All-American quarterback, Joe Roth, battles valiantly as melanoma viciously threatens his NFL dreams. With the press anointing him as the next Joe Namath, Roth leads his 1975 nationally ranked Cal Bears to the brink of greatness where his ultimate game becomes a fight for life. 

SYNOPSIS:

Written in the vein of “Brian’s Song”, and with similar tempo as “Moneyball”; Golden Bear is an emotionally charged true story about JOE ROTH, a talented young athlete who becomes a famous college quarterback for Cal Berkeley in 1975-76, only to see his dreams dashed by personal tragedy.

In present time, Joe Roth finds himself confronted by a mysterious INTERVIEWER driven to get at the truth and help Joe find understanding and acceptance in overwhelming defeat. Sequestered in his apartment, Joe is forced to reveal intimate details, exposing anger and frustration about his life that he was never able to face, until now. Pressed to recall his climb to the top as the best quarterback in the Nation, Joe is forced to relive the pain and loss he so desperately attempted to bury.

As a young athlete, Joe surrounded himself with comical friends that lightened his serious introspective manner when growing up in El Cajole, CA during the 60’s. His best childhood friends, the Russell twins, set the tone as Joe’s strong character is illustrated when saving Billy Russel from an oncoming car. In 1974, an insidious disease enters Joe’s life just as his athletic mystique heightens during the JC State Championship game. Angered by an unexpected diagnosis, Joe faces dangerous surgery that shapes his immediate future. Undaunted by serious illness, Joe becomes the hottest University football recruit in the Country.

Enamored with Cal Berkeley’s academic and multi-cultural challenges, Joe decides on the powerful offense built by head coach MIKE WHITE. During Joe’s first day on campus in the spring of ‘75, teammate BOB WARNER, rescues him from opposing demonstrators, only to find Joe enjoying the odd culture mix of street artists and eclectic city atmosphere. As instant best friends, Bob becomes Joe’s stabilizing force, protecting him from oncoming lineman as well as ruthless reporters attempting to reveal devastating truths about the dark illness that relentlessly haunts him.

During spring practice, Joe’s given the keys to a new apartment, only to find a half-dressed girl, TRACY LAGOS, belting out her favorite song. Tracy and Joe’s relationship blossoms as Joe becomes a national sensation. Compared to Joe Namath, Joe felt the pressure to be the one thing he knew how to be, a great quarterback and humble leader. With huge wins over nationally ranked teams Joe’s elevated as the next great quarterback to follow in the footsteps of Steve Bartkowski and a future No.1 pick in the NFL. With the help of ’75 Heisman hopeful CHUCK MUNCIE, Joe leads Cal to the brink of the Rose Bowl and possible national championship. But the dream falls short with the appearance of disease back to remind him of what he’s truly running from.

Ignoring all signs of illness, Joe thrusts himself into discussion as one of the greatest college quarterbacks in NCAA history. During his rise to fame, Joe and Tracy fall in love, helping to strengthen Joe’s understanding and purpose in life. However, once national reporters and Playboy’s Hugh Hefner come calling, Tracy becomes disillusioned and leaves Joe, knowing she cannot compete in his world. Hurt and confused by Tracy’s decision, Joe’s spirit never diminishes as he continues to lift himself to greater heights.

Keeping his illness a secret from the press, Joe’s considered a lock for the ‘76 Heisman in preseason polls and a #1 pick in the ’77 NFL draft. While the National Press conjectures about his previous fight with cancer, Joe continues to battle valiantly on the field and in life, revealing little about his illness. When visiting a sick young boy fighting to stay alive, Joe reflects on his own childhood, giving strength to the young fan before cancer ravages the boy and takes his life. Devastated by the loss, Joe questions his faith and considers his own mortality. As Joe’s body shows new signs of illness, the feeling of eternal hope, that he could beat anything slowly begins to fade, struggling to understand what his life truly means. After Joe calls for a meeting with the team doctor to disclose the effects of his illness, the Interviewer suggests that the meeting is the beginning of significant truths Joe must now face.

With Joe’s condition appearing hopeless, Tracy returns from Los Angeles to assure him of their love by reprising a special moment in their relationship. Friends, family and fans from around the country, including President Ford, support Joe’s strength and remarkable character before succumbing to the vicious spread of melanoma.

The Interviewer and Joe sit quietly as Joe attempts to grasp the events that took so much from him. The Interviewer gathers his things, then leaves Joe with the understanding of the remarkable impact Joe had on the world around him; and although short, was a life well lived.

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This thought provoking screenplay has been developed as a character infused drama with humorous light-hearted undertones scattered throughout. The story delivers strong passionate moments between the main characters and Joe Roth’s fight to stay alive.