The Last Ones
Logline
Struggling under the blackouts, rationing, fears and patriotism of WWII, a Massachusetts farm boy comes of age shouldering men’s work only to face a world irrevocably changed by the post war economic boom as he and his family become the last ones clinging to a way of life.
Genre
Memoir,Family,Drama,Young Adult
Short Summary
Douglas, the boy of the farm, overhears his grandmother on the phone saying that with the war going badly, and his father and hired hands gone, they might lose the farm. He must rise to the occasion. He does.
They survive the war, but not the post war boom. The demand for housing makes it impossible to continue their way of life. A turnpike project claims the farm. Douglas takes a heartbreaking tour of the abandoned farm the day after the auction, then walks down to a bus taking him to the Navy.
Setting
New England farm 1940s- 1950s
Based on a True Story
Yes
Plot - Premise
Tragedy
Plot - Other Elements
Coming of Age
Mature Audience Themes
Information not completed
Main Character Details
Name: Douglas Peterson
Age: 8 growing to teen
Gender: Male
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Complex,Confident,Desperate,Engaging
Additional Character Details
Name: Laura Rawlings
Age: 8 growing to teen
Gender: Female
Role: Emotional
Key Traits: Charming,Insecure,Blunt,Outspoken,Romantic,Sarcastic
Additional Character Details
Name: Grace Krill
Age: late 20s
Gender: Female
Role: antagonist
Key Traits: Adventurous,Aspiring,Badass,Aggressive,Complex,Confident,Decisive,Greedy,Educated,Patriotic,Blunt,Power Hungry,Outspoken,Skillful,Seductive,Lone Wolf
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Development Pitch
No recent film has examined the tumult of the post WWII period on the American way of life. The attendances at my in-person appearances confirm that market interest is strong. The Last Ones explores the impact of WWII and the post war boom which trigger the loss of an iconic way of life for a New England farm family. Douglas, our young protagonist, first comes of age during the war shouldering men’s work, then in a forced maturation as he struggles to save his heritage farm. In addition to Douglas, The Last Ones has a rich cast: The Boss – the matriarch, Douglas’ grandmother and supporter Laura Rawlings – A troubled farm girl from the hills, Douglas’ love interest Grace Krill – A ruthless land developer compensating for the war loss of her brother Pop – Grandfather, a patient and adoring teacher Edie and Harry – Douglas’ parents who face too many choices and are ill prepared for abundance. They vacate self-restraint. Mr. John Macomber – The richest man in town. Douglas’ mentor. The backdrop of a New England family farm is an iconic audience favorite. The setting in the 1940s and early 1950s remains popular. My speaking engagements show that the market includes nostalgic adults. The coming of age theme appeals to a YA market. No extraordinary special effects are required. The bittersweet closing scene of Douglas visiting the farm, empty after a sell off auction, and then walking down to a bus taking him to his new life in the navy will stay with audiences.
Genre
MATURE AUDIENCE, DRAMA
Brief
This heartwarming coming-of- age film highlights the struggles of a boy helping to run the family farm while the grown men are off to war. It is this period of his life that sets the course for the man he is to become.
Overall Rating
EXCELLENT
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: EXCELLENT
Commerciality: GOOD
Franchise Potential: GOOD
Pace: GOOD
Premise: EXCELLENT
Structure: GOOD
Theme: EXCELLENT
Accuracy of Book Profile
Yes it does reflect the script, but the structure of some of the paragraphs could be improved.
Draw of Story
The challenges faced on the homefront during WWII is an interesting topic and one that is less represented in film than stories about the war itself.
Possible Drawbacks
Nothing made me want to put it down but it was a little too sentimental at times. I think a revision can improve the dialogue and add one or two more modern concepts into the story, and it could be very good.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
A young boy comes of age on the family farm during WWII.
Fanbase Potential
I think as a TV series or mini-series this could be fertile territory for lots of human drama and could draw a large audience. There is a hunger for family dramas' that are not corny and sappy. If done right - stellar writing and acting are key - then the existing "family content" fans and people who love good drama are just waiting for something like this
Awards Potential
I do see this as an outstanding TV series with awards potential in acting, writing, and ensemble performance for years to come.
Envisioned Budget
LOW BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, TENDER MERCIES, MILDRED PIERCE
What’s New About the Story
The sacrifices made by average Americans, especially rural Americans, during WWII hasn't been as explored on film as other aspects of the war has. It's a unique topic in that sense. Slightly improved dialogue and maybe a few dramatic elements that reflect more modern thinking could turn this into a real winner.
Lead Characters
The characters are real. There isn't any sense of artifice in them.
Uniqueness of Story
This actually could be a "rare gem!”
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, Film - Studio, Film - Streaming, TV Series - Cable, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series, TV Series - Network, TV Series - Streaming
Analyst Recommendation
RECOMMEND
Justification
This script could be the basis for an excellent TV series either on cable or broadcast TV because there is a lot of opportunity for multiple stories over many years with this premise. It could also be a good script for a feature film presentation to be released in the fall as awards bait but there is less franchise potential as a feature film. It has a lot of good elements - struggle, determination, and a glimpse into a bygone way of life. There is a decent sized segment of the American population that appreciates the themes presented here.