Hotsprings
Hotsprings
The sun is barely up on Central Avenue, when City Alderman, Frank Flynn strides out of his saloon, draws his revolver and guns down the editor of "The Hot Springs Hornet." Flynn will be acquitted of all charges, but the murder will be the catalyst for one of the greatest blood feuds in history, pitting the County Sheriff's department against the City Police in a war over the country's first resort town.
Hot Springs is a one-hour Historical Crime Drama, based on true events. The isolated resort town famed for its healing mineral baths, wild gambling halls, and black middle class- made infamous by the outlaws and crime syndicates that ruled the city for more than seventy years.
The series will examine the gritty pursuit of power in the first progressive city in the South with an authenticity that shows the parallels of our current cultural climate. Season One will start in 1896 and center around ex-Union Officer, Frank “ Boss Gambler” Flynn, and his deadly feud with two of the towns rival business magnets, Bob Williams and Gracie Lane.
Flynn's unassuming title of City Alderman gives him alone the authority to grant gambling licenses in Hot Springs, making him the most powerful man in the city. Years of kickbacks and bribes have given him a longstanding relationship with Garland County Sheriff, J.H. Nichols, and Mayor, T.F. Linde. Together, they prevent intervention by other law enforcement and punish Flynn's rivals.
Recently widowed, Gracie Lane blames Flynn for her late husband's death. She ignites a war by supplying the editor of the Hot Springs Hornet with damning information on Flynn and his business partners illegal activity. The article leads Flynn to commit murder and throws the city into chaos.
With Flynn and his men under close watch by the State Government, Bob–a former Confederate officer–has a chance to take the reins of the city. Bob and Gracie have a different view of the way the town should be growing. Bob wants Jim Crow laws firmly implemented and Black Broadway removed. Frank has a vision for the city that he trusts only in his own hands and will set it on fire before he relinquishes control. The question of who will control the town and the mountains of cash pouring in will drive Hot Springs into one of the greatest blood feuds in history, ultimately pitting the County Sheriffs against the local Police in a fight to the death.
In Spa City, the American Dream and all of its sins were on full display. Uninhibited Black Culture thrived, but the proud community that was built will be tested by the implications of coming Jim Crow Laws. Women owned booming businesses even while they lacked the right to vote. The city was larger than life. One could visit the springs and be reborn.
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CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
The legendary thermal baths in Hot Springs, Arkansas, brought a colorful mix of characters to the small city. Many traveled from far and wide to be treated for their ailments, and as word of the rejuvenating water spread, Hot Springs became America's first resort destination. In town you would find a diverse mix of Ex-Union and Confederate soldiers, churchgoers and sin-seekers, criminals and lawmen, visitors seeking solace and those looking for trouble.
If you were somebody, you wanted to bathe at the luxurious bathhouses and be seen at any number of the lavish casinos or the beautiful Arlington Hotel. But beneath it's clean and glamorous face, there was another side to Hot Springs altogether. Violence was a constant around the card tables of the gambling halls and behind the locked doors of the brothels. Many had traveled across the country for some new experimental treatment, but more often than not the doctors did just as much harm as good.
Grand Victorian Bathhouses lined the east side of Central Ave, while gambling halls and saloons occupied the west. To the north, The Arlington Hotel sat opposite the lavish Opera house. Further south stood the Post office, National Bank, and a handful of churches.
"Houses of Pleasure” occupied the upstairs apartments above of the gambling halls. Madams would grow to be very powerful, they were left unhindered if they paid a fine to the city each month.
Gambling was the life-blood of the Spa. Although it was illegal, a blind eye was turned for a small fee. Frank Flynn controlled all gambling in Hot Springs.
The Arlington Hotel
Bathhouse Row
Grand Victorian Bathhouses lined the east side of Central Ave, while gambling halls and saloons occupied the west. To the north, The Arlington Hotel sat opposite the lavish Opera house. Further south stood the Post office, National Bank, and a handful of churches.
"Houses of Pleasure” occupied the upstairs apartments above of the gambling halls. Madams would grow to be very powerful, they were left unhindered if they paid a fine to the city each month.
Gambling was the life-blood of the Spa. Although it was illegal, a blind eye was turned for a small fee. Frank Flynn controlled all gambling in Hot Springs.
The Arlington Hotel
Bathhouse Row
If you were somebody, you wanted to bathe at the luxurious bathhouses and be seen at any number of the lavish casinos or the beautiful Arlington Hotel. But beneath it's clean and glamorous face, there was another side to Hot Springs altogether. Violence was a constant around the card tables of the gambling halls and behind the locked doors of the brothels. Many had traveled across the country for some new experimental treatment, but more often than not the doctors did just as much harm as good.
Hot Springs was an exceptionally progressive city in the Deep South, following the Civil War. It’s booming tourist economy discouraged overt racial tension, and provided a wealth of service jobs that would give rise to the nations first African-American middle class.
Hundreds of former slaves flocked to the sleepy valley, many driven out of “Sundown Towns” – communities that posted signs at city limits stating that people of color had to leave by sundown or they would be hung. If they managed to escape this gauntlet of violence and terror and reach Hot Springs, they soon found themselves in a paradise of opportunity. In addition to work at the hotels, bathhouses, and other tourist attractions, there were opportunities for black doctors and policemen. There was even a renowned black lawyer in Spa City.
However, with the passing of Jim Crow laws, business would be threatened, and the Black Community would be in jeopardy of losing the quality of life they had worked so hard for. The leadership would be forced to choose sides over the coming bloodbath that would likely decide their fate.
"Black Broadway" was a section of Church Street. that housed the black-owned businesses and clubs. African American jazz musicians, singers, and entertainers from across the country came to Spa City for the chance to perform here.
"Black Broadway" was a section of Church Street. that housed the black-owned businesses and clubs. African American jazz musicians, singers, and entertainers from across the country came to Spa City for the chance to perform here.
Hot Springs was an exceptionally progressive city in the Deep South, following the Civil War. It’s booming tourist economy discouraged overt racial tension, and provided a wealth of service jobs that would give rise to the nations first African-American middle class.
Hundreds of former slaves flocked to the sleepy valley, many driven out of “Sundown Towns” – communities that posted signs at city limits stating that people of color had to leave by sundown or they would be hung. If they managed to escape this gauntlet of violence and terror and reach Hot Springs, they soon found themselves in a paradise of opportunity. In addition to work at the hotels, bathhouses, and other tourist attractions, there were opportunities for black doctors and policemen. There was even a renowned black lawyer in Spa City.
However, with the passing of Jim Crow laws, business would be threatened, and the Black Community would be in jeopardy of losing the quality of life they had worked so hard for. The leadership would be forced to choose sides over the coming bloodbath that would likely decide their fate.
No area in the country had more heated politics than Hot Springs. Every election was hotly contested and kickbacks from the quazi-legal industries such as whoring and gambling made the offices worth fighting for, and there was always a challenger looking to throw his hat into the ring.
Propaganda was a powerful tool in Spa City, and newspapers were a competitive business. Dozens came and went, supporting different interests. Offending the wrong person with a story sometimes meant dueling that person in the street with revolvers.
Propaganda was a powerful tool in Spa City, and newspapers were a competitive business. Dozens came and went, supporting different interests. Offending the wrong person with a story sometimes meant dueling that person in the street with revolvers.
No area in the country had more heated politics than Hot Springs. Every election was hotly contested and kickbacks from the quazi-legal industries such as whoring and gambling made the offices worth fighting for, and there was always a challenger looking to throw his hat into the ring.
Private businessman owned the luxurious Bathhouses, Hotels, and Saloons. Among them was a spirit of cooperation in renovating Hot Springs so as not to scare off the tourists that were their life blood. The debate over whether or not Hot Springs should legalize gambling and become an “Open Town” was a hot button issue, many people fearing that the already dangerous environment would get worse.
Private businessman owned the luxurious Bathhouses, Hotels, and Saloons. Among them was a spirit of cooperation in renovating Hot Springs so as not to scare off the tourists that were their life blood. The debate over whether or not Hot Springs should legalize gambling and become an “Open Town” was a hot button issue, many people fearing that the already dangerous environment would get worse.
CHARACTERS
CHARACTERS
Ex-Union Officer, Frank was the City Alderman and most powerful man in Hot Springs. He was born in Canada and would be raised in towns all over the U.S. The oldest of 3 boys and 1 girl, Frank grew to resent authority because of an abusive Irish father and overbearing Scottish mother. At a young age, he would leave his family to join the Union Army. After the war, he would bounce around frontier towns making a living as a gambler. Being slight of stature, even wiry, he was not physically intimidating, but his movement like his speech was quick and decisive. Calculating and quick with a gun, he would be respected no matter where he went.
In 1871 after the death of his father, Frank came to Arkansas to take his place as the head of the family. His younger brothers wife fell ill and the family would move to hot springs for the healing waters. For the most part, Hot Springs was a lawless saloon town but it had a few well to do families. Soon after arriving Frank would meet, Annie Page. Annie was the daughter of a large property owner and was a respected member of the church. The two would soon be married. Frank had strong opinions on race, but they would be strengthened after he befriended Annie’s half-brother, black Lawyer, JD Page. Frank would use Annie’s family influence to get, him and his brothers, the opportunity to open a saloon in 1880, “The Office.” Soon after Frank would partner with Charles Watson, Louis Goodman, Sam Fordyce, Sherriff Nichols, Colonel DC Rugg, and James Lane to try to gain control of the majority of all saloons and gambling halls in the Spa.
Flynn famously did not work well with others, Fordyce and Rugg didn’t mind because their focus was on bigger business. Frank fought for control and would feud with Watson, Goodwin, but worst of all -with James Lane. Flynn would assume leadership of what would become known as the Arlington Gang in 1888, and would force out Watson, and Goodman and he would eventually kill Jim Lane.
With Flynn’s powerful friends and deep pockets, he would gain the controlling stake in one of the town’s biggest papers. Frank understood the power of propaganda and would use it to his advantage. In 1888, he would be elected city Alderman, a position he would retain until his death. Through his government position, he would oversee the growth of the town and single-handedly control who would be able to get a gambling permit in the Spa. Gambling was illegal in the state of Arkansas, but city government would appropriate the penalty. Only Flynn establishments would be allowed gambling license. With the mountain of money pouring in Frank would forever shape the Spa. With his focus on the growth and prosperity of the community, he found it increasingly difficult to maintain a connection with the ones he loved.
Frank “Boss Gambler” Flynn
J.D. Page
Despite being born into slavery, J.D. would become one of the first African American lawyers in the country and the face of "Black Broadway". Legal counsel to Frank Flynn. Champion of equal rights. He would oversee the growth of the Black middle class in Spa City. When this man speaks, everyone listens. Every One. Page's half-sister Annie Flynn leads Page to help Frank even when it might be against the interest of his people. God, Family, Community, is the compass that guides him in the tumultuous environment that has become Hot Springs.
Ex-Confederate Officer Bob Williams was a calculating businessman, who would stop at nothing to regain the position of Garland County Sheriff.
Bob grew up in western Arkansas on a poor dirt farm, with younger brother John “Coffee” Williams, and sister Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen would die at the age of thirteen from a broken neck, after falling off the back of Coffee’s horse. Bob would never completely forgive his brother for his part in the accident.
In 1861, the William’s family moved to Missouri to avoid the war, however, Bob stayed behind to fight for the confederacy. He felt a fierce loyalty to the land his family worked and wanted to protect the small community - the only home he’d ever known. Despite being a young man, barely 18 years old when the war started, he would serve with distinction and earned the reputation as a being intelligent, reliable, and a natural leader.
After the war, Bob traveled to Hot Springs to nurse a leg injury and immediately felt a strong connection to the town. He bought into a grocery store and soon expanded it into a wholesale and feed business. He was smart and a well-rounded, and just two years after the war he was elected Sherriff. He would go on to marry Isabella Palsa, and a few years later they would have their only child, a boy they named Johnny. Bob was a good father and cared for his family deeply.
Bob would serve eight consecutive terms as Sheriff, before being beaten in a close race by J.H. Nichols in 1884. Nichols was coming off several terms as Chief of Police in Hot Springs, during which time he’d formed a partnership with emerging “Boss Gambler” Frank Flynn. During the election, Flynn used his influence in the black community to get the votes Nichols needed, then moved to cement his power by calling in a favor with the Mayor: Flynn’s man would be the only candidate considered for the new Chief of Police. With Flynn now controlling both sides of the law, Bob was forced out of Hot Springs politics. Bob would resent Flynn, along with the black community, for this loss.
In 1886, Bob’s wife would begin to suffer from consumption. He would invest everything in a state-of-the-art medical facility at the Quapaw bathhouse to help treat Isabella. However, no treatment could save his wife and she would die in 1888. By then he’d purchased three bathhouses, renovating them with a luxurious European aesthetic that would make them a must-see attraction for the high-society visitors. The profits from these bathhouses would make Bob one of the wealthiest landowners in the state.
But despite his success, Isabella’s death would continue to torture him. For two years he became a shut-in, living above the Quapaw and barely dealing with the outside world. He eventually found solace in the arms of a widow named Gracie Lane. The two shared a hatred for Flynn, and together they fantasized about how they could get revenge for all he’d taken from them.
A plan began to take shape, in which Bob would be re-elected as Sheriff, and have his brother Coffee appointed Police chief, effectively destroying Flynn’s control of the city. However, Flynn will match Bob’s ruthless business tactics as the two played an epic game of chess from opposite sides of Central Ave.
Robert "Bob" Williams
Tom Toler
Tom had no real aim in life other than a good time. He would find his calling when named Police Chief of Hot Springs.
Tom became a victim of the war at the age of eight when his parents were killed in a house fire that was set by a group of militiamen who were ransacking the town. Left parentless, Tom grew up in an orphanage on Lake Street in the center of Hot Springs. The realities of war made his early life miserable–food, clothing, and shelter were scarce. Tom learned to avoid conflict when possible but to handle a gun when necessary. As he grew older, Toler became even more of a loner. He was quick to hold a grudge, and he carried a chip on his shoulder as a result of his serious abandonment issues. He found himself attracted to the town's many gambling halls and saloons, where any man could make a name for himself - even an orphan like him.
Tom was always few losses away from going broke. Seeking a consistent income, he took a job as Police Deputy. Even with the steady paycheck, his gambling habits would force him to find more creative ways to earn a buck. He would occasionally bribe a tourist or run a crooked card game to settle any called debts.
One night while patrolling Black Broadway, Tom would come across a badly beaten woman at the Summer Rose Brothel. Her attacker was drunk and threatened to kill the deputy if he interfered. Tom, who was usually quick to steer away from confrontation, took on the rowdy suspect, ending with the bigger man’s arrest. Tom would earn the respect of the thanks of the brothel’s madam, Black Jane, who’d seen the whole thing.
Tom and Black Jane would fall deeply in love, and she would shape him into a man of legend. Tom would fight to live up to the man she knew he could be, going from a card cheat and a coward to a fearless lawman who’d knock the famous Wyatt Earp on his ass. Along the way, his motives would come to align with hers: Jane wanted nothing more that equality and Tom would fight for her to have it.
Tom would be considered a wild card by the two leading factions. Not until Black Jane and her community are threatened, does he choose to do the bidding of Frank Flynn.
Gracie Lane
Gracie was the most powerful Madam in Hot Springs. Calculating, ruthless, and intelligent. She would ultimately dictate the city’s future from the shadows.
Gracie grew up in Brooklyn, the only child of a poor single mother. She was forced into prostitution at the age of 14, and at 16 she ran away to Manhattan. She survived there as an escort until her twenties and became quite successful servicing the city’s business elite. She was a social chameleon, with the ability to flourish in any environment.
In 1890, Gracie would meet Jim Lane, a wealthy real estate developer, at a fundraiser on the Upper East Side. He fell deeply in love with her and soon they were seeing each other every weekend. Jim would eventually take Gracie with him to visit Hot Springs, where he had an interest in building a new hotel, The Palace. Seeing the town's potential, Gracie convinced Jim to stake her in her very own brothel. They move to Hot Springs permanently, in the fall of 1889. In 1893 they were married in a small ceremony. Jim would be the only man she ever really cared for.
As Jim began to invest in more real estate, Gracie persuaded him to maneuver his way into the gambling business. When Jim’s dealings with Frank Flynn began to sour, she convinced him to go out on his own. In the winter of 1895, Jim’s body was discovered at the bottom of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. He’d fallen 90 ft to the frozen ground and died on impact. His death was ruled a suicide but Gracie knew in her heart that Frank Flynn was responsible. She pledged to finish what her husband started and take revenge on Flynn. When completed, The Monarch and The Palace would give her the legitimacy she always wanted.
Realizing she would need a powerful ally to take on Flynn, she saw an opportunity when she met Ex-Sherriff Bob Williams. The two would come together over their hatred for Flynn, and exact a plan for retribution.
Freda "Freedom" Matthews
Tough and stubborn. Freedom grew up working the printing press at her father's newspaper. An outsider in Spa City, not because of her mixed race, but from her uncompromisable journalistic integrity. She would become the youngest newspaper editor in the state of Arkansas, after taking over The Hornet, following her father's death. As she gets closer to justice, the hotter the city burns with violence and chaos. The town's fate will be in freedom's hands when she is forced to decide between revenge and progression.
Jane "Black Jane" Jones
Madam of the only Black-owned brothel house in Hot Springs. Beautiful, confident and strong willed. She will guide Tom Toler to back Frank Flynn, in order to protect her community. Tom will grow to be the love of her life. A secret they must keep for Tom's political career, but when Bob Williams finds out he will use her to threaten Toler’s re-election for Police Chief. Her love for her man and calculating wit will ultimately determine the future of Hot Springs.
Major A.C. Doran
Major A.C. Doran
Former Army Major turned drifter and hired gun. Wanted for killing men in four states. Stood 6’ 3” and weighed 220, and was impeccably groomed and dressed. Rumored to have both male and female sexual partners. Guided by his own unique set of southern principles. He was paid $6,000 to open The Monarch and Palace casinos, and more if Frank Flynn wound up dead in the process. Feared by any intelligent man, Doran will be the unpredictable force that devastates the beautiful town of Hot Springs.
Coffee Williams
"The man in black" Impetuous brother to Sheriff Bob Williams. Drank too much and spent too much time hanging around the gambling clubs. Quick to violence with a notorious temper. Arrived in Hot Springs to help his brother, soon after the murder of Charles Matthews.
"The man in black" Impetuous brother to Sheriff Bob Williams. Drank too much and spent too much time hanging around the gambling clubs. Quick to violence with a notorious temper. Arrived in Hot Springs to help his brother, soon after the murder of Charles Matthews.
Sherriff J.H. Nichols
60s. Nichols is still strong, and he easily commands respect as one of the fastest guns in the county. A Union veteran and seasoned law enforcement officer, he’s been Sherriff of Garland County for four elected terms. He once made five arrests after taking away pistols from five quarreling men. He takes kickbacks from the various rackets around town, including a partnership of sorts with Flynn. He frequently turns his back on his morals for Frank 's endeavors. After surviving countless gunfights he would die at his desk at the hands of a woman.
Buck Allen
28,. Athletic and intelligent, he is proud to be an officer of the Law. He is Tom Toler's partner and closest friend. Buck's greatest hope in life, is to follow in his mentor's, J.D. Page's, footsteps.
Annie Flynn
40's. Beautiful and elegant, she is Frank's loving wife. From a prominent family, she is well respected within her church community, and she is the sole reason Frank had been looked at as a legitimate businessman in this old Southern town. She has a big heart and does a lot for the black men and women of the city.
Billy Flynn
40s. Second oldest of three Flynn brothers, he was temperamental and considered by most as Frank's back alley enforcer. Loyal to a fault. When Frank was facing life in prison he would surface to testify on Franks behalf, knowing he will go to jail for life, to ensure his brother's freedom.
Colonel D.C. Rugg
50's. A boisterous man, the Colonel always feels entitled to give an opinion. He loves attention and craves being the center of it. Former Union Officer, and large property holder in Garland County. Co-Owns the Arlington Hotel with Fordyce and Flynn.
Sam Fordyce
Late 60's. Sam is a former Captain in the Union Army, where he was wounded multiple times. He has gone on to become a railroad baron, financing over 24,000 miles of track connecting Hot Springs to the rest of the USA. Invested heavily in the city of Hot Springs, including the construction of the Arlington Hotel, Opera House, the trolley system, and many of the cities utilities.
James Madison
30's. Determined, with a chip on his shoulder. Nothing could stop James when he had his mindset. Regarded as first “black leading gambler” and co-owner of a black bar and gambling club, The Onyx.
Sarah Flynn
20's, A fiery temper and a sharp intellect drive this blonde beauty to be more than what the current culture will allow. She has the soft features of her mother and the same intensity as Frank. As the city grows into a frenzy so does her resentment for her father.
