your concern Appreciated Janice Harley

[@dm.walker7800]

Sorry to hear that!! It is extremely tough for black men in this country.

[@quietstorm7684]

In 1984, he was found in a swimming pool. He was 46 years old. 🖤🖤🖤

[@edwardswessonjr1241]

Those monsters murdered.

[@ericjennings853]

Wow crazy story i wonder if they ever figured out what really happened with those documents

[@thelastshallbefirst6531]

probably was misplaced or thrown in the trash. If the papers were left on the desk for anyone to access, well that would explain the carelessness of the woman for not securing those papers.

[@colinstewart1432]

Don't believe they were ever mislaid. All I know is, I didn't take the documents.

[@BassGods]

52:24 I recognized this guy from other movies, from back then. Someone's always messing with his old lady. Lol

[@Yahnell9thking126]

Thwre are no words right now, to exspress, the , way i fell, about what i just , saw as a true story ! May YahWeh be with his young son !!!

[@Yahnell9thking126]

Unbelievable pressure this mam endured , ! From , France Police , America CIA & Military !

[@destressfrlyf843]

Folk will have hell to pay Wed better get things right so we don't catch hell twice

[@obedirect5491]

@59:20 that scene is harrowing. The USA is dangerous to a Black person’s humanity.

[@evelynlee4265]

Thanks. Amazing facts.

[@derricklester9210]

Wow the Beautiful black lady lieutenant and Glynn Truman played on the River Niger together. Remember she was Gail looking for help

[@lmoore7779]

The "interrogations" hurt me to my soul!! Thornwell was stronger than any of those racist bastards!

[@michaelkeene588]

I feel like this type of activity could drift into the civilian world as well, if we're not carful. I work for a lawn care service. I'm afraid this sort of treatment could happen to me or someone else on a job, in church, the school system, even in the Church system. ( IN THE CIVILIAN WOULD). Yeah I'm concerned.

[@petercollie9251]

😷💉🤪 1st Corinthians 6:19 definitely mind control the information came from a television tell a vision👁 remote control program room wall socket Revelation 18:23 your Candlestick is your soul you are married to Christ he is your husband and your deceiver is the devil Job 13:4 as Morpheus said how far do you want to go down the rabbit hole💊 Matthew 6:22-23💲👁💲🙊🙉🙈🌎🌍🌏🌎

[@jimcarroll695]

We were and Still are viewed as the suspect of anything that goes wrong if we are involved It's Iterating h ow his name is James and I'm viewing this on the 100th Birthday anniversary of James Baldwin and how paralleled this scenario is with his own experience Here and how it's juxtaposed in France

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

"uglyblack body" but no racism... in the past

[@paulj0557tonehead]

2:06 October 6th, 1977 ...in 7 days I turn 12...in 7 more Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane sadly crashes and Kamala Harris turns 13. 1977 seems like forever ago, but it's etched in my mind. I miss it so.

[@mrsorte7696]

Like 200 from BRAZIL

[@jimcarroll695]

where is this thing going ? !1 it's been over half of the "film" and its' just dragging on, on the same thing.. repetitively like his SAME response to their SAME repetitive Question. Time to move on.

[@benjamlnlewis6836]

Stop the commentary on this. Pay attention on the date & time on this 1.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

I imagine this is how the total BULLSHlT J6 interrogations went. "Names, Give us the names! Give us the documents. We must have the documents!"

[@seanmason4679]

Young mayor Royce from " The wire"

[@glostonandersoniii2443]

They are the devil's own.

[@keithwatkins8416]

Manipulation is real

[@Atl8720]

13

[@markzucker3949]

Example of Donald Trump

[@jobethgardner9448]

AS IT WAS DONE UNTO MY BROTHER SO SHALL IT BE DONE UNTO THEM. LORD WILLING. ❤😊....

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