Happy New Year, Mr. Kates! (Hoilday/Dramedy/Magical Realism)
A contemporary holiday tale about a grumpy old man who resides in the memory unit of nursing home, and is presented with a gripping bargain by a mystical stranger: the chance to swap his inconsequential life for that of a lost child’s, one snowy New Year's Eve.
Mr. Kates has lived an inconsequential life because of his own personal demons, fears, and simple garden-variety inertia. Mr. Kates also suffers from Parkinson’s disease – and, on occasion, sees events, and meets characters that may -- or may not -- have occurred. In this shifting reality is where we find the beating heart of the story.
One evening, just before midnight on New Year’s Eve, Kates escapes from the home (again!), and, at a nearby park, meets an oddly mystical, tuxedoed stranger – (or DID he?) There Mr. Kates learns how he might redeem his otherwise lackluster existence IF he agrees to perform one selfless act – to heroically exchange his life for the life of an orphaned New Year’s baby, named Hope.
The feature script's been positively recommended as “Capraesque” by coverage readers and critics, and offers an ending that may be read in several different, satisfying ways.
NOTE: There are many outstanding “Christmas movies,” but not that many memorable New Year’s films. This story might fill a clear void in holiday entertainment.
The screenplay is NOT the usual cloying, predictable, overly sentimental holiday fare, but still delivers a poignant, powerful emotional punch -- and with a limited cast and locations.
Recognition to date: HAPPY NEW YEAR, MR. KATES has garnered a First Finalist Award by Coverfly, and ranks in its top 12 percent of all screenpalys listed.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
A Ghost Stroy (1981)
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