THEATRE OF DEATH
In 1903 Chicago, a crusading reporter exposes of the “Absolutely Fireproof” Iroquois Theatre, as a fire trap. He is proven right. Based on the true incident. No one was ever punished. Professional Coverage: "Recommend” - Dave Trottier (Author “The Screenwriter's Bible") Multiple contest wins and placements.
Multiple contest wins and placments.
Theatrical producers decide to build a magnificent theater in 1903 Chicago for the epic production, "Mr. Bluebeard," being imported from London. The show will star Eddie Foy, the most popular entertainer of his day, with a cast of 200 performers, including a death-defying aerial act.
The Iroquois Theatre is to be the largest, most modern theater in the country. They retain the best theater architect of that era and the most renowned construction company. The theatre is promoted as being "absolutely fireproof."
Jack Conway, a theatrical reporter, is assigned to do a feature story, with unspoken instructions for a favorable review to generate lucrative newspaper advertising. He is given complete access to the theatre site and is, at first, impressed with its scope. Gradually, however, he becomes aware of serious safety hazards: no sprinkler systems, flammable construction materials, no direct connections to the fire department, hidden exit doors, a flammable asbestos curtain, etc.
In his investigations Jack - a married man with two children -- meets Lilly Rider, the flirtatious aerial performer with whom he has a brief but significant affair.
Jack's editor refuses to print an expose. The theatre manager gives Jack four tickets to the December 30 Children's matinee as an enticement. The theatre owners now impede Jack's investigation and even have him mugged. Undaunted, Jack brings his information to the Mayor who refuses to believe the accusations.
Jack is suddenly fired by his editor. Coming home slightly drunk he discovers his wife has taken his two children to the Children's matinee, using the bribery tickets. He rushes to the theatre and discovers that a fire has broken out with his family is inside.
The backstage fire is calamitous. A fireball caused by a back draft virtually annihilates the orchestra audience and speeds to the upper balconies. Eddie Foy heroically tries to calm the audience. Jack rescues his family and others using his knowledge of cellar exits uncovered in his investigation.
Jack's wife, Mary, a trained and determined social worker, aids Jack in getting families out of the theatre and later assists in the recovery hospital and morgue.
Many casual passersby, including a Church Bishop and a locksmith are pulled into the panic and struggle to save lives. The owner of the restaurant adjacent of the theatre offers his restaurant as a refuge and hospital. The fire scenes are quite graphic.
Characters introduced during the story -- young performers who are lovers, stage hands, cast and crew, etc. -- most in their twenties -- meet various fates during the fire, with some heroics and tragedy.
The Fire Department arrives too late but attempts to rescue people trapped on incomplete fire escapes and forced to jump. The fire is eventually brought under control.
Chicago closes own for the New Year's Holiday as funerals dominate the city. The Iroquois Theatre fire is the largest building fire in US history. The loss of life is tremendous - 603 deaths, mostly woman and children.
The official investigation is a whitewash. During the courtroom scene all the principals feign innocence. No one is ever punished.
Eddie Foy becomes a national hero. Jack becomes an investigative reporter exposing government corruption. Jack's wife, who is now pregnant, comments on promoting a theater as "absolutely fireproof." "It's like building a ship and saying it's unsinkable." "An unsinkable ship?" jests Jack, "No, they'd never say that!"
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!Xanadu Shores: PoC for The Pilot
Four friends become enmeshed in a heist which escalates to kidnapping chased by a capricious Fed and his comely accomplice by land, air and sea, culminating explosively on Xanadu Shores.
Xanadu Shores - rev.15 pgs.
Four friends become enmeshed in a heist which escalates to kidnapping chased by a capricious Fed and his comely accomplice by land, air and sea, culminating explosively on Xanadu Shores.
Eternal Blessings
After taking up residence at her Indian guru's commune, a woman’s loyalty is pushed to the brink when she’s asked to help assassinate a commune rival.
The Cajun
When a notorious pirate, made immortal by the curse of a Voodoo Queen, is invited to a mysterious poker game in modern day New Orleans, he discovers a clue to find the treasure that can set him free.
THE FAT LADY SINGS
A Duluth private investigator, needing to pay off his bookie, agrees to payment on completion of a prominent politician’s wife’s case; now he has only three days to find an Ohio plumber that the client only met on the internet over a dozen years ago.
FURGROW BIRDS SPIRITUAL ROSE
When a dog loses his owner and home, he discovers a dark conspiracy involving an evil king, a hidden realm, and God's magical crystals used to alter the world.
Furgrow Birds back to the beginning
When a dog loses his owner and home, he discovers a dark conspiracy involving an evil king, a hidden realm, and God's magical crystals used to alter the world.
MAN OUT OF COUNTRY
Pilot log line: Multi-cam When an Iranian music teacher in California launches a nightly dinner tradition to stay close to his wife and two teenage sons, unexpected drop-ins from eccentric American in-laws—and plenty of teenage rebellion—turn his heartfelt plan into a battleground of culture, chaos, and family bonding.
Price of Oil
In 1924 Tehran, a British spy’s ruse against an American diplomat sparks a deadly cover?up.
Amir's America
Pilot logline: Desperate to hold his family together, an Iranian dad starts midweek dinners with his American wife and teens—only to have night one crash into chaos when surprise relatives show up uninvited and unfiltered in their small California town.
