The screenplay for Sons & Daughters of Thunder is based on the critically-acclaimed play by Earlene Hawley and Curtis Heeter.
The play had its world premiere at the New Theatre in Portland, Oregon where it was well received by audiences and reviewers alike.
"A classic American play...the first public debates on the abolition of slavery...the play's focus on freedom of speech, student rebellion, and women's rights vividly reflects contemporary controversies." --The Portland Journal
"Both historically accurate and emotionally exciting...neither pushed nor preached to, the audience is enabled to participate in the exhilaration of a social change effort which dramatically cracks resistance." --The Portland Scribe
"Set at Lane Seminary...a burgeoning generation of Protestant pupils forged the uncompromising 19th century movement against slavery. It is about moral thunder...all the elements of social struggle...are present in Hawley's drama." --The Portland Downtowner
"A made to order conflict not only of principles but of personalities...a neatly staged battle between people history has made into heroes and villains." --The Oregonian
Playwright Earlene Hawley.
"I wrote a libretto for an opera in 1962, and it was such fun," said Hawley. "So, of course I was trying to repeat that pleasure."
The opera was Jeremiah and the New York Times called it, "One of the most effective operas that has yet been composed in the United States." The New York Herald Tribune said it was, "One of the best contemporary works of its genre."
Earlene Hawley consulted on the development of the screenplay for Sons & Daughters of Thunder and will also serve as one of the film's producers.