First Drop of Rain

COMPARABLE FILMS: MARY SHELLEY (2017), PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, EMMA

FIRST DROP OF RAIN is a female-centered historical drama that offers a unique story of female independence during a time when there simply was no such thing. It is based on the historical novel Discovering Evelina (public domain) and my own research on the true story of Frances Burney, an author in 1777 London who first made men see women as valued novelists. Despite being set in the Georgian Era, the story’s themes of finding one’s voice and the ideal partner will resonate with modern audiences in a big way. Frances finds herself through her writing in a way the audience can see, feel, and experience for themselves. The fact it’s based on a true story that hasn’t been told before adds to the appeal. Many are familiar with Jane Austen. I desire to introduce Frances, the pioneer who cleared the path for Jane. This story reminds people that feminism is not a magical tree that sprouted in modern times. Instead, it is a garden that has been steadily growing, watered by many women throughout the years, starting with a small but decisive First Drop of Rain.

SUMMARY: FRANCES (20’s) wants to be a writer, but it’s 1777 and female writers are not taken seriously. She’s tutored in the “womanly art” of correspondence by HUGH LOWE (20’s) and they strike up a close friendship. Frances writes her novel, Evelina, and sends it to Lowe and Son Publishing anonymously. MILES (30’s) is an opera tenor who sees Frances at a dance and is immediately smitten. They begin dating but Miles isn’t quite who she hoped he would be. Miles is dismissive of her talent. Hugh reads Frances’ novel and he is hooked. He realizes Frances wrote the novel and she is quite talented. Evelina takes London by storm. Frances confesses to Miles that she’s the author. Miles cannot support her writing, so Frances breaks up with him. Frances and Hugh confess their love. Frances writes more novels and Hugh is her editor. From then on women were able to publish their stories.