This pre-Civil War feature film uniquely intertwines the stories of black and white heroes, raising issues about US election rigging, lobbying, fake news and police brutality today.

ALTON tells the story of two murders that provoked Lincoln to run for President. These pre-Civil War scandals awakened the nation to the profound evil of slavery, which led to Lincoln’s election. Today, as in the slave era, the chains of oppression oppress everyone.

The fight to end free speech and freedom of the press, and the crucifixion of a free black man, who had committed no crime, followed by the mob murder of the abolitionist editor who spoke up in his defense, demanding a fair trial, captured national headlines in the struggle for free speech and freedom of the press in America.

The ALTON story: Missouri slave owner Linden hires Illinois lawyer Speare to find Linden’s escaped slaves hiding in Alton, Illinois (a free state), contrive a business downturn in Alton, manipulate the media, and set up the murder of the abolitionist Editor of The Alton Observer Elijah Parish Lovejoy (1837). This murder was carried out by a frenzied mob wearing top hats and swallow tail coats. Horace Speare, the villain in ALTON, was a paid pro-slavery lobbyist. ALTON tells a story that speaks to US election rigging, media manipulation and police brutality today. This book, and its associated screenplay, reveal the deep roots of today’s racism. It is based on the original research and the definitive first biography of Elijah Parish Lovejoy by the author’s father.

ALTON, and its associated screenplay, reveal the deep roots of today’s racism. Based on the original research and the definitive first biography of Elijah Parish Lovejoy by the screenwriter’s father, this pre-Civil War feature film uniquely intertwines stories of black and white heroes.

African-American music talent will be featured in the music video to be developed for the sound track of ALTON, which combines historic and contemporary styles, from gospel to hip-hop and rap.

PRIVATE PORTAL