Brief

A boy’s will to live is tested by the accidental death of twin brother on their 12th birthday, but a promise to his mother keeps him from committing suicide until his 62nd birthday when he makes a failed attempt. Vignettes told by characters from his life impart his story of loss, abuse, and hope.

What We Liked

- The structure of the story is unique in that it is told in a vignette style by multiple characters from different facets of the main character’s life. It is highly character driven and paints an insightful and empathetic picture of a man living out his life in misery and desperation. It’s a story of love, family, abuse, and hopelessness that finally turns into hope. It is poignant, sometimes funny, devastating, and uplifting all at the same time.
- A feature adaptation of the story has potential to be a critical darling and an actor’s dream. The deep character development offers a profound glimpse into one man’s tragic life and the use of multiple characters from his life and times to convey his story would make an engaging film.
- The story could potentially be adapted as a television project in a limited series capacity. It could be broken out into a character study that ties together into a whole person by the conclusion of the series.
- Key points: Interesting structure; Heartfelt storyline; Uplifting message; Critical acclaim potential; Strong relatable characters.

Synopsis

Skinner Lincoln and his twin brother Cutter live a happy life with their five older sisters, Rebecca, Peggy, Martha, Matilda and Betty and their parents Opal and Lloyd Lincoln. On their 12th birthday, Skinner and Cutter are on their way to the mailbox to retrieve a birthday card sent to them by their grandmother when Cutter is accidentally killed by Old Man Johnson in a runaway chicken truck with a bald tire.

The loss of his brother plunges Skinner into a deep depression and he becomes suicidal. His sisters, especially Betty, work hard to take care of him and protect him, but it’s the promise he makes to his momma that he won’t kill himself that sustains his life. A stint at a religious camp traumatizes him for unknown reasons, and Skinner emerges from the camp full of anxiety and worse for wear. Following Betty throughout school, Skinner discovers that he has an affinity for typing. He follows his talent and becomes a skilled court reporter where he survives being shot during a trial of some Hell’s Angels.

Skinner realizes that he is a homosexual, but decides to remain a lifetime virgin because he adverse to human contact. With the loss of his father, mother and Old Man Johnson, with whom he has become “war buddies”, Skinner’s depression deepens. On his 62nd birthday he attempts suicide.

The attempt fails and he is rescued by his nephew Vernon. Skinner is committed to a mental hospital where he remembers repressed memories of being sexually abused by a Baptist preacher at camp. With the help of a therapist named Gayle and the loving care of his sisters, Skinner crawls out of his depression and embarks on a new life.

About The Author

Tommy James Gothard is a native Texan who resides in Houston. He graduated from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. His work has appeared in The Houston Chronicle's Among Friends and Texas Magazine's State Lines. His play, Momma, Daddy, Jesus, Medicine was presented at the Actor's Workshop in Houston. After 40 years in the airline industry, (31 for Southwest Airlines) he has recently retired. Like many of the characters in BALD TIRE, his family has deep Texas roots dating back to the early 1800s.