Smalls

Charleston, South Carolina, in 1862 is a remarkable place, with one special resident, Robert Smalls, a young slave. At the start of the Civil War, Smalls works "hired-out" as a shipwright, almost all his wages going to his owner, who is also his father. Smalls' sailing skills soon land him a job piloting the steamship Planter, which works to fortify the city for the Confederacy. When his crew of fellow-slaves notices Smalls' resemblance to the white captain, a dangerous, daring plan develops. Armed with the daily signal codes and the captain's clothes, including his characteristic straw hat to cover Small's black face, they steal the steamer, piloting it past the many forts guarding Charleston harbor, delivering the ship and its weaponry to the Union ships at sea. This incredible feat is a sensation, taking Smalls to the White House, where he is instrumental in convincing Lincoln to enlist Negro soldiers in the fight. Smalls himself goes back into battle, piloting The Planter again, facing danger with unbelievable courage. After eventual victory, he buys the plantation of his slave past, and serves as Congressman from South Carolina. This amazing true story has never been made into a motion picture or TV production. It's written to be filmed on a reasonable budget for a period action/adventure project, and it's one of those popular tales in which the good guys fight back and win. By produced writer--10 feature films. And published novelist/ghostwriter--20 books.