Set in the early 1900s, ‘The 18th’ series is inspired by the true story of Louise Vinciquerra, Nebraska’s “Queen of The Bootleggers”
Atmosphere Entertainment today announced they are in development on “The 18th,” with rising star Odessa A’zion (Grand Army, Am I OK?, Hellraiser) set for the lead. The project is being developed by Executive Producers Mark Canton (300, Power Universe, The Freak Brothers), Lawrence Smith (The Wolf of Wall Street, The Comedian), Stephanie Kurtzuba (The Irishman, Bad Education), Dorothy Canton (Arthur the King, Power, The Freak Brothers), and Shelley Eriksen (Private Eyes, The Order, The Imperfects), also the Creator and Showrunner who wrote the pilot. Co-Executive Producers include Timothy Christian, Rab Butler, and Susan Haddix.
“The 18th” is a one-hour series inspired by the true story of Louise Vinciquerra, a young Italian immigrant wife and mother who rose out of poverty to become the Bootlegging Queen of the American heartland. Adored by her customers, hunted by the Feds, she conned and charmed her way onto the front pages for earning too much money, shooting too many husbands, seducing too many prohibition agents, and just being Too Much – all before she turned 25 years old.
Series co-creators Kurtzuba (Vinciquerra’s Great Niece) and Smith were inspired by the incredible true story of Vinciquerra’s bootlegging empire. Their collaboration blends family lore, newspaper articles, and research journals to explore the life of a woman who refused to play by the rules.
Kurtzuba says, “Growing up, stories of my Aunt Louise epitomized the idea of a powerful woman. I feel a sense of legacy in telling the story of how she survived and thrived during one of the most dangerous times and places in America.”
Smith adds, “I was immediately captivated by Vinciquerra’s self-reliant and relentless journey. This was a woman who backed down for no one.”
“I’m thrilled to create and write a series that is rooted in a woman’s view of American history,” explains Eriksen, “and especially in watching Louise break out of the violent and domestic world where most women were meant to live and die. She’ll define who she is and defy what’s expected of her at every turn.”
“This is a story that easily lends itself to a series that will be energetic and cinematic,” explains Mark Canton. “There’s been a resurgence in popularity for the ‘western’ and this will be an updated version of the genre – uniquely dark with a sensual flair.”
Adds Dorothy Canton, “The 18th’ will be a series at times gritty and at other times bright with hope – just like its young heroine. The grit and filth is Louise’s reality, but she can also see the dreamy, sparkling future she desires.”
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