There is something inherently appealing about a movie based on a true story. In some cases, it shows how real life can be much, much stranger than fiction, and in others it highlights a unique perspective on a specific time in history.
Some of the best films of this century are based on true stories. Moneyball, Hustlers, Hidden Figures and Bombshell all come to mind as recent films offering up intriguing snapshots of real life stories.
Which is why I am really stoked to announce that I have just optioned the book - "Darlene's Silver Streak and The Bradford Model T Girls" for my next film project. It is a true story about five courageous young women who, in post-depression era America, took an eye-opening cross country road trip to the 1939 World's Fair in an old Model T, met with Henry Ford, and along the way became the darlings of a pre-war America.
I've always wanted to make a film telling the story of an all-female road trip. Road trips occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans, representing the freedom, unpredictability, and excitement of the road, and the rich fabric of American life. But since Thelma & Louise was released, I have not seen any road trip movies from the female perspective. I feel now is my chance to tell that story.
1939 was an epic year. The Wizard of Oz, Gone With The Wind, Wuthering Heights, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington are just a handful of the amazing films released that year. Just before America entered WWII, a burst of groundbreaking movies and songs washed over American culture, giving voice to the struggles of many. Amazingly, some of the same issues that faced women in 1939 are still vexing them today.
I feel honored to be collaborating with Thane Swigart (East of the Mountains) to write the script, and Producer Lowell Blank (Holes) to help get this thing made.
Are American audiences ready for "The Model T Girls"? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.