BILLY FISKE

Screenplay Treatment

I. STORY SYNOPSIS

Billy Fiske was born into privilege, but his life was anything but ordinary. A prodigy on the slopes, he became an Olympic gold medalist in bobsled at just 16, setting records that still stand today. But his drive extended far beyond sports. While others saw wealth as an opportunity for comfort, Billy saw it as a platform to chase adventure, push limits, and ultimately, fight for something greater than himself.

Our story begins in the grand halls of privilege—Aspen, 1920s. Billy's childhood is defined by opportunity but also by a deep-seated restlessness. He's not content with merely being a "rich kid." He craves the thrill of speed, the challenge of the unknown. When he discovers bobsledding, he's hooked. He trains relentlessly, his passion unmatched. At 16, he becomes the youngest Olympic champion in the sport, proving to the world—and himself—that his abilities go far beyond his family's wealth. Four years later, he wins again, solidifying his status as a legend.

But Billy isn't satisfied. He seeks new challenges, and soon, his restless spirit leads him to Aspen, where he plays a key role in establishing the ski industry that would later turn the town into an iconic destination. Alongside his close friend, T.J. Flynn, and his wife, Rose, Billy creates something lasting, but the call for something greater continues to pull at him.

As war clouds gather over Europe, Billy sees what many Americans choose to ignore. The U.S. remains neutral, but Billy knows that neutrality in the face of tyranny is a choice he cannot make. He has everything—wealth, prestige, a future of endless possibilities—but he chooses sacrifice. Knowing that Americans are not yet permitted to fight, he finds a loophole, claiming Canadian citizenship to enlist in the Royal Air Force. He is assigned to No. 601 Squadron, flying a Hawker Hurricane in the Battle of Britain.

War is nothing like sport. It's brutal, chaotic, and merciless. Billy's camaraderie with fellow pilots—many of whom won't live to see another day—reveals a deeper side to him. He is no longer just a thrill-seeker; he's a man driven by conviction, by a belief that some things are worth more than one's own life. The battle rages on, and Billy's skill in the air makes him invaluable. But war does not care for legends. In August 1940, during a routine patrol, Billy's plane is hit. With his aircraft engulfed in flames, he makes an impossible decision—to attempt a landing rather than eject, hoping to save his machine and prevent civilian casualties. His injuries are severe, and though he is rushed to a hospital, he succumbs to his wounds, becoming the first American pilot to die in World War II.

Billy Fiske's story is not just one of adventure, triumph, and sacrifice—it is a testament to the rare kind of bravery that asks for nothing in return. He didn't have to fight. He didn't have to risk everything. But he did. His legacy is more than medals or victories—it's the belief that courage is not about where you come from but about what you are willing to stand for.

II. LOGLINE

Billy Fiske, a privileged yet restless young man, defies expectations by becoming an Olympic champion, pioneering Aspen's ski industry, and ultimately sacrificing everything to fight for a cause greater than himself. As the world teeters on the edge of war, he leaves behind comfort, assumes a false identity, and joins the Royal Air Force to battle the rising Nazi threat. A story of courage, conviction, and sacrifice, Billy's journey explores what it truly means to live—and to give everything for something worth fighting for.

III. GENRE

This film is a biographical war drama with elements of sports and historical action. At its heart, it is an inspirational character study, following Billy Fiske's evolution from an Olympic champion to a wartime hero. While it features thrilling bobsled races and intense aerial dogfights, the focus remains on the personal, emotional journey of a man who could have stayed in the comfort of wealth but instead chose self-sacrifice.

Blending the sweeping grandeur of historical epics like Chariots of Fire and Dunkirk with the intimate depth of personal dramas like The Imitation Game, this film aims to honor Billy's extraordinary life while keeping the audience deeply invested in his internal struggles, aspirations, and defining choices.

IV. THEME

At its heart, this screenplay explores the theme of duty over comfort—the idea that true greatness isn't just about talent or success but about what we choose to do with it. Billy Fiske had everything: wealth, status, and a future of ease. Yet, he walked away from it all, choosing a cause greater than himself. The story delves into the question: Why would a man who has everything risk losing it all for a war that wasn't even his to fight?

This film also highlights sacrifice, identity, and legacy. It's about the moments that define a person—not the medals they win, but the choices they make when no one is watching. Through his journey from privileged youth to Olympic champion, from Aspen pioneer to war hero, we see how Billy constantly pushed himself toward something more meaningful.

There's also a theme of loneliness in purpose. Billy was a man apart, someone who never settled, who never fit perfectly into any mold. The film will show the emotional cost of that—what he gained by pursuing his ideals, but also what he lost. In the end, it's a story about courage—not just in battle, but in choosing the harder path, even when no one else understands.

V. TONE

The tone of the screenplay will be a blend of inspirational drama and personal introspection, woven with historical action. It should feel deeply human—not just a grand war story, but an intimate look at a man shaped by his choices.

There will be moments of awe and triumph—his Olympic victories, his bold ventures—but also quiet, reflective moments that reveal his inner conflicts. The war sequences will be gritty and realistic, not glorified. The dialogue will be natural, with depth and emotion, keeping Billy's character relatable and grounded. Ultimately, it should leave the audience moved, inspired, and thinking about what true heroism really means.

VI. SETTING

The story of Billy Fiske spans multiple rich and visually striking locations, each representing a key phase of his life and character development. These settings are not just backdrops; they play an integral role in shaping his journey, reinforcing the themes of privilege, ambition, sacrifice, and heroism.

1. Wealth & Privilege – Early Life in America

Billy is born into a life of luxury, growing up in an opulent estate in New York. His family's wealth grants him access to elite schools, lavish winter vacations, and early exposure to skiing—an environment that molds him into a daring athlete. Grand ballrooms, polished wood-paneled study halls, and the pristine slopes of the American Northeast serve as the early visual language of his world. The contrast between this comfort and the life-or-death stakes he later embraces will be a defining visual theme.

2. The Thrill of Competition – The Olympics

The Olympic stage transports Billy to the snowy landscapes of St. Moritz, Switzerland, where he becomes the youngest gold medalist in bobsledding. The setting is dynamic—towering alpine peaks, the rhythmic clatter of the sled slicing through the ice, the roar of the crowd. This environment highlights his love for speed and adventure, foreshadowing the risks he will later take.

3. The Aspen Years – Brotherhood & Purpose

Aspen, Colorado, in the 1930s serves as a transformative chapter for Billy. This is where he establishes America's first ski resort with his close friend TJ Flynn. The setting is rugged, untamed, and breathtaking—snow-covered peaks, rustic lodges, and the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers. The mountains serve as a metaphor for both freedom and responsibility. It's here that Billy discovers a deeper sense of purpose beyond competition, one that will ultimately guide his decision to join the war effort.

4. The War – England & The Battle of Britain

Billy's world shifts dramatically as he enlists in the Royal Air Force, pretending to be Canadian to circumvent U.S. neutrality. The setting darkens: RAF airfields lined with Spitfires and Hurricanes, the gray overcast skies of wartime England, the tense interiors of briefing rooms. In the air, the battle sequences are visceral—blazing gunfire, diving dogfights, engines roaring against the stormy clouds.

5. Legacy – A Hero Remembered

The final setting brings us full circle, perhaps revisiting the Olympic track or the mountains of Aspen, now tinged with nostalgia. It's a reflection on what Billy left behind—a life of adventure, but more importantly, a life of purpose.

VII. CHARACTER PROFILES

Billy Fiske (Protagonist)

Billy Fiske is a man born into privilege but driven by an insatiable thirst for adventure and purpose. Raised in a wealthy American family, he could have lived a life of comfort, yet he constantly sought challenges that pushed his limits. At just 16, he won Olympic gold in bobsledding, proving his raw talent and fearless nature. By 20, he secured another Olympic victory, but sports were never enough—he needed something greater.

His years in Aspen, co-founding the first ski resort, reflect his entrepreneurial spirit and love for the mountains. However, it was World War II that revealed his true character. Knowing that the U.S. had not yet joined the fight, Billy enlisted in the Royal Air Force, risking everything, including his citizenship, to stand against tyranny.

His bravery wasn't just in battle—it was in his choices. He is charismatic, determined, and always a step ahead, but he also carries an emotional depth. What drives a man who has everything to walk into war, knowing there are only two possible outcomes—death or exile? This question defines him. His arc takes him from a privileged athlete to a man of conviction, willing to sacrifice everything for a cause greater than himself.

Rose Fiske (Billy's Wife)

Rose Fiske is Billy's anchor, the person who sees past his accomplishments and into the soul of the man she loves. She is elegant, intelligent, and supportive, yet she wrestles with the knowledge that Billy's heart belongs to adventure and duty as much as it belongs to her. Their marriage is filled with warmth and passion, but also the quiet pain of knowing she may never come first in his life.

She admires his bravery but fears the inevitable. Unlike Billy, who chases danger, Rose craves stability. Her role in the story is not just as his wife, but as a voice of reason—a counterpoint to his restlessness. She represents the life he could have had if he had chosen to stay, making his departure for war even more powerful. Her arc is one of resilience, as she learns to love a man she may have to lose.

T.J. Flynn (Aspen Business Partner & Friend)

T.J. Flynn is Billy's partner in establishing the Aspen ski scene. A rough-around-the-edges businessman with a deep love for the mountains, T.J. is the opposite of Billy in many ways. Where Billy is refined and effortlessly charming, T.J. is practical, gruff, and skeptical of Billy's high-flying ambitions. However, they share a love for adventure, and their friendship is built on mutual respect.

T.J. doesn't understand Billy's need to fight in a war that isn't America's yet, but he supports him in his own way. His goodbye to Billy is filled with unspoken emotions, knowing that he may never see his friend again. T.J. provides both comic relief and grounded wisdom, embodying the sentiment of those who choose to stay behind.

Squadron Leader James 'Jimmy' Walker (Fellow RAF Pilot)

Jimmy Walker is a seasoned British pilot who becomes Billy's closest comrade in the Royal Air Force. He is sharp-witted, fiercely loyal, and has a deep sense of duty. Initially skeptical of an American joining their ranks, Jimmy quickly grows to admire Billy's skill and determination. He serves as both mentor and friend, guiding Billy through the transition from athlete to soldier. Their bond is forged in the chaos of war, and his loss is one of the first major heartbreaks Billy experiences. Jimmy's character brings humor, camaraderie, and the harsh reality of the war's brutality.

Flight Officer Arthur 'Archie' Barrett (Young, Idealistic Pilot)

Archie is the wide-eyed, eager young pilot who looks up to Billy. He represents the innocence and optimism of youth, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of war. Billy sees himself in Archie—the same fire, the same drive—but also recognizes the dangers of his unchecked enthusiasm. Archie's arc is tragic, as his fate is a sobering reminder that war spares no one, not even the brightest young souls. His relationship with Billy highlights the emotional weight of leadership—Billy must inspire and protect, but he cannot control fate.

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding (RAF High Command)

Dowding is the no-nonsense, deeply respected leader of Britain's air defense during the Battle of Britain. Though he initially questions Billy's place in the RAF, he acknowledges talent when he sees it. He admires Billy's unwavering commitment, even as he understands the risks involved. Dowding's role is pivotal in the historical backdrop of the war, grounding the narrative in real events and showcasing the bureaucratic and strategic decisions behind the battle.

Billy's Father (The Weight of Expectation)

Billy's father is a symbol of the privileged life Billy could have embraced. He is a powerful, respected businessman who struggles to understand why his son continuously chooses risk over security. Their relationship is distant but layered—his father is proud of Billy's achievements but frustrated by his refusal to settle. He represents societal expectations and the path Billy refuses to take. Their final interaction is crucial, as it highlights the emotional stakes of Billy's decisions.

The War (A Character in Itself)

While not a person, the war itself is a looming presence that shapes every character's arc. It is both the antagonist and the catalyst, forcing characters to confront their fears, loyalties, and mortality. The Battle of Britain is not just a setting but a force that defines Billy's ultimate fate.

VIII. ACT STRUCTURE

ACT ONE: The Making of a Champion (0 - 30 pages)

Opening Scene

The film opens in the 1920s, with a young Billy Fiske speeding down a snowy hill on a makeshift sled, the wind in his hair, his laughter echoing. This sets the tone for his adventurous spirit and foreshadows his later achievements.

Establishing Billy's World

Billy is born into privilege, raised in a wealthy family in New York and London, surrounded by luxury and expectation
His father, a businessman, wants him to follow in his footsteps, but Billy is drawn to speed, risk, and adventure
At 16, Billy competes in the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, winning a gold medal in bobsled, becoming the youngest winner in the sport's history
He returns a hero, but feels disconnected from the lavish world around him
At 20, he wins another Olympic gold in Lake Placid, but instead of celebrating, he looks for his next challenge

Aspen & The Birth of a Dream

Instead of settling into a predictable life, Billy sets out to Aspen, Colorado, seeing the untouched snow as an opportunity
Alongside his business partner T.J. Flynn, he helps pioneer Aspen's ski industry, drawing in visitors and laying the foundation for the resort town it would become
He meets Rose, a woman who challenges him—intelligent, independent, and skeptical of his recklessness. They form a bond, but Billy's restless soul remains evident

The Cliffhanger

The war in Europe is escalating. Billy, an American, is expected to remain neutral
But news of Hitler's invasion of Poland disturbs him deeply
Debate with Friends: Some, including Rose, question why he would risk everything for a war that isn't his to fight
In a dramatic conversation, Billy declares: "The right fight is never someone else's."
Against advice, he decides to enlist—but the U.S. isn't in the war

ACT TWO: A Soldier Without a Country (30 - 90 pages)

Crossing the Line

Billy pretends to be Canadian in order to join the Royal Air Force (RAF)
Training sequences show him struggling to adapt to aerial combat—flying is different from bobsledding. The risks are higher, the stakes deadlier
He befriends British pilots, but remains an outsider in many ways

Rising Tensions & Emotional Conflict

Billy excels in training, proving himself as a fearless and precise pilot, but the emotional burden grows
News reaches him that if discovered, he will lose his American citizenship
Internal Struggle: He writes a letter to Rose but never sends it, realizing that war may take his life before love can truly take root
He earns the respect of his squadron, but faces pushback from superiors—why would a wealthy American risk it all?

The Battle of Britain

By mid-1940, Billy is thrust into combat, engaging in dogfights over British skies
Stunning air-to-air cinematography showcases the brutal, terrifying beauty of the Battle of Britain
A tense dogfight sequence reveals his skill—his instinct for speed and precision translates into aerial mastery
His bobsled training subtly mirrors his piloting—split-second decisions, sharp turns, and total commitment

Loss & Sacrifice

His squadron suffers casualties—some of his closest comrades are shot down
He writes another letter to Rose, finally revealing his fears and regrets
In a pivotal moment, Billy risks his life to protect a fellow pilot, his selflessness becoming clear

ACT THREE: The Ultimate Price (90 - 120 pages)

The Final Mission

A high-stakes battle against German bombers. Billy's plane is hit
With fire engulfing his cockpit, he refuses to bail out, trying to land his Hurricane to save the aircraft
He crashes at Tangmere airfield, severely injured

Final Moments & Legacy

Despite his wounds, he urges mechanics to save the plane, prioritizing duty over himself
He is rushed to the hospital, where he succumbs to his injuries two days later at age 29
A somber, powerful scene—news spreads, and even Churchill acknowledges his sacrifice

Epilogue

The film ends with archival footage of Billy Fiske—his Olympic runs, Aspen days, and RAF service
A voiceover from Rose reading his final letter: "I lived the way I wanted—fast, free, and never looking back."
A tribute to the first American killed in WWII, whose courage transcended borders

Final Shot

A wide shot of the Aspen mountains, the bobsled track empty, snow falling quietly—a symbolic nod to the speed, adventure, and sacrifice of Billy Fiske.

FADE TO BLACK.