Spirit of Ecstasy mascot
Scorsese is acting as the producer of the movie, titled Silver Ghost, and will be working with British personalities Richard Attenborough and Anthony Haas.
The movie will be a co-production between Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and Zuma Productions.
Silver Ghost will tell the story of motoring pioneer Lord John Douglas-Scott Montagu, his wife Cis and his secret love affair with his secretary and mistress, Eleanor Velasco Thornton.
It also will detail Montagu’s connection and friendships with Rolls-Royce founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce and British artist and sculptor Charles Sykes. Thornton was the inspiration for the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, designed by Sykes, that to this day adorns all Rolls-Royce cars.
Speaking at the announcement of the new movie, Scorsese remarked, "When I read the story of Silver Ghost I was mesmerized. I immediately thought that this was a picture that had to be made. And when I was asked to come aboard as a producer alongside Richard Attenborough and Anthony Haas, I didn't hesitate for a moment."
Montagu’s son, Edward, founder of England’s National Motor Museum, has also noted, “It is a remarkable story which has long been a family secret. I am delighted that Martin Scorsese has joined Richard Attenborough and Anthony Haas in bringing it to the screen.”
No word yet on when the movie will be released.
Eleanor Thornton, inspiration for the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot
