LOGLINE: TRUE Horace Bell and Juan Flores cross purposes when seeking retribution, one man following the law and the other revolution; their prize is gold-rich California. 

SYNOPSIS:

HORACE BELL

screenplay is an Epic Western Biopic based in the infant Pueblo de Los Angeles in

the 1850s. Similar in tone to Dances With Wolves with a strong

revisionist Latino theme, it appeals to a four-quadrant audience and

will attract emerging and established talent. Much of the script is

presented in Spanish with English subtitles. Mexican heroes spring out

from the forgotten pages of history into the vibrant reality of real

people who shaped our American culture, men like Tomas Sanchez, Andres

Pico, and Felipe Talamantes.

Horace Bell is a 22-year-old Indiana native and can-do adventurer at the Gold Rush who

moves to the pueblo after his best friend and ranger partner is murdered

by Juan Flores. Horace’s vow for revenge against Flores immerses him

into a deeper war over the future of California. The Mexican-American

War is over and California is a new American state. The Spanish Dons

fear the upcoming changes as they stand to lose their massive land

grants.

Flores, motivated by his own demons, vows to take California

back for Mexico. His gang of ex-cons and displaced vaqueros challenges

the Dons to join him. As a new Los Angeles ranger, Horace sides with

the law and advises the Dons to capture Flores and defeat his gang.

What the Dons decide to do and how Horace accomplishes his mission makes

a compelling, fresh, and believable story. By its end, Horace matures

into accepting the reality that life brings tragedy whether deserved or

not.

The main female romantic roles include Paulette Bovierre, a

delicious looking French café owner/fencer who dices meats and men. Her

female competition for Horace’s affection is Jacinta Talamantes, an

enticing Mexican-American heiress who plays Horace like the multiple

keys on her piano. Horace enjoys playing them both.

Major Scenes Include:

Horace’s anguish over his friend’s murder; Paulette

and Horace romanticizing the story of the founding of Los Angeles; the

rodeo games and fandango at the Sanchez Rancho; Jacinta’s bold

invitation to Horace to court her; the factual and revolutionary San

Quentin breakout; the battle of San Juan Capistrano; the murder of

Sheriff Barton and his posse; Flores’ escape and wounding of Horace; and

Flores’ cold murder of Horace’s betrothed.