Remarque Novel Sparks New Deal
FilmStew.com Chairman and screenwriter John Culton announced today that he has acquired the motion picture and television rights to Spark of Life, a novel by the late German writer Eric Maria Remarque, in a deal worth $400,000.00.
Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) July 12, 2004 -- Remarque, author of "All Quiet on the Western Front" and one of the premiere novelists of the twentieth century, wrote thirteen novels, twelve of which were made into motion pictures ("All Quiet on the Western Front" was produced twice, in 1930 and again for television in 1979). "Spark of Life", his eighth novel published in 1952, is the compelling story of malnourished slave laborers stripped of their health and dignity at the end of World War II. It focuses on how they came to realize the war was about to end and how they lasted and resisted when it was all they could do to stand up. Although on paper these laborers are mere numbers waiting to die from starvation, they become human once again by means of an inspirational and uplifting story.
Culton acquired the rights to Spark from the estate of Paulette Goddard Remarque, the late author's widow. Goddard was one of Hollywood's Golden Age screen sirens, with forty-four films to her credit. She is perhaps best remembered for her work opposite Charlie Chaplin in "Modern Times" and "The Great Dictator", as well as for her portrayal of a World War II nurse in "So Proudly We Hail," for which she received an Academy Award nomination.
When Spark was first published in 1952, New York Times book critic Orville Prescott wrote, "To read Spark of Life is a heartrending experience...it possesses great narrative power and authentic suspense hinging on the question: Which among the tormented will be alive to witness the certain defeat of the tormentors, the defeat of which is heralded by the sound of the approaching American artillery?"
Culton says, "We plan to take Spark out to production companies and studios that have an eye for quality material and are willing to swing for the fence to get critical acclaim as well as commercial success," adding that "an award winning screenplay is already available." Culton has won several notable screenwriting competitions including Austin Film Festival, LA Scriptwriters Network, Independent Feature Project --New York, and Houston International Film Festival.
The deal was brokered by attorneys Stephen Rodner and Richard Kay of Prior, Cashman, Sherman & Flynn, New York.
For further information contact:
John Culton
Phone: 909-658-7211 ext. 218
Fax: 909-492-4757
Email: johnculton@msn.com
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