Cast of 'Detroit' stops by Motown Museum

DETROIT, Mich. - They play Motown music-makers The Dramatics in the upcoming film 'Detroit'. On Sunday, they stopped by Hitsville U.S.A. for a look at the history they were portraying.

The film is based on the shootings at the Algiers Motel during the riots and rebellion in July 1967.

The actors touring the Motown Museum did some of the filming at the same place.

"It feels good to be back here. We filmed here a little bit while we were shooting so it's crazy to see it back in museum state right now," said Joseph David Jones.

"They had mics in here like back in the '60s, exactly how Studio A was."

Actor Leon Thomas appreciates the music that came with the role.

"It's really great to step into a drama and to step into something that's based in music because I'm definitely a musician at heart."

Not lost on these actors and musicians is just how heavily the events of 1967 still weigh on this city.

"This film holds a lot of weight spiritually, physically," says Algee Smith. 

"Even while we were shooting it, we'd make a point to say how we were praying during those scenes because we know the type of energy that it has."

Joseph David Jones says fostering unity is an important takeaway from the film.

"Our main goal for this is to try to bring together a community," says Jones.

"Just try to in a sense bring empathy and understanding toward what it's like to be a black man in America and I think this film does a really great job at it."