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CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!
A sledgehammer right fist; Heavyweight Boxing Champion at age 23; the most popular man in America; “boxing reform” activist and a ten-year foe of the Police Gazette publisher who wants him dethroned. And an alcoholic. And a lover. "RECOMMEND" Dave Trottier (author "The Screenwriter's Bible") Multiple contest wins and placements.
Sullivan’s exuberant lifestyle captures the American spirit. He becomes the most popular figure in the US and a world-wide celebrity. But Sullivan angers Police Gazette publisher Richard Kyle Fox which begins a 10-year feud. Fox continually imports overseas fighters to dethrone Sullivan; none succeeds.
John L. sails to England, defeats English champion Charley Mitchell and has a lively encounter with the Prince of Wales. Back home, he goes theatrical and stars in a melodramatic stage play written for him; it is widely successful. He also begins a relationship with singer Ann Livingston, who becomes his lover/companion.
Sullivan eventually accepts Fox’s challenge to a bare knuckle champion fight against Jake Kilrain. The famed “Fight of the Century” lasts 75 rounds! Kilrain is no match for John L. Kilrain’s manager throws in the towel.
John L. doesn’t defend his title for next three years; resumes his notorious lifestyle, theatrical career and lecture tours.
Contemplating retirement, Sullivan (34) agrees to fight newcomer James J. Corbett (26). Corbett dances around the champion for 20 rounds, but secures a knockout in the 21st – the only defeat in John L.’s career.
Sullivan then stops drinking and becomes a nationwide advocate of temperance. He speaks at temperance meetings; tours with axe-and-bible prohibitionist Carrie Nation. John L.’s new persona restores his popularity. He is even asked to run for Congress, and hobnobs with President Teddy Roosevelt.
At age 46, Sullivan is goaded into an exhibition fight with 26-year old newcomer who promotes himself as the new John L. John L. knocks him unconscious -- for five minutes!
After retiring, Sullivan is feted at Madison Square Garden where a young boxer pushes the old man aside in the dressing room. Sullivan grabs him; “I may be the ex-heavyweight champion, kiddo, but I can still lick any sonofabitch in the house!”
“RECOMMEND” Dave Trottier (Author, The Screenwriter’s Bible)
Screenplays
Jim specializes in screenplays based on historical true events (including musicals), bio/pics and/or disasters. In alphabetical order:
“BOJANGLES, EUBIE AND BERT!” Three Black musical legends of the past – Bert Williams, Eubie Blake and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson – relive their show business success in spite of racism and theatrical bigotry.
ScriptLinks
Post Your Script Here!LIKE PULLING TEETH
When in 1910 New York City a dentist accidently finds himself with a second job as a private investigator, he eavesdrops on one of the greatest country-changing secret meetings, becoming a dangerous loose end.
Xanadu Shores: Proof of Concept (PoC)
Two ex-pilots become embroiled in a kidnapping and gold heist, after an employer's scheme escalates from theft to kidnapping.
Xanadu Shores 12 Pages.w
Two ex-pilots become embroiled in a kidnapping and gold heist, after an employer's scheme escalates from theft to kidnapping.
RUNNING FROM DEATH
Trials and tribulations of the notorious John Wesley Hardin, 1800’s Texas gunfighter, who’s gunfighting abilities are tested while he runs from death throughout his life.
AT THE MERCY OF FAITH
A former preacher, haunted by the tragic rape/murder of his twin sister, spirals into darkness as supernatural forces, both angelic and demonic, wage war for his soul.
PITTSBURGH PHIL
Biopic of Harry Strauss, a.k.a.
Suicide Prevention - Please Hold
Ex Navy Pilot returns home anticipating matrimony, abandoned by his bride to be, contemplating suicide.
THE SOCIAL POLICE
Twenty years from now, an FBI agent patrols the social media.
CIRQUE D' ETOILES
*** Russian astronaut, thrown out of the space program, hijacks a space taxi going to the International Space Station.
THE CALL CENTER
Locusts invade the building, the adherence schedules are off kilter, and one of the night managers is watching TV and preaching the word.
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