A Time to Dance A Time to Run
WAR MEMOIR BIOGRAPHICAL
1920s & '30s,1940s & '50s
R. H. Miller
TaleFlick Top Pick!
Submision Type
book
Logline
Maria attempts to build a career as a ballet-meister in Nazi Germany. As she moves to different cities, the war, as if it were almost consciously trying to stop her, thwarts her ambition and desire to develop a successful career.
Genre
War,Memoir,Biographical
Short Summary
Maria remembers the first bombing raid she experienced in Wuppertal , Germany amid incredible confusion and terror. When it is over, Franz the first violinist with the orchestra wants her and some other ballerinas to help him rescue his violin in the theater. On the way through the burning stree
Setting
Nazi Germany during WWII
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Overcoming Monster/Villain
Plot - Other Elements
Philosophical Questions,Meaningful Message
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Maria
Age: 18 to 28
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring,Charming,Complex,Decisive,Engaging,Heroic,Skillful,Strong Moral Code
Additional Character Details
Name: Anna Maria's mother who is with her through most of the book.
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Role: Sidekick
Key Traits: Charming,Empathetic,Faithful,Selfless
Additional Character Details
Name: Mini
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Role: skeptic
Key Traits: Aspiring,Charming,Empathetic,Skillful
Additional Character Details
Name: Franz
Age: 40
Gender: Male
Role: emotional
Key Traits: Clumsy,Aggressive,Insecure,Romantic,Seductive
Genre
DRAMA, WAR
Brief
Maria is tapped for the theater to dance ballet in Germany. The Nazis and the war are growing ,changing the lives of it's citizen. Maria's successful career in ballet is interrupted by bombing as Germany loses. Maria's home is destroyed but she finds love with an American solider, leaving her homeland behind to start anew with him.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: GOOD
Commerciality: FAIR
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 focuses on Germany people at the height of Hitler and beginning of World War II. They are not Nazi supporters and are trying to live normal lives regardless of the war. This gives an interesting perspective of the lives and culture of Germany at the time.
Possible Drawbacks
The story is well written and appealing story. There were no elements that made me want to put it down.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The hook is that Maria is living successfully as a ballet dancer in Germany when WWII breaks out and forces her out of the theater. I would watch this movie for the perspective of normal German people who did not support the Nazi agenda, trying to survive and live there lives.
Fanbase Potential
This could have a decent fanbase. The main focus does become WWII which is not the most popular theme. The story is very interesting, showing a different perspective of German people at the time. Other films such as Jojo Rabbit were very successful with similar objectives.
Awards Potential
This could have awards potential as many films about surviving wars tend to draw awards notice. The main character is a woman following her life as a ballet dancer until her world changes, does tap into the desire for strong , independent female led films.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
JOJO RABBIT, WHERE HANDS TOUCH
What’s New About the Story
The story is original because it follows an independent German woman with a successful career in Nazi Germany. She doesn't have a male rescuer or have an epic love story until the very end. It's about her journey.
Lead Characters
The lead character stands out because she is an independent, single woman. She has a successful career as a ballet dancer until the war stops it. Maria is not an alpha female but is strong in a realistic and relatable sense. She preservers with bombs dropping, the loss of her home and career and near rape.
Uniqueness of Story
This is not a rare gem but a well written story with a strong female lead. It shows the German people in a different light explaining there struggles in Nazi Germany as German citizens.
Possible Formats
Film: Studio, Indie, Streaming TV Series: Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
RECOMMEND
Justification
This is a recommend because it is a well written story that has many elements that audiences are looking for. Recently, there have been successful movies that show a unique perspective on German people at the height of Hitler. This would do the same. It is entertaining while showing an independent woman during the 1930's and 1940's. There are many great moments with Maria, surviving and creating a new life for herself.