David Novak and Frank Galvan have written a beautiful screenplay inspired by the Biblical story of Ruth.This screenplay is set to be filmed this fall under the direction of Michael Walters, currently known for his producing of The Prodigal Film that is in preproduction in Texas. David Novak, veteran L.A. actor, is also a producer and will star as LEELAND TAMMER in this movie.
This is a story about a mother and her two daughters struggling to keep their faith during the tragedy of war and the evil of slavery. Befriended by a wealthy plantation owner, they find unexpected help in their time of need. The setting of the Civil War is a heart-grabber and provides a rich backdrop that powerfully lends itself to intense visual and sensory appeal.
The themes and character conflicts are universal, as are the following elements: biblical basis for the story, setting of war, issues of class struggle, horror of slavery, conflicts in values, struggle to survive, love, marriage, family… This screenplay has a great deal of substance and heart and lends itself to good cinematography.
Set against the backdrop of The Civil War, this epic story is of a young woman, Ruth, who is asked to do the impossible. Leeland Tammer, a wealthy plantation owner and family friend, is secretly assisting run-away slaves in the underground railroad. Ruth, her mother, Naomi, and sister Claire find themselves struggling to make ends meet, after the death of the patriarch Thomas Madison. Ruth inadvertently discovers run-away slaves in Leeland’s charge and agrees to usher the runaways in their flight to freedom.
Leeland’s son, Jason Tammer, will have nothing to do with any of his father’s ideals. He will have his own plan; walk his own way. There will be conflict within the Tammer family. James and Henry Jeffries, the husbands of Ruth and Claire have gone off to war to fight the Confederate cause. Henry, Claire’s husband is not to return, being the casualty of this bitter conflict. Unbeknownst to Ruth, her husband James is saved from the battlefield by a Black Union Soldier, Ruben.
Nathan, a slave catcher, and Luther, an embodiment of evil, pursue the slaves and anything that stands in their way including, Isaiah, Leeland Tammer’s right hand man (a slave which Leeland regards almost as a son). All that matters to them is financial gain; a slave could bring a pretty penny in these times as well as revenge for Nathan’s loss at the hands of black man.
Recuperating in a UNION hospital, James finds friendship in the care of Nurse Sarah. The death of his brother Henry causes James to question the purpose of this tragic war over slavery. He must find his way home; gain a new life; and secure renewed purpose in the arms of his beloved Ruth. Ruth’s faith in God’s protection over James, gives her the strength to believe for their reunion in spite of all to the contrary.
Pursued by Nathan, Luther and their henchmen, Ruth and the runaways find themselves in the midst of the Union Confederate battle. Ruben, the Black Union Soldier will be their ally in escaping behind the line of fire. Did Ruben know that he would be assisting his own children? They will meet legendary abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Her mission has been in assisting.
From the beginning and throughout readers see the characters in action with captivating dialogue. There is beautiful, unexpected character development. The intensity of conflict effectively builds to the climax with ironic twists and turns, riveting suspense, and great passion. This is a powerful, beautiful, inspirational screenplay.
I look forward to following this excellent, artistic, meaningful project through its production and distribution. Check out its development and support it on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RUTHthemovie?fref=ts.
Please support David Novak on IMDb.com at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0636823/ and Michael Walters on IMDB.com at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2194242/.
For further information, contact me, Dr. Diane Howard, at dhoward@vvm.com or visit my Web site at http://www.dianehoward.com.
See ongoing work on professional, epic, redemptive movies on my Pro Films Facebook site, https://www.facebook.com/groups/profilms13/ .
See recent film reviews and publications, http://dianehoward.com/Dr_H_sample_publications.htm.
I am on IMDb as Dr. Diane Howard, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1189677/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1. Please support good film work with Like buttons on IMDb.com (Internet Movie Database) by Liking the following: films, filmmakers, actors, crew, casting directors, agents... Please also support good actors, film, and production companies on Facebook, and Twitter. Finally, please support and Like Ruth on IMDb, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2625342/ .
