RAGTIME WARRIOR
A FORGOTTEN MUSICAL GENIUS! James Reese Europe fights racism, Army prejudice and the Germans when he takes command of the “Harlem Hellfighters” band, introduces jazz and pop tunes; he revolutionizes military band music forever. A WW1 action musical biopic; all music public domain. Can be adapted to TV miniseries. Professional Coverage: “Recommend” Dave Trottier (Author “The Screenwriter’s Bible.”) Multiple contest wins and placements.
Europe ultimately becomes the exclusive band leader for Vernon and Irene Castle, the internationally famous dance team. The Clef Club eventually performs at Carnegie Hall, the first all-Negro orchestra to so. James Reese Europe is acknowledged to be the most well-known conductor/composer in America at that time.
With the outbreak of World War 1, Europe puts his career on hold to join the newly formed all-black 369th Infantry Division -- destined to become the famed New York “Harlem Hellfighters” -- and forms their military band. He intends to use the band as an instrument to improve the living conditions and future hopes of Harlem’s young men.
Under the command of white Colonel William Hayward, the 369th Infantry Division overcomes ridicule, racism and indifference from the U. S Army. Europe remakes the military band using modern music dynamics and popular songs and jazz
The band is honored to play at a benefit for President Woodrow Wilson where Europe cleverly rebuffs an attempt by an Army officer to replace his black soloist with a white one.
During Army training in South Carolina, black soldiers under Europe’s command refuse to be provoked by white red neck racists. White soldiers take up the defense of their black comrades in a rollicking, glorious fight against the red necks.
After disembarking in France, Europe’s clever musicianship and use of the band keeps the brigade from being assigned to stevedore duty. The band performs, and fights, bravely and heroically during the war to great acclaim. Throughout the war Europe stays in touch with Bessie Smith who has now born his son and is managing the Clef Club in New York.
While serving on the front lines, Europe is wounded in “The Battle of Henry Johnson,” a famous WW I Medal of Honor incident. Though confined to the hospital he writes his famous song “Out In No Man’s Land.” The war ends and Europe returns to Bessie and his son, and leads the Harlem Hellfighters in a triumphant parade up New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The fame of the band leads to a recording contract and Europe takes the band on a nation-wide tour. During the tour he is tragically murdered by one of his bandsmen. His funeral service is conducted at New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
30's Female Africa-American
30s African-American
STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER
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!Psycho-Hearts
A world-class heart transplant surgeon is an amazing magician at securing compatible hearts for wealthy clients.
Nina and Flossie
Three European sisters, in their 70's, scheme to dump a dead body that the eldest shot in the middle of the night as a result of a break-in.
Hello, my name is James and I'm an alcoholic - T.V Pilot (Rewrite)
When James, a down-and-out alcoholic still living with his fed-up parents, meets Vicky — a fellow lost soul with a dubious charm — at the job centre, their unlikely romance sends them from his parents’ couch to life in a tent.
Sonny
In a world of AI-hyped spectacles, a retired boxing legend must reclaim his glory against a brash social media influencer to fund his granddaughter's life-saving treatment, uncovering a corporate conspiracy that could destroy them both.
FULL CONTACT
is a pulse-pounding Sports Thriller about a fearsome Championship-obsessed linebacker, who struggles to defeat an unhinged locker room psychopath in a game of life-or-death consequences.
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.
Xanadu Shores III Rescuing Atlas
The Xanadu Team, their credibility restored after rescuing Natalia and the painting, are recruited to recover the plans to save the world from a rogue aerospace engineer.
Xanadu Shores (20pgs) -
This Proof of Concept showcases the central characters being introduced with sex appeal, all quite happy, in an office reception area, before the heist, kidnapping and chase.
Xanadu Shores: 10 Minute PoC for The TV Pilot
This Proof of Concept showcases the central characters being introduced with sex appeal, all quite happy, in an office reception area, before the heist, kidnapping and chase.
Xanadu Shores Introducing SEAN LANDERS
A recently discharged Navy pilot returns home anticipating matrimony, soon learning his fiance has cleaned out their wedding account and moved to Las Vegas.
