Mannock Screenplay

Hi guys,

As you may already know, the contracted screenplay for a movie on the life of Mick Mannock has been signed (all inquiries to myself @ markgnf@aol.com

If anyone has an interest in providing material, please send me suggestions or ideas.

I received a letter from the representative of the buyer who bought Mick's medals. I had asked that in the movie we use the actual medals being presented.....a tribute to Mick.....(actually to be filmed on location at 'The palace' the curt reply was "Do you know what my customer spent on these and there value!" (seems that they are concerned as to security at Buckingham Palace!!!)

Comments??

Spider

Good enough for the Queen's family jewels...good enough for Mick's honors, one would think.

Good luck on the movie! Looking forward to it.

Good job!
There seems to be a interest in WWI aviation films....Someone else is making a movie about Frank Luke!
I have just one question....can I be in it!?!....hehehe I'm taller than the average WWI pilot so that would make up for my age....hehehe.

Keith,

I think THAT would be a really great idea, too! About time for his name to get some of the attention it rightfully deserves!


Butler

[Vin]

Keith

Let us not get too excited about the prospect of films about Mannock and Luke. As I read it, with Mannock, the status is that a contract for someone (Spider Atkinson ?) to write a script has been signed. With Luke, it appears to be an idea being tossed around. A long way to go before that translates into lining up at the cinema. It all makes me wonder when the last commercially viable film about WW 1 aviation was made. The last I can recall was "Aces High" which was made in the 70's. I do not include "The Great Waldo Pepper" made about the same time. It was really a Robert Redford vehicle. Does anyone know of others ?

For those interested in the "Accusations of Cowardice" thread, in "Aces High" one of the pilots claims he cannot go up because of neuralgia.


Vin

Hi Vin,

You sound so sceptical ......'ACE' the screenplay based on the life of Edward Mannock was assigned a
Writers Guild of America certification number and a contract has been signed by I.C.M. here in Los Angeles (I currently have the commercial rights to the story). You are correct however, in saying that this is a long way from lining up at the pictures. But have faith my o'l son.

See you at the oscars.

Incidently, my agent is also the same agent that represents Randall Wallace (of William Wallace & Braveheart fame)

Regards

Spider (Incidently, great grandson of Edward Dawson 'Spider' Atkinson R.F.C)

[Barrett]

Spider:
I wish you every success. That includes my own proto-screenwriting fantasy: the first time anybody associated with the film dismisses historical accuracy with The Hollywood Syndrome "Oh, nobody will know the difference," THAT individual is immediately led outside, blindfolded (no cigarette) and executed by firing squad. Suitable costuming, of course, so the footage can be used in the movie.
Please keep us informed!
PS: is Ursula Andress likely to be in this WW I movie, too?

I would make a great guy in a towel scene....How about Elishia Silverstone as the women?

Keith,

[Vigilant]

So it's true Alicia Silverstone is a woman and a half

Seriously, I was thinking the other day that by far the most "filmic" WWI ace is Mannock. His personality has more sides than the English premier league, and he was also a true "working class hero" who achieved everything he did thanks to his own abilities. Also a socialist and 'anti-establishment' figure, like T.E.Lawrence. Also handsome and charismatic. Plus a tragic and ironic death (he was a flamer just as he had feared).

One scene (probably fictional) that I would want to either open or close with is Taffy Jones leading an angry meeting of ex-74 Squadron pilots in London, around Christmas 1918. He would remind them of Mick's inspired leadership and demand that they petition for a posthumous VC - which of course he got in summer 1919.

I new I could rely on you V, that is a great idea
for the Taffy scene>>>

Any more suggestions will be appreciated.

Several scenes involve his childhood "barrack life" one in particular involving his friendship with an old indian and his falcon....rather mystical

Regards

Spider