SHINING STAR

written by

Mary Senatori

Inspired by true events.

The Story

Inspired by true events, Shining Star tells the story of a 13-year-old girl living in Subic Bay, Philippines in 1975 as she awkwardly navigates adolescence and her strained relationship with her domineering military father — who unbeknownst to her is busy rescuing Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea.

The story juxtaposes dramatic, historic scenes of aircraft carrier-based helo evacuations against life in paradise, filled with sandy beaches, handsome sailors, philandering houseboys, and crass talk among the girl’s posse of comparatively voluptuous swim teammates. Age-appropriate crushes are ignored, because boys are stupid and gross, while the girl fantasizes about a Navy Seabee she met at a parade. It all builds to a final moment when she has an explosive blow-out with her father, right on the heels of unceremoniously learning that “her” sexy Seabee is her older sister’s lover. In a rare and poignant moment, she witnesses her father break down in despair over the tragic toll of the Vietnam war and the loyal Vietnamese left behind. Having her preconceived notions about him – and herself – shattered, she is brought closer to her father and finally opens up to her crush on a classmate.

The People

The Admiral

is a decorated, two-star Naval officer who heads up a Pacific Fleet carrier task force. He is a passionate and fierce career military man, stern in demeanor, who commands more fear than respect from his subordinates. — is a decorated, two-star Naval officer who heads up a Pacific Fleet carrier task force. He is a passionate and fierce career military man, stern in demeanor, who commands both fear and respect from his subordinates.

Maureen

is Mary’s sister. She is a smart, carefree, beautiful college girl spending her summer in paradise with her family.

Jean

is the Admiral’s beautiful, gracious, adventurous spouse. She enjoys being a Navy wife, diving into the deep end wherever the Navy takes her. When she’s not hosting fabulous parties, she volunteers with Vietnamese refugees.

Rick

is a young, sweet, gorgeous Navy Seabee. He exudes the perfect balance of masculine sexuality and boyish charm. He and Maureen become lovers.

Mary

is the Admiral and Jean’s daughter. She is a cute, awkward, flat-chested 13-year-old girl who thinks boys are stupid and gross. She has a tense relationship with her father, as she is often the target of his short temper. — is the Admiral & Jean’s awkward 13-year-old daughter. She thinks boys are stupid and gross, and wishes she were older and more mature. She has a tense relationship with her father, as she is often the target of his short temper.

Mark

is Mary’s classmate. He is smart and funny and possesses an endearing blend of nerdy awkwardness and budding handsomeness. He has a crush on Mary, but Mary either doesn’t notice or refuses to.

Kathie, Jessie & Lani

are Mary’s swim teammate-besties. Compared to her, they are freakishly voluptuous. Whether at school, practice, or the beach, they talk about boys and sex a lot, as they navigate the treacherous waters of puberty. — are Mary’s swim team besties. Compared to her, they are freakishly voluptuous. Whether at school, practice, or the beach, they talk about boys and sex a lot, as they navigate the treacherous waters of puberty.

Subic Bay Sunset.jpg — The Place

The backdrop of Shining Star is the South China Sea in April 1975, where the dramatic rescue of Saigon evacuees unfolds, and the Subic Bay naval base, a tropical paradise of lush gardens, dense jungle, sandy beaches, warm waters, and dedicated military personnel. The base becomes the epicenter of Vietnamese refugee operations.

The History

The timeframe of this story is the spring of 1975, when the U.S. Seventh Fleet would complete helicopter evacuations of more than 7,000 Americans, Vietnamese, and foreign nationals as the city of Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese Army after a grueling, multi-decade war.

A 2030 film release would mark the 55th Anniversary of this historic event.