BETTY

Logline

The inspirational true story of Betty Cook, a housewife and grandmother, who triumphed in the male-dominated sport of 1970's Class One International Offshore Powerboat racing.

Extended Logline

Facing betrayal in her marriage and a life-threatening illness, a housewife and grandmother fiercely fights to conquer the treacherous, male-dominated world of 1970s international offshore powerboat racing, to become World Champion - twice; but at what cost?

Short Synopsis:

Florida, US 1974 - 1979, BETTY chronicles the journey of Betty Cook, a 52-year-old grandmother whose unfulfilled ambitions are re-ignited after her husband Paul divorces her for a younger woman. Inheriting his racing team, Betty leverages her latent engineering shrewdness to master the perilous realm of offshore powerboat racing. Joined by her steadfast throttleman John Connor, she rapidly builds KAAMA Engineering into a formidable force, earning respect and battling adversity. As Betty's health deteriorates, her drive for victory intensifies, culminating in her becoming the first woman to win both US and World Championship Offshore titles. The film is framed by a reflective 1990 interview, where Betty, now aged and battling cancer, contemplates the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped her legacy.

Lead Characters:

Betty Cook - Betty starts the story in 1974: A 52-year-old housewife, mother and grandmother. She's a strong character - determined, motivated, stubborn. She's sacrificed her dreams to support her family and husband; unfulfilled but has found some small purpose in playing the roles she's been given - but life's moved on, her kids have left home, and everything changes when her husband Paul leaves her for a younger woman. She inherits his powerboating team, and this is the start of an unexpected reawakening and second life.

John Connor, 35 - is a man of few words. Thoughtful, considered, dependable - exactly who you want next to you in a crisis. An excellent engineer, superb throttleman and boat team manager - always looking for ways to improve the boat and always reliable to fix things in a hurry when needed. He has a soft spot for Betty, but his loyalty to Paul, and his job, means that a relationship is a no-go area.

Don Holloway, 35 - Don is all Hollywood - he looks like a star and behaves like one - charming, handsome, charismatic - he has a different girl on his arm every week. A rolling stone. He likes John and respects Betty, but he clashes with her - he thinks she wraps men around her little finger, but it doesn't work on him. He's there for the ride, but he's not as committed as John and Betty and that irritates Betty.

Bill Vogel Jnr, 25 - Bill is a young Californian kid - wide-eyed, enthusiastic, eager to please. He adores Betty and sees her in a different way to the others - being a lot younger, he looks up to her as a role model and legend - he sees her more as a fascinating matriarch.

Don Pruett, 40, Don is a brash Texan - always getting into fights and possibly involved in less-than legitimate business deals. Super down-to-earth, funny - always has a twinkle in his eye - would help anyone he likes, and he likes Betty and wants to help her win. But his methods of teaching are unorthodox to say the least!

Paul Cook, 55 - Paul is the CEO of Raychem - very clever, astute and thoughtful. Hollywood looks and charm! He wants to have his own children and while he deeply cares for Betty, he isn't in love with her anymore. He's no classic bad guy. An ex-war veteran, he's a leader of men and everyone likes him - but he has numerous affairs behind Betty's back - he likes younger women - and is maybe a little threatened by Betty's equal intellect.

James Beard, 30 - James is a very charming Brit - like a young Timothy Dalton or a Timothee Chalamet. Wealthy, sophisticated, rather posh - James enjoys life - he feels immortal and like driftwood, has no fixed dreams or wishes - he just builds and designs great boats. Often seen with the supermodel of the day on his arm, he mingles with the wealthy and is happiest at a cocktail party. But underneath the gloss, he's lonely. He sees Betty as a fellow free spirit. He's not romantically interested but is attracted to her intellect. A libertine and modern-day Lord Byron.

Main supporting characters

Larry Smith, 33 - Larry is all L.A. charm - not a great looking guy but someone who commands a room - loud, fun and extremely bright - he builds powerful boats, throws lavish parties and enjoys his life. A man's man.

Rocky Aoki, 30's, Japanese American - Rocky's an outsider in the boating world, like Betty and they share that in common, becoming good friends. Rocky's outgoing, larger than life, owner of a restaurant chain and ex-amateur wrestler - he's new money in all its glory. Witty, generous and fun to be around - a rich thrill seeker who'll do anything that gives him an adrenaline kick.

Mike Mantle, 30's - Mike is a British navigator who is in the boat with Betty during the famous Cowes-Torquay powerboat race. He's in awe of Betty - loves her to bits and has the time of his life working with her. A great guy, popular and friendly.

Bob Nordskog, 60's - Bob is one of the oldest racers in the powerboating world - he raced well into his 70's - was deeply involved in the politics of the sport - serious, but amiable.

Interviewer, 20's - The Interviewer is the only invented character in the story - she's an American university student writing a thesis on women's empowerment in sport - she interviews Betty on camera - just so she can use the recordings afterwards for her studies. She's curious, impressed by Betty; but also has interviewed all the other protagonists of the story. She's a conceit to draw from Betty the "truth" about her life - she gives the audience a rare look inside Betty's head and heart.

Joel Halpern, 30's - Joel is a young and brilliant powerboat racer - multiple champion, he is Betty's main rival competitor but they like each other - he sees her as his equal and respects her. He's polite, funny and incredibly good at his sport.

Joe Fry, 30's - Joe is a bit clumsy, not very confident but mostly quite good at navigating. He's not the best navigator in the world but tries hard. He's not at John and Betty's level, and no matter how hard he tries he always comes up a little short.

Jimmy, 20's - Jimmy is an ever-present character at Kaama Marine - the unsung hero of the team - helping transport the boats and also works in the workshop. He likes Betty but finds her a little scary and domineering. Jimmy is everyone's friend and would do anything for anyone - he's a little meek, always respectful, always reliable.