"San Francisco"

Creator: Thomas M Sylla
Age rating: Everyone
The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 is the backdrop for this tale of a federal agent fighting to bring down San Francisco’s most powerful crime boss. When the disaster strikes, the hero must battle both nature and man to survive. (Based on a true story)
Project collaboration: Open
Synopsis: In 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt sends William Burns, America’s top Secret Service agent, to San Francisco to aid in the corruption investigation against the city’s most powerful crime boss, Abraham Ruef. Burns is dismayed to discover that a former schoolmate, strong-willed agent Jessica O’Connell, is assigned to the same case. Against his better judgment, Burns agrees to work with Jessica to infiltrate Ruef’s organization and collect evidence against him. Burns helps Jessica go undercover and pose as a secretary to gain access to Ruef’s private office.

Burns coaches Jessica and guides her efforts to obtain the vital information they need to bring Ruef down, but he becomes increasingly concerned for her safety. When Ruef and his thugs discover the truth about the sting operation, Ruef confronts Jessica and holds her against her will. Burns struggles to get past Ruef’s assassins to save her. Without warning, the disastrous Great Earthquake strikes. The city is in shambles, but Burns and Jessica are reunited and Ruef is seemingly dead, a victim of divine intervention.

But it’s not over. As huge fires threaten to destroy what’s left of San Francisco and federal troops declare martial law, Burns finds out that Ruef is very much alive and bent on revenge. Jessica is taken hostage and Burns must literally travel through a flaming Hell filled with looters and trigger-happy soldiers to reach her. As dynamite crews begin blowing up whole city blocks to stop the giant flames, Burns and Jessica find themselves trapped high atop a burning building along with the man who wants them dead, and no way to escape.

Latest Work

All Work

  • Script 1 - Thomas's Original Draft
    12/05/10
    Main1291586117._sx304_sy171_
    Creative Notes:
    An action-packed roller coaster ride that's based on a true story but seasoned with humor, romance and suspense. This is the San Francisco Earthquake movie I would love to see.