Code Name Lily
DRAMA ACTION ADVENTURE WAR HISTORICAL FICTION SUSPENSE/THRILLER ROMANCE
20th Century (multiple decades)
Julien Ayotte
TaleFlick Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
Code Name Lily takes you on an unforgettable journey from Belgium, into France, and over the Pyrenees mountains into Spain, where an extremely clever and persuasive young Belgian nurse outsmarts the Nazis time and again, risking her life if she is caught, but protecting every airman along the way.
Genre
Drama,Action,Adventure,War,Historical Fiction,Suspense/Thriller,Romance
Short Summary
As a young and innocent nurse of 22, Micheline "Michou" Dumon-Ugeux, thinks very little about WWII until her parents and sister are arrested for being members of the Comet Line escape network in Brussels. She becomes a legend in the escape line as she personally saved over 250 downed airmen.
Setting
Brussels, Paris, southern France, Pyrenees Mountains, cities in the U.S.
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Rebellion Against 'The One',Internal Journey/Rebirth
Plot - Other Elements
Meaningful Message
Mature Audience Themes
Extreme Violence
Main Character Details
Name: Micheline "Michou" Dumon-Ugeux, code named Lily
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aggressive,Charming,Confident,Decisive,Engaging,Heroic,Honorable,Patriotic,Selfless,Outspoken,Skillful,Romantic,Secretive,Leader
Additional Character Details
Name: Gerard Papineau
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aggressive,Charming,Faithful,Gracious,Heroic,Underdog,Patriotic,Romantic,Honorable,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Jacque De Soubrie
Age: thirties
Gender: Male
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Badass,Aggressive,Confident,Villainous,Power Hungry,Blunt,Narcisstic,Secretive,Greedy,Unapologetic,Sarcastic,Lone Wolf
Additional Character Details
Name: too many to list, but think Schindler's List tribute at the end
Age: various
Gender: Other
Role: sidekick
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aggressive,Confident,Decisive,Faithful,Underdog,Patriotic,Selfless,Skillful,Heroic,Visionary,Secretive,Educated,Honorable,Leader,Strong Moral Code
Genre
WAR, ROMANCE, DRAMA
Brief
A family discovers the secret past of a patriarch, who fought honorably and was wounded during WWII. More than that, they find out he was in love with a nurse member of the Belgian resistance who helped him escape being captured by the Nazis. At the end, they finally bury him with the deserved honors and visit the place in Europe where the nurse was recently buried, after living a long, happy life.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: GOOD
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: GOOD
Theme: EXCELLENT
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes, it does.
Draw of Story
The fact that it is based on a true story of heroism and love.
Possible Drawbacks
Not really, the book is always interesting, even though the author's writing style could be more elaborate.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
A true story of love and bravery that is little known by the general public and has the potential to resonate emotionally.
Fanbase Potential
It could, especially by those moved by war tales and narratives about overcoming seemingly impossible difficulties.
Awards Potential
Yes, it seems to be the kind of narrative that attracts a lot of Awards attention.
Envisioned Budget
LARGE BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
SCHINDLER'S LIST - GERMAN ENTREPRENEUR OSKAR SCHINDLER SAVES MORE THAN A THOUSAND JEWS DURING WWII BY EMPLOYING THEM IN HIS FACTORIES. THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK - ANNE FRANK IS A TEENAGE JEW GIRL WHO HIDES IN THE ATTIC WITH HER FAMILY DURING WWII, TRYING TO AVOID BEING CAPTURED BY GESTAPO AND SENT TO A CONCENTRATION CAMP
What’s New About the Story
It is not exactly original, but the fact that it is based on a widely unknown story makes it unique. If the story would be told in a less clichéd manner, it could become an even more interesting narrative.
Lead Characters
They are brave, selfless and willing to help others despite great personal risks, not caring much about honorable titles or recognition.
Uniqueness of Story
Not really a rare gem, but it has the potential to become a very moving narrative, with little adjustments when adapted.
Possible Formats
Film - Studio, Film - Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
CONSIDER
Justification
It is a moving tale of bravery and love in difficult times, based on a true story, something that the audience might connect to very easily. Furthermore, the narrative is well told by the author, and is presently very cinematic and apparently easy to adapt to the screen. In the vein of some great stories of survival and heroism set in the 2nd World War, such as Schindler's List and The Diary of Anne Frank, it is also very Awards-friendly, an aspect that should potentialize the interest of studios in adapting it. Regarding the adaptation itself, some little changes would have to be made in order for it to be successful. One of the most important issues is the fact that the narrative feels somewhat standard and too predictable along the way, so the structure and the storytelling could be improved and gain some sophistication when transformed into a screenplay. Also, the members of the protagonist's family lack development, as the book somehow pays too much attention to him and Lily. Since we are also going to follow these people for much of the narrative, it might become a problem in an adaptation. Therefore, a bit more of their personality could be shown, with additional complexity. However, despite these minor issues, it is a story with a lot of potential, that I can see being successfuly transferred to the big screen.