The Hunger of Pride (pdf format) by Rod Thompson

“At the height of the American Revolution, two generals share dinner in a bid for peace.”

Ever watch black and white footage on PBS, and chuckle about how the “old times” looked? Those women in long dresses and bonnets. Men in handle bar mustaches and hats. Not to mention their primitive modes of transportation: horse and buggies, old streetcars. Didn’t they realize how silly it was? Nothing like modern day. With our power suits, and cell phones… The people back then seem so quaint. Almost less than human.

Antiquated lives – separated by centuries. But are we really so different? No matter the time period, humans have always been united by our motives, and values we hold dear. Such things never change. Nor do emotions, Such as Love, Anger – and Pride. As true in 1782 as today…

As The Hunger of Pride opens, stalwart General Batchelder peers out his window. A crucial event is about to take place. Canons blast in the background; the American Revolution in full swing. The American general watches as a carriage arrives, and General Barr exits. His sworn British adversary – surrounded by a swarm of red-coated guards.

The two men adjourn to the dining room to discuss their situation. But their motives aren’t in sync. Batchelder wishes to broker a truce. Barr aims for the American’s unqualified surrender. As they tuck into a generous meal, Batchelder explains his plans for attack. The result is sure to be bloody on both sides. In order to save the lives of their men, isn’t there room for compromise? But – as with the world today – negotiation can be tricky. Will mutual interest win the day? Or will Pride goeth before one warrior’s fall?

Historical fiction can be difficult; but when done right it’s a marvelous thing: Gone With the Wind, Lawrence of Arabia, Schlinder’s List. 12 Years a Slave. The tales don’t always have to be true. But they do need to be authentic… touching on universals of the human condition that resonate through time. Confucious once declared, “Study the past if you would define the future.” The Hunger of Pride may depict days long past. But its emotions still ring true.

Emotionally gripping, and tied up in a perfect twist, THP is perfect for directors interested in something that will stay with their audience… no matter what century they come from!

Pages: 5

Budget: Moderate, only because the Generals’ costumes and the ambiance need to reflect the Revolutionary War time period. (Horses are likely optional.) Add some historically-accurate props to an interior room, and huzzah!

About the writer, Rod Thompson: I have been writing creatively since I learned how to write. There is just something about telling a story that I can never get over. Storytelling in itself is like an old flame that occasionally comes to me and just says, “Use me.” The ability to watch a movie through words, or to craft a world in such a manner is the closest to Godliness that man will ever come. True story. Contact Rod at RodThompson1980 “AT” gmail.com

About the Reviewer: California über reader/reviewer KP Mackie is working hard on her animated feature.

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This screenplay may not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.