Overcoming class prejudice, a headstrong underprivileged youth from Victorian Philadelphia joins the city’s elite cricket team, only to challenge the supremacy of English cricket-and silence those who doubt him.

SYNOPSIS:

Eleanor Perry famously declared, "Character IS plot. Character IS story." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Bart King in Eleven Year Grit, a narrative inspired by true events and adapted from my upcoming book, The King of Swing: A Biography of John Barton King. Set between 1890 and 1908, the story blends the spirit of Chariots of Fire with the elegance of The Gilded Age and Downton Abbey.

In the opening scene, a young Bart and his friends are engaged in a baseball game in their working-class Philadelphia neighborhood sandlot. The game turns into a brawl as the kid with the purse tries to run away. Bart runs after him and the two get into a scuffle. A couple of cricket players from a nearby cricket club, who were looking for a talented player for their junior squad, break up the altercation. Here, Bart's persona demonstrates that he is always prepared for any challenge, whether it be a game or a conflict.

Bart accepts a friendly challenge from his friends to try his hand at cricket. His natural talent and quick mastery of the game soon propel him to prominence, and by 18, he's selected for his first international match against Canada. In 1892, he played against the visiting Irish team and began his association with the Gentleman of Philadelphia (GOP).

In 1897, Bart embarks on his first tour of England, where he bowls out Indian prince Ranjitsinhji on his very first delivery in a match against Surrey—an unprecedented feat that sparks a lifelong friendship between the two, despite their vastly different backgrounds. Bart's innovation—introducing the art of swing bowling to cricket, a technique inspired by his baseball experience—captures the imagination of English cricket, earning him a growing reputation and even marriage proposals.

Bart's determination, however, was his defining trait. When cricket legend WG Grace publicly claimed that English bowlers were superior to all others, Bart boldly challenged him, vowing to become England’s top bowler on his next tour—a statement met with skepticism. But Bart was resolute.

Back in the U.S., Bart devoted himself to perfecting his swing bowling technique, becoming the top bowler on the local scene. Meanwhile, he helped run his father’s retail business, selling linen to upscale tailor shops in downtown Philadelphia. But the tension between father and son grew, as Bart’s cricket dreams were seen as an impractical distraction from the family business.

In 1903, Bart returned to England, eager to prove himself to Dr. Grace. Despite a season marred by injuries and rain-soaked matches that left him fifth in the bowling averages, Bart’s determination never wavered. At 30, with the future of his career uncertain and mounting pressure from his father to abandon cricket, Bart remained focused on his goal.

Bart’s resilience and wit, along with his preference for mingling with everyday locals rather than the English aristocracy, made him a beloved figure. But it was in 1908, on his final tour of England at 34, that he achieved the ultimate validation. Despite unfavorable weather and skepticism surrounding his abilities, he became England’s top bowler, with an astonishing average of 11.01 across just ten matches. This achievement, the culmination of eleven years of perseverance, remains a remarkable feat—surpassed only once in over a century.

Frank, his teammate and sometime rival, later remarked, "Bart, if you'd focused on politics as much as you did cricket, you could've been President of the United States!” This statement encapsulates Bart’s extraordinary character—one defined by grit, humor, and an unwavering sense of self.

Sadly, as an American, Bart’s legacy in cricket has been largely forgotten, buried in scorebooks and local history. Yet, his contribution to the sport is immense, and he remains one of the game's greatest unsung heroes. Bart King, the "King of Swing," passed away in 1965, a month after his wife, just two days shy of his 92nd birthday. His story, and the grit that defined it, deserve to be remembered by the cricketing world.

2028 LA OLYMPICS – A compelling pitch to Hollywood as to why ‘Eleven Year Grit’ a movie about an American cricket legend should be released during the Olympic games.

Here are several key reasons:

1. Historical Significance:

• Cricket's Olympic Return: The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics after 127 years is a monumental event in sports history. A film about an American cricket legend during this time would capitalize on the global excitement around the return of cricket to the Olympic stage. This offers the potential for widespread international appeal.
• Untold Story of American Cricket: Cricket is not traditionally associated with American sports culture, making the story of an American cricket legend a unique narrative. A film would be a fresh take on sports cinema, shedding light on a historically overlooked aspect of American athleticism.

2. Global Appeal of Cricket:

• Cricket’s Global Popularity: Cricket is followed by billions of fans around the world, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, and the UK. The movie would have a built-in global audience, tapping into both cricket’s traditional fan base and the increased interest during the Olympics.
• Potential for International Box Office: A film about an American cricket legend, combined with the Olympics’ global viewership, could resonate well in international markets, especially cricket-loving nations. Hollywood studios often look for films with international appeal, and cricket's popularity provides just that.

3. Olympic and Sports Movie Synergy:

• Sports Films at the Olympics: Movies tied to the Olympics and sports legends often perform well due to the built-in connection with the Olympic spirit. Films like Chariots of Fire, Miracle, and The Greatest Game Ever Played have all been successful due to their inspirational, underdog narratives. Your movie could tap into this tradition.
• Inspiration and National Pride: The Olympics celebrate athletes who embody perseverance, dedication, and triumph against the odds. An American cricket legend could become a symbol of breaking barriers and achieving greatness, which aligns with the Olympic spirit. This type of movie has a strong emotional core that resonates with audiences worldwide, making it an ideal release during the 2028 Olympics.

4. A Unique Narrative of Overcoming Challenges:

• Cricket in America is an Underdog Story: Unlike football, basketball, or baseball, cricket in the United States has a niche following. A movie based on an American cricket legend could tell the story of overcoming societal and cultural obstacles, the rise of an athlete in an unconventional sport, and perhaps the character’s journey to the Olympic stage itself.
• An Underdog Hero’s Journey: The protagonist could be someone who is initially seen as an outsider in the American sports landscape, yet rises through sheer determination and skill. This "against all odds" journey, combined with the personal struggles of an American cricketer trying to make it to the Olympics, would have the kind of emotional weight that resonates with audiences.

5. Cultural Significance and Inclusivity:

• Diversity and Representation: The U.S. has a growing multicultural demographic, and cricket is popular in several immigrant communities, particularly from South Asia. By telling the story of an American cricket legend, the film could offer a more inclusive and diverse representation of American athletes, attracting audiences from underrepresented communities. This could also provide a new opportunity to discuss issues of identity, cultural assimilation, and representation within the context of sports.
• Inspiration for the Next Generation: The movie could serve as an inspiration for younger generations to explore cricket, especially among immigrant communities in the U.S. It could create a new cultural interest in the sport, sparking youth participation and development of the game in the U.S.

6. Olympic Narrative and the Cultural Event of 2028:

• Olympics as a Cultural Moment: The 2028 Olympics will not only showcase athletic competition but also serve as a global cultural event. As Hollywood looks for films that capitalize on current cultural trends, a sports film released in conjunction with the Olympics would be perfectly timed. By tapping into the event's buzz, the movie could connect to larger discussions around sports, nationalism, and global unity.
• The Intersection of Sports and National Identity: Cricket's inclusion in the Olympics will challenge the perception of cricket as primarily a foreign sport and frame it as a global one. This is explored in the film—how the American cricket legend navigates his dual identity as both an athlete and a representative of the U.S. on the international stage.

7. A Strong Character-Driven Story:

• Depth of the Protagonist: The movie focuses on a well-rounded, multi-dimensional character who is deeply committed to cricket but also faces inner conflicts, such as balancing family expectations, racial or cultural challenges, or breaking away from traditional American sports culture. This complexity adds significant depth to the story and will resonates with audiences who are looking for more than just a sports film.
• Conflict and Redemption: The storyline includes challenges the protagonist faces, such as proving his worth in a sport that isn't widely recognized in America, dealing with personal or family struggles, and overcoming failures to achieve glory. This narrative will draw parallels to other beloved sports stories that have universal appeal.

8. Potential for Star Power and Franchise Development:

• Hollywood Star Power: With a charismatic actor at the helm (someone with both athleticism and acting ability), the film could bring in top-tier talent and generate significant media buzz. A strong lead actor could attract viewers and fans of the Olympics, as well as those interested in sports films and dramatic underdog stories.
• Potential for Franchise or Expanded Universe: If the movie is successful, it could lead to sequels or spin-offs, focusing on the protagonist's journey beyond the Olympics, or following other key figures in American cricket. This could create a new sub-genre of sports films, similar to how films like Rocky or Rush have developed into franchises.

9. Tie-in Opportunities with the Olympics:

• Cross-Promotions: Hollywood could capitalize on promotional partnerships with the Olympics. The film could be featured in marketing campaigns, tie-ins with Olympic broadcasts, and merchandise. Additionally, the movie could integrate Olympic themes and real-life events to create a dynamic promotional strategy.
• Real-Life Olympic Moments: The 2028 Olympics will create iconic sports moments. The screenplay aligns with Olympic themes, and the potential for the movie to draw from real-life events and athletes, blending fiction with real-world history.