Mannock movie ...ACE

Good day .....

The regestration for the movie script 'ACE' is now complete :WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA - REG #763830.

CSA (CASTING) have entered discussions with Daniel Day Lewis as the lead.

INFORMATION NEEDED. Although the story will be about Mick and his life, we need suggestions as to the best German "character" (not Manfred, too big a character) suggestions?????

Look forward to a response

Regards

Spider

[Barrett]

Spider:

A quick review of Mannock's credits shows 8 Jastas, 9 FAs and 2 Schlastas among his known or probable victims. Two were from J.30, 2 from FA 7, and 3 from FA 240. One victim was from Jasta B. You might consider focusing on the CO(s) of these units to see what continuity covered the span of Mannock's combat career. Otherwise, the pilot/observer of his last victory would make a logical conclusion to the story, provided they were active long enough to build a plot line.
It'd be interesting to learn how well known Mannock was to the Germans as a device to build and maintain tension. (As my screenwriting prof said, "Conflict, conflict, conflict!")
BTW: I'm biplane experienced.
Otherwise, please consider me as an apprentice 2nd unit director who understands (and appreciates) the strategically-draped towel in WW I aviation movies.

[mike_baram]

Need anyone for a cameo as a ground crewman?
I look damned good in a towel (for my age), BTW.

Spider A: Try going to page 256 of ABOVE THE TRENCHES for the names of some of the Jerries the Mick knocked out of the sky. According to Shores, Franks and Guest, the Mick seems to have had the same trouble Frank Luke had in credibility, and coincidently, the Mick achieved credibility the same way by downing a balloon. According to the V list on page 255, it took Mannock 11 months to score 18 EA. Could you llet us in on what the interaction between Mannock and the German flyer is in your story: real or fictional? Congrats on your registration, and Kindest regards, Billy H/11/02/99.

Do you need a historic person to build up a fictional character, or are you asking for some input into the possible character of a German pilot?

Interesting person, this Mannock. I don't think that he really would have been fit for a life in peace. Seems that he blamed every German personally for the experience in Turkey. I wonder how this rather unpleasant streak of his personality will show up in a film about him. Looking eagerly forward to seeing it ...

regards

Axel

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the need to focus on a German opposite for Mannock. Mannock's own personality will provide plenty of internal conflict, and the external/physical conflict provided by the opposing airmen doesn't require that we spend much time learning about them as individuals. Given the action demands and the shortness of the typical screenplay, I wouldn't think you'd want to spend too much screen time delving into anyone's personality but Mick's. Certainly (on the evidence) he didn't think in too much depth about his opponents.

[rammjaeger]

The victory number 10 (a shared victory) of Mannock was maybe the DFW C.V of Vizefeldwebel Eddelbüttel/Lt. Kuhn of FAA 240 (source:Above the Trenches).
Eddelbüttel was wounded but managed to land and wrote in 1918 a little book (76 pages only) with the title "Artillerie-Flieger" which includes also a description of this combat (Eddelbüttel did not realise that two enemies - and not only one - were attacking.)
Hope that helps.

Hannes

[leo]

For what its worth, I think a fictional character might do better than a real life one.

[Barrett]

Michael, welcome back. We've missed you!
Have you heard anything of Scott in cyber limbo?

Maybe the opening scene could show old Mick getting buggered by the Turks.
Jeni