I am excited to present The Doris Perry Story, a heartfelt and inspirational biographical screenplay that celebrates the life of Doris Perry, a trailblazing African American woman whose resilience, faith, and determination left an indelible mark on her family, community, and history.
Logline
A young girl from 1930s Chicago overcomes personal loss and societal challenges to become a loving matriarch, business pioneer, and public servant, leaving behind a legacy of hope, family, and resilience.
Synopsis
The Doris Perry Story chronicles the remarkable journey of Doris Perry, born in 1932 Chicago, Illinois. After losing her mother at a young age, Doris moves to Alexandria, Louisiana, where she learns the strength of family and faith. Despite life's challenges, Doris excels academically and becomes the foundation of a thriving family legacy. Alongside her husband, Scott Perry Jr., she supports the launch of a family-owned sanitation business that grows to serve multiple cities.
Doris's journey comes full circle as she becomes a community leader, breaking barriers as the first African American woman elected as Police Jury for District I. Her story is an enduring testament to faith, love, and determination.
Themes & Relevance
Faith and Family: Doris’s life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and family in overcoming personal and systemic challenges.
Entrepreneurship and Legacy: The establishment and success of Scott Perry Jr. and Sons Sanitation Service highlights the importance of building generational wealth and leaving a lasting impact.
Representation and Leadership: Doris's role as a community leader and barrier-breaking public servant resonates with today’s push for diversity and representation in leadership.
Preserving History: Doris's role as a family historian showcases the value of understanding and honoring one’s roots.
Vision
The film is structured as a series of poignant, character-driven vignettes, capturing key moments in Doris's life. Each scene weaves together intimate family moments, triumphs, and challenges, culminating in a powerful narrative about legacy and resilience.
Visually, the film will juxtapose the vibrant energy of 1930s Chicago with the slower, textured backdrop of Alexandria, Louisiana. From the warmth of family gatherings to the grit of building a business, the tone will balance authenticity with inspiration, drawing the audience into Doris's world.
Script
Scene 1: A Childhood in Chicago
(The sound of a bustling Chicago neighborhood in the 1930s. Children play in the background. The faint clang of a streetcar bell echoes. A young Doris, 10 years old, sits on the front steps of her home, holding a doll with worn-out clothes. Her mother, Florence Della Pryor Lee, calls to her from inside the house, her voice warm but tinged with exhaustion.)
FLORENCE DELLA: Doris, come here, sweetheart. Let me fix your hair. You always want to look your best. A lady carries herself with grace, no matter what.
(Doris runs inside, settling between her mother’s knees as she gently combs her hair. Doris notices her mother’s tired eyes.)
DORIS: Mama, are you okay? You look tired.
FLORENCE DELLA: (Softly) Don’t you worry about me, baby. You just keep being the bright star you are. The world needs more girls like you.
NARRATOR: Doris was born on August 21, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a bright, inquisitive child, raised in the loving embrace of her mother, Florence Della Pryor Lee. But life had its hardships, and at the age of ten, Doris faced the greatest loss of all—the loss of her mother.
Scene 2: A Life-Altering Move
(The sound of a train whistle, fading into the quiet streets of Alexandria, Louisiana. Doris, now wearing a simple dress and clutching a small suitcase, stands in front of her new home. She looks up at her aunts and uncles, who exchange quiet glances, knowing the weight of the moment.)
AUNT: You’ll be alright here, baby. We’re family, and family takes care of each other.
(Doris nods, but her grip on her suitcase tightens. She looks around, unfamiliar with the towering oak trees and the slow rhythm of the Southern town.)
NARRATOR: After losing her mother, Florence Della Pryor Lee, to cancer, Doris was sent to Alexandria, Louisiana, to be raised by her aunts and uncles. Though grief followed her, so did resilience. In this new home, she learned strength, the importance of family, and the value of hard work.
Scene 3: The Peabody High Years
(The chatter of students fills the hallway. Lockers clang shut. A young Doris, now a poised teenager, walks into a classroom, holding a stack of neatly written papers.)
TEACHER: Doris, your work is excellent as always. Have you ever thought about going into leadership? You have the grace and intelligence for it.
DORIS: (With a small smile) Leadership? Me?
TEACHER: Absolutely. The world could use a woman like you in charge.
(Doris looks down at her paper, then up at her teacher, a spark of confidence growing inside her.)
NARRATOR: Doris excelled in school, graduating from Peabody High School in 1951. Her intelligence, grace, and determination would become the foundation for her extraordinary journey.
Scene 4: Faith as the Foundation
(The hum of a church congregation. The smell of old wooden pews and candle wax fills the air. A young Doris stands at the altar, hands folded in reverence as the Reverend speaks.)
REVEREND: Today, we welcome a new member into our faith. Doris, do you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior?
DORIS: (Firmly) Yes, I do.
(The congregation erupts in applause. A nearby woman places a gentle hand on Doris’s shoulder, whispering words of encouragement.)
NARRATOR: Faith was the foundation of Doris’s life. She was baptized at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago and, upon moving to Alexandria, became a dedicated member of Newman United Methodist Church, where she would take on numerous leadership roles.
Scene 5: A Love Story – Meeting Scott Perry Jr.
(A warm summer evening. Cicadas hum in the distance. Doris and Scott stand outside a small movie theater. Scott digs into his pocket, pulling out a single dime.)
NARRATOR: It was Doris’s cousin who first introduced her to Scott Perry Jr. There was an instant connection—a spark of something unspoken but deeply felt.
(Scott, young and eager, looks at Doris with admiration before hesitantly reaching into his pocket.)
SCOTT: Doris, this is all I have—a dime. But I’d love to take you to the movies with it.
DORIS: (Smiling) A dime is more than enough if I’m with you.
(Scott hands over the dime for two tickets. They enter the theater, the glow of the screen illuminating their hopeful faces.)
NARRATOR: With that single dime, a love story began. Doris and Scott Perry Jr. married and spent 69 years together in a union built on love, respect, and shared dreams.
Scene 6: A Vision Becomes Reality
(The rumble of an old truck engine. Scott, now older and more determined, grips the steering wheel as he surveys the streets lined with overflowing garbage cans.)
SCOTT: (Muttering) Everyone’s trash is overflowing… Maybe, just maybe…
(That night, he tosses and turns in bed, dreaming of a fleet of trucks, his name printed on the side. The next morning, he jolts awake, breathless with excitement.)
SCOTT: (Shaking Doris awake) I had a dream. I saw it, Doris. Our own business.
NARRATOR: Before Scott had his dream, he delivered lumber for a lumber company and often noticed the overflowing garbage cans on his routes. That vision planted a seed. With faith and determination, Scott’s vision became a reality. A kind supporter bought him his first truck, and Scott Perry Jr. and Sons Sanitation Service was born. Business was so good that he eventually bought several garbage trucks, expanding to serve most of the surrounding cities nearby.
(Doris looks at Scott with pride, knowing this is only the beginning.)
DORIS: (Smiling softly) And it’s only just the start. Look at our family now—five children, all of them growing strong and thriving. We’ve got Ronald, Scott, Kenneth, Michael, and Sharon, and we’ve built something they can be proud of. This business is more than just a dream; it’s the foundation for them too.
NARRATOR: Doris and Scott were blessed with five children: four sons—Ronald Dean Perry, Scott Elliot Perry, Kenneth Derwin Perry, and Michael Lynn Perry—and one daughter, Sharon Denise Perry. Their children and the next generation carried on their parents’ legacy of love, resilience, and hard work.
Scene 7: Breaking Barriers
(A packed hall. Doris, now older but as dignified as ever, stands before a podium. Cameras flash. She adjusts the microphone, looking out at the crowd.)
DORIS: I never saw myself here. But I stand before you as proof that faith, hard work, and resilience can move mountains.
NARRATOR: At the age of 89, Doris Perry made history as the first African American woman to serve as Police Jury for District I. Alongside her husbands legacy, she was a trailblazer in public service.
Scene 8: Legacy and Family
(The soft rustling of old photographs. A grandchild holds up a black-and-white picture.)
GRANDCHILD: Grandma, who is this in the picture?
DORIS: (Smiling) That, my dear, is your great-great-grandfather. I have every picture and all of our family tree history. It’s important to know where you come from.
NARRATOR: Doris was the family historian, preserving their legacy for future generations. She ensured that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would always know the importance of their roots.
Scene 9: A Life Well-Lived
(The creak of a rocking chair. Doris, now elderly, watches the sunset, surrounded by family.)
FADE TO BLACK.
NARRATOR (softly): Rest well, Doris Perry. Your legacy will never fade.
Closing
Doris Perry’s story deserves to be told, not just for its historical significance but for its ability to inspire audiences to dream bigger, work harder, and love deeper.
[Quote]. Writers must be encouraged to be rebels, dissenters, and to be guided by their own minds, hearts, and curiosities so that we do not merely become a society in which we all just tell each other what we think we want to hear. [/Quote] — Vivian Kerr, writer/director/actor
That encapsulates what I believe every health society needs: individuals, explorers, intellectual disrupters.
I’m in for the screenwriting movement. I’m in for the stories that disrupt, inspire, and shift perspectives. I’m in for the voices that refuse to be silenced, the characters that live beyond the page, and the scripts that challenge the status quo. I’m in for late nights, bold ideas, and the relentless pursuit of authentic storytelling. This isn’t just about writing—it’s about shaping culture, sparking change, and leaving a mark. I’m in.
Pitch for The Doris Perry Story
I am excited to present The Doris Perry Story, a heartfelt and inspirational biographical screenplay that celebrates the life of Doris Perry, a trailblazing African American woman whose resilience, faith, and determination left an indelible mark on her family, community, and history.
Logline
A young girl from 1930s Chicago overcomes personal loss and societal challenges to become a loving matriarch, business pioneer, and public servant, leaving behind a legacy of hope, family, and resilience.
Synopsis
The Doris Perry Story chronicles the remarkable journey of Doris Perry, born in 1932 Chicago, Illinois. After losing her mother at a young age, Doris moves to Alexandria, Louisiana, where she learns the strength of family and faith. Despite life's challenges, Doris excels academically and becomes the foundation of a thriving family legacy. Alongside her husband, Scott Perry Jr., she supports the launch of a family-owned sanitation business that grows to serve multiple cities.
Doris's journey comes full circle as she becomes a community leader, breaking barriers as the first African American woman elected as Police Jury for District I. Her story is an enduring testament to faith, love, and determination.
Themes & Relevance
Faith and Family: Doris’s life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and family in overcoming personal and systemic challenges.
Entrepreneurship and Legacy: The establishment and success of Scott Perry Jr. and Sons Sanitation Service highlights the importance of building generational wealth and leaving a lasting impact.
Representation and Leadership: Doris's role as a community leader and barrier-breaking public servant resonates with today’s push for diversity and representation in leadership.
Preserving History: Doris's role as a family historian showcases the value of understanding and honoring one’s roots.
Vision
The film is structured as a series of poignant, character-driven vignettes, capturing key moments in Doris's life. Each scene weaves together intimate family moments, triumphs, and challenges, culminating in a powerful narrative about legacy and resilience.
Visually, the film will juxtapose the vibrant energy of 1930s Chicago with the slower, textured backdrop of Alexandria, Louisiana. From the warmth of family gatherings to the grit of building a business, the tone will balance authenticity with inspiration, drawing the audience into Doris's world.
Script
Scene 1: A Childhood in Chicago
(The sound of a bustling Chicago neighborhood in the 1930s. Children play in the background. The faint clang of a streetcar bell echoes. A young Doris, 10 years old, sits on the front steps of her home, holding a doll with worn-out clothes. Her mother, Florence Della Pryor Lee, calls to her from inside the house, her voice warm but tinged with exhaustion.)
FLORENCE DELLA: Doris, come here, sweetheart. Let me fix your hair. You always want to look your best. A lady carries herself with grace, no matter what.
(Doris runs inside, settling between her mother’s knees as she gently combs her hair. Doris notices her mother’s tired eyes.)
DORIS: Mama, are you okay? You look tired.
FLORENCE DELLA: (Softly) Don’t you worry about me, baby. You just keep being the bright star you are. The world needs more girls like you.
NARRATOR: Doris was born on August 21, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a bright, inquisitive child, raised in the loving embrace of her mother, Florence Della Pryor Lee. But life had its hardships, and at the age of ten, Doris faced the greatest loss of all—the loss of her mother.
Scene 2: A Life-Altering Move
(The sound of a train whistle, fading into the quiet streets of Alexandria, Louisiana. Doris, now wearing a simple dress and clutching a small suitcase, stands in front of her new home. She looks up at her aunts and uncles, who exchange quiet glances, knowing the weight of the moment.)
AUNT: You’ll be alright here, baby. We’re family, and family takes care of each other.
(Doris nods, but her grip on her suitcase tightens. She looks around, unfamiliar with the towering oak trees and the slow rhythm of the Southern town.)
NARRATOR: After losing her mother, Florence Della Pryor Lee, to cancer, Doris was sent to Alexandria, Louisiana, to be raised by her aunts and uncles. Though grief followed her, so did resilience. In this new home, she learned strength, the importance of family, and the value of hard work.
Scene 3: The Peabody High Years
(The chatter of students fills the hallway. Lockers clang shut. A young Doris, now a poised teenager, walks into a classroom, holding a stack of neatly written papers.)
TEACHER: Doris, your work is excellent as always. Have you ever thought about going into leadership? You have the grace and intelligence for it.
DORIS: (With a small smile) Leadership? Me?
TEACHER: Absolutely. The world could use a woman like you in charge.
(Doris looks down at her paper, then up at her teacher, a spark of confidence growing inside her.)
NARRATOR: Doris excelled in school, graduating from Peabody High School in 1951. Her intelligence, grace, and determination would become the foundation for her extraordinary journey.
Scene 4: Faith as the Foundation
(The hum of a church congregation. The smell of old wooden pews and candle wax fills the air. A young Doris stands at the altar, hands folded in reverence as the Reverend speaks.)
REVEREND: Today, we welcome a new member into our faith. Doris, do you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior?
DORIS: (Firmly) Yes, I do.
(The congregation erupts in applause. A nearby woman places a gentle hand on Doris’s shoulder, whispering words of encouragement.)
NARRATOR: Faith was the foundation of Doris’s life. She was baptized at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago and, upon moving to Alexandria, became a dedicated member of Newman United Methodist Church, where she would take on numerous leadership roles.
Scene 5: A Love Story – Meeting Scott Perry Jr.
(A warm summer evening. Cicadas hum in the distance. Doris and Scott stand outside a small movie theater. Scott digs into his pocket, pulling out a single dime.)
NARRATOR: It was Doris’s cousin who first introduced her to Scott Perry Jr. There was an instant connection—a spark of something unspoken but deeply felt.
(Scott, young and eager, looks at Doris with admiration before hesitantly reaching into his pocket.)
SCOTT: Doris, this is all I have—a dime. But I’d love to take you to the movies with it.
DORIS: (Smiling) A dime is more than enough if I’m with you.
(Scott hands over the dime for two tickets. They enter the theater, the glow of the screen illuminating their hopeful faces.)
NARRATOR: With that single dime, a love story began. Doris and Scott Perry Jr. married and spent 69 years together in a union built on love, respect, and shared dreams.
Scene 6: A Vision Becomes Reality
(The rumble of an old truck engine. Scott, now older and more determined, grips the steering wheel as he surveys the streets lined with overflowing garbage cans.)
SCOTT: (Muttering) Everyone’s trash is overflowing… Maybe, just maybe…
(That night, he tosses and turns in bed, dreaming of a fleet of trucks, his name printed on the side. The next morning, he jolts awake, breathless with excitement.)
SCOTT: (Shaking Doris awake) I had a dream. I saw it, Doris. Our own business.
NARRATOR: Before Scott had his dream, he delivered lumber for a lumber company and often noticed the overflowing garbage cans on his routes. That vision planted a seed. With faith and determination, Scott’s vision became a reality. A kind supporter bought him his first truck, and Scott Perry Jr. and Sons Sanitation Service was born. Business was so good that he eventually bought several garbage trucks, expanding to serve most of the surrounding cities nearby.
(Doris looks at Scott with pride, knowing this is only the beginning.)
DORIS: (Smiling softly) And it’s only just the start. Look at our family now—five children, all of them growing strong and thriving. We’ve got Ronald, Scott, Kenneth, Michael, and Sharon, and we’ve built something they can be proud of. This business is more than just a dream; it’s the foundation for them too.
NARRATOR: Doris and Scott were blessed with five children: four sons—Ronald Dean Perry, Scott Elliot Perry, Kenneth Derwin Perry, and Michael Lynn Perry—and one daughter, Sharon Denise Perry. Their children and the next generation carried on their parents’ legacy of love, resilience, and hard work.
Scene 7: Breaking Barriers
(A packed hall. Doris, now older but as dignified as ever, stands before a podium. Cameras flash. She adjusts the microphone, looking out at the crowd.)
DORIS: I never saw myself here. But I stand before you as proof that faith, hard work, and resilience can move mountains.
NARRATOR: At the age of 89, Doris Perry made history as the first African American woman to serve as Police Jury for District I. Alongside her husbands legacy, she was a trailblazer in public service.
Scene 8: Legacy and Family
(The soft rustling of old photographs. A grandchild holds up a black-and-white picture.)
GRANDCHILD: Grandma, who is this in the picture?
DORIS: (Smiling) That, my dear, is your great-great-grandfather. I have every picture and all of our family tree history. It’s important to know where you come from.
NARRATOR: Doris was the family historian, preserving their legacy for future generations. She ensured that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would always know the importance of their roots.
Scene 9: A Life Well-Lived
(The creak of a rocking chair. Doris, now elderly, watches the sunset, surrounded by family.)
FADE TO BLACK.
NARRATOR (softly): Rest well, Doris Perry. Your legacy will never fade.
Closing
Doris Perry’s story deserves to be told, not just for its historical significance but for its ability to inspire audiences to dream bigger, work harder, and love deeper.
[Quote]. Writers must be encouraged to be rebels, dissenters, and to be guided by their own minds, hearts, and curiosities so that we do not merely become a society in which we all just tell each other what we think we want to hear. [/Quote] — Vivian Kerr, writer/director/actor
That encapsulates what I believe every health society needs: individuals, explorers, intellectual disrupters.
I’m in for the screenwriting movement. I’m in for the stories that disrupt, inspire, and shift perspectives. I’m in for the voices that refuse to be silenced, the characters that live beyond the page, and the scripts that challenge the status quo. I’m in for late nights, bold ideas, and the relentless pursuit of authentic storytelling. This isn’t just about writing—it’s about shaping culture, sparking change, and leaving a mark. I’m in.
Beautifully said!!