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!FLIGHT OF THE HEN GLIDERS
When strong winds blow a flock of chickens and their coop away from young Emily and Sam's backyard, it's up to the chickens to learn to fly their coop back home.
THE GEPETTO PROTOCOL
To stay "real" in the real world after their last creator dies, an action figure, fashion doll, superhero, anime girl, and crash dummy—now real flesh and blood—must find new believers in ten days or be forgotten forever, and get help from two kids and their dad at a cosplay convention.
GALERIJ
As an art authenticator collects twelve 17th century Dutch Brohm family portraits, she learns the dangers of reuniting the portraits—the Galerij—when an art expert warns her the collection will revive the Brohm family and unleash them into present day society, where they'll resume control over and castrate European trade.
DEAD STATES
A group of resilient small town teens struggle to carve out a new future after a series of TEOTWAWKI events crush the U.
Rod Knock
A newly single man encounters many comical mishaps in his work and social life, but he must prove himself worthy to his deriding buddies and his Latino lady friend.
THE WETTEST SPRING
In the late 1980's, Kurt Maxwell battles puberty and locker room myths, a family in the midst of dissolving, and on top of everything else, he must conquer Date Math at middle school.
THE LIGHT MAN
A woman at a music festival passes off two children to the light toy vendor.
PRETTY
Who can you trust when everyone loves you to death? When a trophy wife is manipulated by spouse and friends, she better find a way look out for herself or lose everything -- including her life.
Time Travel: Many Happy Returns
Two simple-minded brothers work part time at a science lab and find machinery in an unauthorized area that unknowingly transports them to Spain years before their time.
CLEAN LIVING
When her actor boyfriend delays marriage claiming money woes, Isabel tries to turn her inherited Smalltown cleaning service into a quick buck.
