"Sgt. Rodney M. Davis:The Making of a Hero"
ACTION DRAMA BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR WAR
1940s & '50s,1960s & '70s
John D. Hollis
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
Sgt. Davis was killed on Sept. 6, 1967 after lunging atop an enemy grenade to save fellow Marines during one of the nastiest fights of the Vietnam War. The action was notable because Davis was black and the Marines he saved were all white at a time when race was threatening to tear America apart.
Genre
Action,Drama,Biographical,Memoir,War
Short Summary
Rodney Davis was tasked with looking after his siblings while growing up under the boot of Jim Crow in Macon, Ga. He would do anything to protect them against the prospect of violence or humiliation they faced every time they left their home.
Setting
Macon, Georgia (1950s and 1960s), London (1964-67) and Vietnam 1967
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Other
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message,Coming of Age
Mature Audience Themes
Extreme Violence
Main Character Details
Name: Sgt. Rodney M. Davis
Age: 25 at the time of his death of Sept. 6, 1967
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Patriotic,Selfless,Decisive,Leader,Honorable,Heroic,Strong Moral Code,Faithful,Masculine
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Genre
WAR, POLITICS, DRAMA, ACTION
Brief
Rodney Davis grows up in Georgia during the civil rights era protecting his family from racial injustices. He joins the USMC and despite facing racial discrimination within the military he perseveres and bonds with his fellow soldiers. Sgt. Davis and his comrades face a dangerous threat while fighting in Vietnam, eventually causing Davis to make the ultimate sacrifice and give his life to save the life of his comrades. Almost immediately following this tragedy, his comrades nominate him for a medal of honor which gets passed.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: FAIR
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
The book profile accurately reflects the book.
Draw of Story
The author's immediate contextualization of Sgt. Davis earning a medal of honor drew me into the story.
Possible Drawbacks
There was nothing in particular that made me want to put the book down.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
Witnessing the backstory of a person who serves as a Martyr during a time where people of the same ethnic background where discriminated against is interesting.
Fanbase Potential
If adapted, I could see this story having a moderate fanbase. Films based on true stories struggle to attract large audiences.
Awards Potential
Although there are strong themes about character, honor, and duty, I don't really see this story having awards potential unless the actors portraying the historical figures turn in great performances.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
FILMS SUCH AS "15:17 TO PARIS", "RICHARD JEWELL", AND "AMERICAN SNIPER" ARE SIMILAR TO THIS STORY DUE TO THEIR BIOPIC NATURE AND SIMILAR THEMES.
What’s New About the Story
The contextualization of Sgt. Davis' actions during the civil rights era is an unique way to tell the story of a recipient of a medal of honor.
Lead Characters
Sgt. Davis stands out as a real person of honor who does whatever it takes to protect the things he loves unconditionally despite the irony he will not receive the same treatment from others.
Uniqueness of Story
This is not quite a rare gem as similar stories with the same themes have been told, however, it is a story I feel should be told nonetheless.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
This has the potential to be a good biopic with resonant themes that are relevant even today. The only pitfall with this type of story is the handling of the story up until the climax of the story. When adapted, attention should be paid to the structure and pacing to avoid being "slow" or "boring".