Synopsis:
Screenplay.
LOGLINE: THE RIVER AND THE RIBBON Historical Drama: True story of a Hungarian Aristocrat who survives the slaughter of her family, only to be captured and sold into slavery. A wealthy Englishman buys her freedom and the two embark on a treacherous odyssey to discover the source of the Nile. Their greatest journey, however, comes from within.
During the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, sympathizers OF PRINCE METTERNICK and the current regime are singled out. During an uneventful night at home, FLORENCE, (then only six), goes upstairs to bed with nursemaid ZORIA.
Within moments Florence’s Father and two brothers are held hostage by rioters, then murdered. Unnoticed, from the top of the stairs, Florence witnesses the slaughter. Zoria hides Florence as the rioters search the house. For a few tense moments, their presence is almost detected. They later come out from their hiding place and escape.
Several years later, Zoria, who marries and leaves with her new husband, abandons Florence. That very same night, a TURKISH SLAVE TRADER captures Florence. She endures unmentionable acts as his son’s concubine before being re-sold.
SAMUEL BAKER, a wealthy English Sportsman, (thought by some to be uncivilized), is on another of his hunting expeditions, this time with a young MAHARAJAH. While in Bulgaria, they come across the slave block. He spots Florence, instantly feels a connection and buys her freedom. But what to do with her?
Their relationship is awkward at best, as both struggle with defining their relationship. Can they grow to love each other? Samuel, unable to express his feelings and Florence unwilling to, form an unlikely professional alliance out of necessity.
In an unusual moment, Sam confides to Florence that his dream has always been to discover the source of the Nile, something Caesar would have given up his kingdom for. He gets his chance when two fellow explorers are lost while seeking the same goal. He’s sent on a search and recovery mission by the Royal Geographical Society.
Sam and Florence begin a journey that will take them through the darkest reaches of the continent. They experience mutinies from their HIRED MEN, torturous weather conditions, malaria. They also encounter murderous SLAVE TRADERS, HOSTILE VILLAGERS, swamps that can take a man whole within moments, etc.
As they experience conditions that would break any normal person, they struggle with what their hearts tell them about each other and whether their dream of reaching the source will come true. But the big question on both their minds is: can they can survive long enough to admit their love?
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