C. W. Johnson, Jr.

American Civil War Christmas

That Should Be A Christmas Season Movie Release: God Rest Ye Merry, Soldiers

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Sunday, January 7, 2024

It’s called God Rest Ye Merry, Soldiers

It is a War Drama

In the vein of Joyeux Noel

It is like Gone With the Wind meets All Quiet on the Western Front

It follows the common Billy Yanks of The Army of the Cumberland

And the common Johnny Rebs of the Army of the Tennessee

As they battle the elements, their officers, and each other to survive a meatgrinder of a war.

Problems arise when they are thrown against each other at one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict.

Together, their shared humanity, mutual respect and the Spirit of Christmas will help them rise above the brutality of war and show each other grace and kindness.

The idea came to me when I was reading God Rest Ye Merry, Soldiers and was astonished at how mortal enemies showed each other more respect than people removed 150 years from the events do, and how the message of peace and forgiveness as shown by the soldiers Blue and Gray is one our nation desperately needs to hear right now.

My unique approach is a war movie set at Christmastime but takes place after Christmas Day during the 12 Days of Christmastide and in which the changing cultural meaning of Christmas is a major element in the story’s healing climax.

A set piece would be the night before the battle when the regiments of the Confederate and Union armies are lined up and facing each other. The musical bands of each regiment try to outplay the other with different songs. The Northern bands play “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and their version of “The Battle Cry of Freedom.” The Southern ones play “Dixie” and their own version of “The Battle Cry of Freedom.” Then a band starts playing “Home, Sweet Home.” Every band takes up the tune. Then every tongue, Blue and Gray, takes up the chorus. Soon the entire battle lines of both armies are singing the song in unison. When it ends not an eye is dry.

Christmas World War II

That Should Be A Christmas Season Movie Release: A Higher Call by Adam Makos

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Monday, December 25, 2023

It is a War Drama.

In the vein of Top Gun: Maverick

It is like Hacksaw Ridge meets Valkyrie.

It follows bitter German fighter pilot Franz Stigler.

And rookie American bomber 2nd Lt. Charlie Brown.

As Franz seeks a Knight’s Cross by shooting down American planes and Charlie tries to keep his crew alive.

Problems arise when the Americans start bombing Franz’s homeland and Charlie’s plane is heavily damaged by enemy fire.

Together their sense of chivalry, honor and duty will result in one of the most remarkable acts of humanity during World War II.

The idea came to me when I was reading A Higher Call by Adam Makos and it reminded me of my own transformation from viewing all Germans as cartoonish Nazis involving someone named Franz.

My unique approach would be a World War II event told mainly from the German perspective in which Americans are seen as the faceless enemy dropping terror from metal beasts in the sky and our protagonist must come to see them as human.

American Civil War Texas Westerns.

That Should Be A Western Miniseries: General Jo Shelby’s Expedition Into Mexico, Part Two

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Thursday, December 7, 2023

And if written and directed in the tradition and with the maturity of David Lean, John Milius, and Kevin Reynolds, it could be a classic which blends the action and adventure with thought provoking lessons in the futility of nation building, the arrogance of imperialism, and the empty self-defeatism of refusing to know when to give up, surrender, forgive and bury the past. If told right, Shelby’s Expedition into Mexico could be a healing journey.

American Civil War

That Should Be A Western Miniseries: General Jo Shelby’s Expedition Into Mexico, Part One

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023

A set piece would be on July 4th when Shelby draws his men up in parade formation on the banks of the Rio Grande. Five of his officers take the Confederate flag, weigh it down with rocks and wade into the river. Then they gently lower it into the water. Former Confederate officers, officials and soldiers watch from the bluffs on the American side. Mexican soldiers look on from the southern bank. Shelby, in a rare show of emotion, tears off the black ostrich plume from his hat, wades out into the water and throws it into the folds of the flag. Tears run down the cheeks of hardened veterans as the flag disappears beneath the muddy waters. From now on, Shelby’s men will follow his ragged battle-scarred guidon. From then on, this stretch of the Rio Grande will be known as the Grave of the Confederacy.

American Civil War

That Should Be A Movie: The Battle of Antietam

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Monday, September 18, 2023

Short Pitch

It is called Antietam

It is in the vein of A Bridge Too Far

It is like All Quiet On The Western Front meets Gettysburg

It follows the common Johnny Reb soldiers of The Army of Northern Virginia

And the common Billy Yank soldiers of the Army of the Potomac

As they fight to survive and win a war for either national independence or national unity.

Problems arise when Johnny Reb’s army is caught spread out and Billy Yank’s army is sent to battle him in head-on, piecemeal attacks.

Now together their individual courage, bravery and humanity will combine to produce dozens of human-interest stories on the Bloodiest Day in American History.

American Civil War Texas

That Should Be A Movie: The Battle of Sabine Pass

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Sunday, September 10, 2023

Logline: When 46 hard-fighting Irish-Texan cannoneers face off against an invasion of 15,000, it will result in the only medals issued by the southern Confederacy.

Short Pitch

It is called The Battle of Sabine Pass

It is a war action movie.

In the vein of 300.

It is like Fury meets Glory.

It follows ambitious, jovial Irish officer Dick Dowling

And young runaway drummer boy John Drummond

As they fight to free the Texas coast from Yankee invaders and prejudice against Irish and Catholic immigrants.

Problems arise when most of the Texas army is pulled from the coast and Dowling and his forty-six men find themselves the only ones to stop an invasion of 15,000.

Together their skill, training, dedication to each other and Gaelic love of fighting will result in one of the most lopsided victories of the war.

The idea came to me when I read a paragraph about the battle in The Civil War: Strange & Fascinating Facts by Burke Davis and it grabbed hold of my Irish and Texan descendent soul.

My unique approach is focusing on one unit of artillerymen called The Davis Guard and their struggles with military life, war and bigotry against Catholic Irish.

A set piece would be when Dick Dowling is standing on top of the mud pile called Fort Griffin. He has told the Davis Guard that their officers want them to retreat. “What say you,” says Dowling in a thick Gaelic accent. “No, no!,” reply his men. “Shall we fight,” he ask them. Fight, fight, fight,” they reply in unison. “It’s too hot to walk back to Sabine City,” one jokes. Just then a courier rides up. He carries a small Confederate flag. Dowling grabs the flag, crawling higher on the parapet and waves it toward the approaching gunboats. “Dick Dowling is a dead man before that flag shall come down!”

Target audiences would be men and women 20-70, teenagers, military buffs, action movie fans, history buffs, Civil War reenactors, naval buffs, Navy veterans, service members and their families, Catholics, Irish Americans, Irish people, and of course, Texans.

Audiences would want to see it for its epic stand of fighting Irish against overwhelming odds, its action, adventure, and themes of courage, brotherhood, honor and devotion to duty.

Uncategorized

That Should Be A Movie: The Battle of Blair Mountain

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Short Pitch

It is called The Battle of Blair Mountain

It is a historical drama

In the vein of Peterloo

It is like Newsies meets Hatfields & McCoys

It follows educated but aggressive coal miner Frank Keeney

And deliberative, restrained widower Fred Mooney

As they fight for their fellow miners’ justice, human dignity, and constitutional right to unionize.

Problems arise when a sheriff who is a friend of the miners is murdered, a corrupt sheriff begins locking up miners without due process, and an army of 10,000-armed miners marching on Blair Mountain turns into a disorganized mob, the largest civil insurrection since the Civil War.

Together they will use their power of persuasion and patriotism to diffuse a tense situation.

The idea came to me while watching a documentary on The History Channel about hillbillies when I was visiting the Appalachian foothills.

My unique approach would be several different nuanced perspectives as individuals navigate a brutal world set against the beauty of the West Virginia mountains.

A set piece would be when Keeney and Mooney have convinced the marching miners to turn back just 12 miles from Blair Mountain and meet in a ballpark. Guards at the entrances to the park ask for the password. “I come creeping,” reply the miners. Soon, the field, dugouts and bleachers are full of miners, armed to the teeth, seething with anger, ready to hear what their leaders have to say. Keeney and Mooney stand before them in fancy suits, but their faces and hands are worn and haggard like theirs. “Just over that ridge is Chaifn and Logan County,” says Keeney. He points to the south. Then he points to the northeast. “And coming from that way is the US Army.” There are murmurs in the crowd. “Some of ya’ll fought in France,” says Keeney. “The army you fought with defeated the Hun, a professionally trained army. So, you darn well know you can’t fight it here.” There are a few angry retorts from the field. “ Put it plainly,” says Mooney, motioning for Keeney to step back. “They’ve sent the entire U. S. government and Army to stop us. We are patriotic men who will not fight our government. Go home. There are trains coming, promised to take ya there.” There is silence. Some murmuring. Finally, an old black man stands up from the bleachers. A white beard barely hides a R branded into his cheek. “Boys, he’s right,” he softly says. Men continue to speak, drowning him out. A giant, red bearded hillbilly next to him stands up. “Shut up! Pappy here is talking!” The old man smiles. “You ain’t foolin’ no more. This is your daddy talkin’. It’s your real Uncle Sam.” Slowly men stand, begin dispersing. Keeney and Mooney smile, relieved.

Target audiences would be men and women 30-90, history buffs, bluegrass, folk, country and western music fans, citizens of Appalachia, coal miners and their communities and blue-collar workers and their communities.

Audiences would want to see it for its universal themes of standing in the face of adversity, action, adventure, community, fighting for human dignity, liberties, and constitutional rights, the bluegrass soundtrack, honoring the working men and women of America and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

Hurricane Katrina Louisiana Saints

That Should Be A Movie: The Brees Way By Mike Nabors

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Sunday, August 20, 2023

Short Pitch

It’s called The Brees Way

It is a Sports Drama

In the vein of American Underdog

It is like Invictus meets We Are Marshell

It follows short free agent quarterback Drew Brees

And practice squad member Lance Moore

As they build the cohesion and chemistry a team needs to have to win the Super Bowl.

Problems arise as Drew’s shoulder injury slowly heals, his elbow is dislocated, and he gets up set when he loses competitions.

Now together the team will learn to respect Drew’s competitive nature rubs off on the other players and drivers them to be the best Saints on and off the field.

The idea came to me when reading Bree’s Coming Back Stronger and I wanted to do more research on his career for a movie about Super Bowl XLIV.

My unique approach would be a football player challenging himself to excel at excellence not to win career accolades but uplift a devastated city and region whose hopes and dreams were riding on his shoulders.

A set piece would be when Lance Moore has just received word that he has been loaned out to play for a football team in Germany for the 2006 season. He is sitting in the neglected corner of the locker room meant for the practice squad. Suddenly Drew Brees, the star quarterback is tapping him on his shoulder “Hi, I’m Drew Brees, nice to meet you. Let me know if you need anything?” “Thank you,” replies Lance. “I’m Lance Moore.” “Lance Romance,” ask Drew, probing. “Yeah,” replies Lance. “You can call me back.”

The target audiences would be football fans, sports fans, athletes, fans of the great outdoors, men and women 20-80, Germans (because Lance played for the Berlin Thunders), Louisianas, the people of the Gulf Coast and the Who Dat Nation.

Audiences would want to see it for its themes of hope, resilience, determination, personal sacrifice and responsibility for a higher goal, community and overcoming devastation and adversity.

Who Dat!

American Civil War

That Should Be A Movie: Carrying the Flag by Gordon C. Rhea

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Short Pitch

It is called Carrying The Flag

It is a War Drama.

In the vein of Fury.

It is like Glory meets All Quiet on The Western Front.

It follows epileptic washout Private Charles Whilden

And young veteran officer James Armstrong

As they fight to survive the hellish combat of the Overland Campaign

Problems arise when their regiment is almost annihilated and they retreat, disgracing themselves in front of General Robert E. Lee

Now together Charles’ dedication to his duty and James’ respect for him will help them achieve victory and save the army.

The idea came to me when reading Carrying the Flag by Gordon C. Rhea, which is a more exciting read with more intimate details than some novels.

My unique approach would be a focus on a few soldiers, their intimate army life, horrific combat experience, and the effects of their actions upon the overall campaign.

A set piece would be when Charles and James are pinned down in bloody mud by heavy firepower from Union troops positioned atop high ground known as The Bloody Angle. Confederate officers who rise to lead charges are immediately cut down. They can’t retreat across the bullet swept open ground behind them. Charles reaches for the regiment’s battle flag. No words are spoken as James hands it to him. Charles climbs up the barricades, slippery from the pouring rain. Then he begins charging the Angle. Soldiers rise up from the trenches, gather around him and rush the high ground. Charles becomes a target for Union minie balls. He’s hit in the shoulder but continues. He shakes from epilepsy but holds the pole steady. Then he sees that the flag is coming loose from the pole. If it falls and floats away, the charge will falter. He grabs the flag from the pole, wraps it around his body, and, as a human flagpole, rushes on toward the Angle. He and his comrades reach the high ground. Hand to hand combat breaks out as men wrestle in the mud. Finally, the Yankees retreat and the high ground is in the Confederate hands thanks to Charles’s bravery.

Target audiences would be men (18-80), military service members and veterans, war movie fans, history buffs, Southerners, Civil War reenactors, and gamers.

Audiences would like to see it due to its unique battlefield scenarios of the Wilderness and The Bloody Angle at Spotsylvania Court House, themes of courage, bravery, devotion to duty, brotherhood, and redemption, and the human interest story of a washout overcoming his past and epileptic handicap to just once do something significant in his life.

African American History American Revolution

That Should Be A Movie: The Philadelphia Campaign of 1777-1778

By C. W. Johnson, Jr. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023

It’s called The Philadelphia Campaign

In the vein of Braveheart

It is like Rock IV meets The Patriot.

It follows strong tempered but firmly diplomatic General George Washington

And young idealistic French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette

As they battle to keep the British Army from capturing the American capitol at Philadelphia and the colonial fight for freedom.

Problems arise when the British capture the capitol after the Continental Army cannot hold its own against the better trained royalist forces and must face a brutal winter at Valley Forge.

Together they will face the king’s troops, weather the elements, survive political conspiracies, and train to become a force that go the distance against the British Army on the battlefield.

The idea came to me when studying the iconic moments American of history like Valley Forge and Monmouth Courthouse I realized that the campaign had the inspirational themes of a sports movie, like the Rocky franchise.

My unique approach to the subject matter would be telling the epic scale of the campaign through the human relationships of the participants with the themes similar to those in sports movies like going the distance, training, determination, and a strong mindset.

A set piece would be when Lafayette gets the word out that officers are trying to get Washington replaced with Horatio Gates. General Gates is considered the hero of Saratoga, having captured an entire British Army. Many of the Continental Soldiers have seen Washington walk among them and view their suffering. They have observed him do his uttermost to alleviate their sufferings. They have watched him shame inactive Congressmen into taking off their own shoes in the snow and giving them to the soldiers. The soldiers come out of their huts and hovels, shivering as they clutch rags to their malnourished bodies. Then they fill the hollers and dells of Valley Forge with “Washington or No Army! Washington or No Army! Washington or No Army!” Washington remains in command.

Target audiences would be teenagers, men and women 20-90, history nerds, gamers, military buffs, veterans, Americans, South Koreans, Eastern Europeans, and fans of action movies and blockbuster summer releases.

Audiences would want to see it for its themes of determination, resilience, motivation, inspiration, survivalism, brotherhood, friendship, the relationships of historical characters, like the father-son relationship of Washington and Lafayette, excitement, epic scale, romance of another era, fighting for freedom, strong women figures and cameos of characters from the hit musical Hamilton.

FFFRRRREEEEEDDDDDOOOOMMMMM!!!!!