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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.”) OFFICIAL FINALIST - New York Screenplay Competition SEMI-FINALIST - Black Stories and Screenplay Competition SEMI-FINALIST - Page Turner Screenplays Genre Competition QUARTER-FINALIST - PAGE International Screenplay Competition
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!Improper Dosage
While driving through rural Pennsylvania with his fiancé, a young gay man survives a mysterious car accident.
Monster Carnival
An anthology series exploring humans’ modern-day meetings with folkloric creatures through cautionary tales.
AT THE MERCY OF FAITH
A 14 year old preacher renounces his faith in God in the wake of a terrifying and traumatic encounter.
Twelve Less
Twelve teenagers survive a plane crash, which at first was thought to be caused by a structural flaw.
Maeta's Story (prev. Uncle Frits)
In the Occupied Netherlands, a widow and her 7 year old son go into hiding with the help of her brother, a WW1 veteran who struggles with PTSD.
Flush
Business student with big Wall Street pretensions is phished into taking a summer job at a failing home repair company staffed with ex-cons and colorful "losers" who teach him what's important in life.
RESERVOIR
A young criminal, in mourning after the death of his sister, is thrust into the role of a reluctant Messiah following a violent supernatural occurrence.
Hy-Brasil
Four lifelong friends go on a search to find a mythological island, which is rumored to grant immortality.
Code Red
A seventeen-year-old high schooler is frustrated by flaws he sees in the educational system and in his peers so he decides to commit a school shooting in order to lash out against them.
Morality Games
An alien civilization tests the morals of humanity through a series of ethical games in order to develop a perfect moral system of their own.
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