Synopsis
A low born Irish woman flies through social glass ceilings and across continents to become the 1927 Champion Airwoman of the world.
– Currently in development with the support of Screen Ireland.
– Treatment available
Set against the backdrop of the dawn of aviation during the roaring twenties, Queen Of The Sky is a period drama based on a true story that charts the adventures of two fearless Anglo- Irish aviatrix, Lady Mary Heath and her friend turned rival, Lady Mary Bailey as they race across the continent of Africa for the title of 1928 Champion Airwoman of the World.
When we first meet Lady Mary Heath, she is a down on her luck, larger than life, dare devil called Sophie Elliot Lynn, hustling at airshows to make a living through hair raising stunts. It is at one of these airshows, that Sophie meets Lady Mary Bailey, an elegant, Anglo Irish aristocrat married to one of the richest men in the world, Sir Abe Bailey. Bored senseless and desperate for adventure, Lady Mary convinces Sophie to teach her to fly. It is a match made in heaven.
With Lady Bailey’s money and Sophie’s brass neck, they plan an epic journey, to be the first women to fly across the continent of Africa. Lady Bailey refuses to listen to her husband’s suspicions of Sophie’s motives. Things take a turn when Lady Bailey witnesses the flirtation between Sophie and her 70 year old father, the notorious gambler and womaniser, Lord Heath. By the time Sophie’s true manipulative colours show and Lady Mary wants out of the friendship they are half way across Africa. Sophie counteracts being dumped by Lady Bailey by marrying her father and changing her name to Mary to become Lady Mary Heath. Her wedding present, an Avro Avian biplane.
What was a close friendship turns to intense rivalry – a rivalry that fuels an impossible adventure as both race across Africa for the title of Champion Airwoman of the World.
But while Lady Mary has the unseen hand of help from her well connected and wealthy husband to support her, Sophie has to contend with demons that still haunt her from her early childhood where in a small town in South west Ireland, she witnessed her insane father murder her adoring mother. This defining moment is the fuel behind her bravery and her ambition. But it is also the shame behind all her efforts to hide her true identity and her endless need to be loved and respected- a need she will go to the ends of the earth for.