Ain't No Black Men: From Slave to Soldier to Savior
HISTORICAL FICTION SUSPENSE/THRILLER ACTION WAR
19th Century
Bob Iverson
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
Jackboy escapes slavery and joins Sherman's Army. Still guilty for causing the break-up of his family, he is stunned to learn his father is being held by the same cruel Slave Patrol Captain who pursued him. He leads an attack that frees his father and 60 blacks being hunted for sport.
Genre
Historical Fiction,Suspense/Thriller,Action,War
Short Summary
Jackboy escapes bondage, evades the South's cruelest slave patrol captain, and joins the Union Army. He rises to sergeant and leads black soldiers to raid plantations for supplies. He learns his former pursuer is selling hunting trips using slaves as prey, and his long-lost father is among them.
Setting
Civil War era South Carolina
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain,Internal Journey/Rebirth,Quest
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending,Meaningful Message,Philosophical Questions,Twist
Mature Audience Themes
Extreme Violence, Language/Profanity,Nudity,Sexual Abuse
Main Character Details
Name: Jackboy
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Badass,Charming,Complex,Uneducated,Confident,Decisive,Engaging,Faithful,Heroic,Honorable,Leader,Selfless,Strong Moral Code,Unapologetic,Skillful,Funny,Manipulative
Additional Character Details
Name: Lt. Jack Johnson
Age: 25
Gender: Lgbt
Role: Mentor
Key Traits: Modest,Complex,Badass,Decisive,Empathetic,Faithful,Heroic,Educated,Honorable,Leader,Skillful,Visionary,Strong Moral Code,Unapologetic,Patriotic
Additional Character Details
Name: William Cathecart
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Aggressive,Crazy,Criminal,Greedy,Leader,Masculine,Villainous,Narcisstic,Power Hungry,Skillful,Seductive
Additional Character Details
Name: May Cathecart
Age: 38
Gender: Female
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Crazy,Criminal,Desperate,Greedy,Insecure,Naive,Villainous,Sexy,Seductive
Genre
SUSPENSE, DRAMA, WAR
Brief
Jackboy has spent his life as a slave on plantations in South Carolina. He escapes from one of the most evil slave hunter in the South, William Cathecart. Jackboy ends up fitting for the Union in the Civil War, being a great asset to the cause. Jackboy goes back to South Carolina to rescue his father and others from Cathecart's sadistic rule.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: GOOD
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, the book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The story is a very hard and realistic view of slavery told from the perspective of an enslaved person. This also explores some of the horrific abuse that slave owners exacted against their slaves which isn't often seen on screen. It is also an empowering story because Jackboy reaches freedom and becomes a leader in the Union army.
Possible Drawbacks
This story is a hard read because of the detailed abuse against enslaved blacks, specifically the sexual abuse. Both genders of all ages were used for sexual sport as well as for hunting sport. It is hard to digest especially as Black American. This shouldn't be avoided because it is necessary to show the truth.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is the Jackboy escapes slavery and fights with the Union against the South. When he learns that feared slave hunter, Cathecart, has his father, he enlist the Union army to aid him in freeing the slaves on Cathecart's plantation. I would watch this movie for the retribution enslaved people get against their tormentors.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a large fanbase but does not have wide appeal. It is a hard look at America's sordid history and is also difficult to watch which would make the audience smaller.
Awards Potential
This story does have awards potential. There is a very inspiring story here and stories about human suffering and triumph do garner awards buzz.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
DJANGO UNCHAINED, THE BIRTH OF A NATION, GLORY
What’s New About the Story
The story is original because it shows former slaves exacting revenge on their slave masters. Generally, slaves are seen reaching freedom and not looking back. Jackboy is able to help the Union army and become an asset to them. He uses that leverage to help those he left behind. This story has a satisfying ending.
Lead Characters
Jackboy is a inspiring character with heart who faces down the evils in the world with courage and conviction. He was born into slavery, separated from his parents but fights to get away from that life. He becomes a leader and returns to help those escape the horrors he witnessed.
Uniqueness of Story
This film is a solid drama. Slave dramas can be difficult to digest and the case can be made to move on from only telling them when Black Americans have a broader history. Overall, it is a well written story with heart.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Indie, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This story has what many movies about slavery do not: revenge. Jackboy is able to give satisfaction to many of the enslaved Black characters when he kills all Cathecart's coconspirators, his family and the man himself. There are many horrible realities explored here but it is also important for the world to know some of the more despicable acts done against enslaved people. It has an entertaining storyline with a powerful message.