Neill Edward Calabro
Writer of Fine Scripts

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Hanging Angels - synopsis

Like “To Kill A Mockingbird,” a strong family story focuses on a young child, and a father who has to struggle with defending a black man in a racist town. Written with a modern-day cinematic upgrade, the family faces problems which are more in line with today’s issues, yet the story never loses site of that era.

Plus, like Beasts of the Southern Wild a supernatural/spiritual element comes to a civil rites story, exciting audiences of our present-day mystically-conscious society.

It is the *unknown* that moves characters towards amending injustice; free from the traditional story where the white man swoops in and saves the “black folk.” Yet, it is not done with a heavy supernatural manifestation as to simplify the need of those who fight discrimination.

The Freedom Riders have entered Montgomery, 1961. As you watch the white mob assault the young people on the bus, you hear the voice of JAMES BARTON. Within his spirit, he watches this atrocity from a few miles away. He’s been given second sight as he hangs from a noose, slipping in and out of consciousness. He explains that this story is not just about him, or about the Freedom Riders… but about destiny achieved.

His only hope may be a white man, JEFFERSON PINE. After fleeing family, and town, to become a lawyer, Jefferson returns, believing he will be the hero to the James Barton lynching debacle.

GARRETT PINE, the young son of Jefferson, is almost an angel. He comprehends a destiny that makes him different. And people think he is strange because of a noose-like growth enveloping his neck, and that his skin appears to look a little too dark compared to most.

Garrett doesn’t let the mortals destroy his joy. He calls himself a “black angel” and shocks his white family when asking if it’s possible that he might be a “negro.”

Our heroine is WANDA BARTON; the black cousin of the hanged man. She is the strength of the narrative; her hope is exuded throughout and her individuality is multifaceted. She has love, anger, faith, determination, and a sense of family. She treats people as if color blind, but not sitting idly by when there’s injustice.

The mystery of Jefferson’s darkest fear is revealed at a critical point during the trial to free James Barton. James has survived the lynching because of a birthmark (like Garrett’s) that surrounds his neck, keeping him from death. But survival doesn’t bring freedom as he still hangs in the noose; the white law refusing to let him go.

Dark Pines, Alabama provides the need for male audiences to see action, and for women to see strong female characters. It tells a much needed story with a modern understanding.