Memory Lane Classics

MEMORY LANE CLASSICS synopsis ‘Memory Lane Classics’ is an ailing family-owned garage specializing in classic car restoration. Aside from financial struggles, our heroes also suffer emotional personal struggles. Unfortunately, this Mom ‘N Pops shop is now a Pops ‘N Son shop. A year ago, Angelo Ferrare lost his mother to illness. Pushed to the limit, in the aftermath of colliding conflicts, our good-natured yet brooding cynical hero (who occasionally bends the law) saves the garage and finally overcomes his grief by the end of the story. Naturally, ‘MLC’ is a comedy. While drama and character serve as the backbone, dark humor, rapid-fire comebacks, physical pratfalls, and a wild climactic ‘Blue Brothers’-esque car chase fuel the fun. Filled with conflict and one-liners, supporting roles are ripe for eccentric character actors. The larger cast includes Angelo’s acidic losing-his-touch father, a massive brute of a rival, an aging investigator, a married starved-for-man-time annoying client, a suspicious road cop, and a witty tomboy romantic interest (of course). The tightly-paced story centers around a bad day at work that constantly gets worse. All conflict centers around saving Angelo’s family business, threatened by mounting debt, ruthless rivals, suspicious police, and insurmountable grief. ‘Memory Lane Classics’ prides itself in not only restoring vintage vehicles, but also restoring precious memories. Thematically, the story is anchored around the idea of keeping our loved ones alive by treasuring what they left behind, like Mom’s precious Chevelle, as well as the values instilled by family that have passed away. Although filled with laughs, each character has their own set of obstacles to clear. Still mourning the loss of his wife, Enzo Ferrare (50s) runs the shop with his son, trying and failing to narrow the trench of grief that divides them. Their hulking business rival, Levi (30s), runs their own Mom ‘N Pops, aiming to blackmail and destroy MLC. Grizzled chain-smoking Investigator Bentley (late 50s) is hot on their trail, ordered to unearth evidence on one of Angelo’s many scams. Officer Morales (30s) joins the hunt, catching our hero in a couple of sticky high-speed situations. Unfortunately, John Krause (40), a strung-along customer is also strung along for the ride, finding himself on the wrong side of the law. Luckily, Angelo has the help of his crew, like Connie Nelson (mid-to-late 20s), to fight back against their rivals and save the shop, while also giving our hero a glimpse of hope, helping him believe in happiness again. Imagine a low-budget Judd Apatow approach on comedy, built upon drama and character, mixed with the retro fun of cult classics from the ‘70s and ‘80s.