Write a treatment for a humorous murder mystery caper set at the constitutional convention of 1787. Your audience of readers love both murder mystery stories, and are big fans of American history in all its detail.
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Title: "Murder at Independence Hall"
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Title: "Murder at Independence Hall"
Genre:
Historical Humorous Murder Mystery
Setting:
Philadelphia, Summer of 1787. The Constitutional Convention is in full swing at Independence Hall, where delegates from the thirteen states are debating and drafting the future Constitution of the United States. Amidst the sweltering heat and political intrigue, a shocking crime is about to unfold.
Premise:
The story revolves around a fictional murder that takes place during the real-life Constitutional Convention. The delegates, renowned historical figures, are forced to pause their serious business of nation-building to solve a murder that threatens to derail the entire convention.
Plot Summary:
Act 1: The Discovery
As the delegates gather one morning, Benjamin Franklin, renowned for his wit and charm, is found dead in the committee room, his quill pen stabbed into his chest. Shockwaves ripple through the convention; the venerable Franklin, a beloved figure and crucial peacemaker, is gone. Panic ensues as the delegates realize that this crime could not only jeopardize the convention but also the future of the fledgling nation.
Act 2: The Investigation
Alexander Hamilton, with his quick wit and sharp mind, and James Madison, known for his attention to detail, reluctantly take on the roles of amateur detectives. Together, they interview the delegates, uncovering a web of secrets, rivalries, and political machinations.
George Washington tries to maintain order, but the delegates' tempers flare, and old grievances resurface. Washington, stoic and authoritative, insists on a thorough investigation to maintain the integrity of the convention.
Thomas Jefferson, who was in France at the time, appears as a mysterious "ghost" character, offering cryptic advice through letters read aloud by Madison, adding a surreal and humorous element.
Edmund Randolph becomes a suspect due to his frequent arguments with Franklin about the structure of the executive branch.
Gouverneur Morris is implicated due to a suspiciously accurate prediction of Franklin's death in a jest he made the day before.
Roger Sherman is found in a compromising situation, hiding a secret draft of a controversial compromise.
Act 3: The Red Herrings and Revelations
The investigation becomes increasingly farcical as the detectives stumble upon various clues, many of which lead to dead ends. Hamilton and Madison uncover an underground betting ring among the delegates, gambling on the outcomes of votes and proposals. They find a secret stash of Franklin’s private writings, filled with satirical essays lampooning the other delegates, providing potential motives for murder.
Eliza Hamilton arrives unexpectedly, claiming to have an urgent message for her husband. Her sharp observations and dry humor provide fresh insights, leading Hamilton and Madison closer to the truth.
Act 4: The Unmasking
In a climactic meeting in Independence Hall, Madison presents the gathered evidence, revealing that the murder was not what it seemed. It turns out Franklin's death was an accident. He had staged a mock assassination scene to test a new security measure he was proposing, inadvertently causing his own demise through a mishap with a spring-loaded quill.
However, during this process, they uncover a genuine conspiracy: a plot by a faction of delegates to influence the convention's outcome by blackmail and bribery, using Franklin’s essays as leverage.
Act 5: The Resolution
The true culprits, including the ringleader, William Paterson, are exposed. Paterson, frustrated with the lack of support for his New Jersey Plan, intended to use Franklin's writings to embarrass and blackmail key delegates into supporting his ideas.
In the aftermath, the delegates agree to keep the incident quiet to preserve the reputation of the convention and the unity of the new nation. They draft a “secret codicil” to the Constitution, a humorous clause detailing that quills should only be used for writing.
Washington, Hamilton, and Madison deliver a solemn yet humorous address, emphasizing the importance of unity and the need to move forward, despite the chaos. As the convention continues, the delegates feel a renewed sense of purpose, laughing about the absurdity of the past days and the quirks of their colleagues.
Epilogue:
The narrative ends with a playful reflection on how the Founding Fathers, despite their differences and the occasional farcical situation, managed to create a lasting document. A final tongue-in-cheek note suggests that the story was so preposterous, it must have been concocted by Franklin himself—if only he had lived to write it.
Tone and Style: The tone is lighthearted and humorous, with witty dialogue and anachronistic asides that playfully wink at the reader. The story weaves historical facts with fictional elements, creating a tapestry that respects the seriousness of the Constitutional Convention while also poking fun at the personalities and foibles of the Founding Fathers.
The humor is derived from the absurdity of the situation, the exaggerated traits of the historical figures, and the contrast between the grave task of nation-building and the farcical investigation. This story is perfect for fans of history who appreciate a clever twist on familiar events and enjoy a good mystery wrapped in historical detail.
