Is "The Poison Rose" Based On A True Story? Facts Revealed!

08 May, 2025

Is the allure of a story rooted in reality what truly captivates us? The answer, when it comes to "The Poison Rose," is a resounding "no," a fact that might surprise some, given the film's intricate plot and star-studded cast.

The 2019 thriller, directed by George Gallo and Francesco Cinquemani, and starring John Travolta, Morgan Freeman, and Brendan Fraser, has a narrative that's entirely the product of imagination. The film, a neo-noir set in the heart of Texas, plunges us into the world of Carson Phillips, a former footballer turned private investigator, played by Travolta. Phillips finds himself back in his hometown of Galveston, drawn into a missing person's case. The story, a modern take on classic noir tropes, unfolds against the backdrop of 1978 Los Angeles, where the private eye operates. The plot, lifted from the pages of Richard Salvatore's 2018 novel of the same name, sees Phillips navigating a web of deceit, confronting a crime boss played by Morgan Freeman, a shady doctor portrayed by Brendan Fraser, a seductive club singer played by Kat Graham, and his former lover, brought to life by Famke Janssen, all while grappling with his own troubled past.

For those who enjoy films with a true story base, "The Poison Rose" offers a purely fictional narrative. The films creation involved a creative team working from the novel, shaping characters and events purely for the purpose of entertainment. The film offers twists and turns that keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Aspect	Details
Movie Title	The Poison Rose
Release Year	2019
Directors	George Gallo, Francesco Cinquemani
Based On	The Poison Rose novel by Richard Salvatore
Main Actors	John Travolta, Morgan Freeman, Brendan Fraser, Famke Janssen
Setting	Galveston, Texas, and Los Angeles (1978)
Genre	Thriller, Neo-Noir
Plot Summary	A former footballer turned private investigator, Carson Phillips, investigates a missing person's case in his Texas hometown, encountering a crime boss, a shady doctor, and a former lover while confronting his own dark past.
Reference Website	Rotten Tomatoes

The movie's ending, a crucial element that can make or break a thriller, was kept tightly under wraps during production. The filmmakers chose to maintain a high level of secrecy, preserving the plot twists for the audience. The film's original title was, fittingly, "The Poison Rose," a detail that becomes more apparent as the narrative unfolds. The story presents the audience with a blend of suspense, mystery, and drama, all intertwined into a compelling narrative. In a genre where predictability can often be a pitfall, The Poison Rose aims to offer an engaging viewing experience, with the potential to keep viewers guessing until the final moments.

The films release in 2019, a period that showcased a variety of cinematic offerings, positioned The Poison Rose among a series of new releases. The film explores themes of crime, corruption, and personal redemption. Even as a straightforward crime mystery, the film faced mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out that the film leaned into familiar, sometimes clich, storytelling. However, the strong cast, featuring established names in the film industry, did draw attention to the project. For the actors, it was the first time John Travolta and Morgan Freeman were in a movie together, which was an interesting fact for the audience.

Speaking of contrasting approaches to storytelling, another film, "Wicked Little Letters," made a recent appearance, captivating audiences with a very different sort of narrative. This period piece, set in the 1920s in the seaside town of Littlehampton, tells the story of neighbors Edith Swan and Rose Gooding, portrayed by Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, respectively. The story that inspired the film is a real-life scandal that involved a series of poison pen letters, targeting the residents of the town. The films depiction of this historical event, while embellished for dramatic effect, draws upon the actual events that transpired in Littlehampton.

The origins of the "Wicked Little Letters" storyline can be traced back to the early 1920s in Sussex. The real-life events involved neighbors, a breakdown of a friendship, accusations of wrongdoing, and an onslaught of offensive letters. This historical setting, complete with social dynamics and the atmosphere of a small town, offers a rich backdrop for the film. As Emily Cockayne, an associate professor in early modern history, points out, the narrative is an exploration of these events, offering a glimpse into the past.

This contrast between fact and fiction also reveals a fascinating aspect of cinematic storytelling, where films like The Poison Rose find their roots in the world of imagination, while others draw inspiration from real events. In the instance of "The Poison Rose," the creative license is at play, constructing a fictional narrative to entertain and engage the viewers. Conversely, "Wicked Little Letters" is based on a real-life story, though it too is subject to adaptation for dramatic effect. The narrative is a crime drama, but not in the form of a long goodbye, as suggested by some critics, but rather, an exploration of crime within a given environment.

The narrative of "The Poison Rose" is not derived from a true account, but rather from Richard Salvatores novel. This is an example of fiction. The plot, characters, and overall events of the movie originate entirely from the imagination of the writer, then brought to the screen. The characters are unique to the storyline, and the events unfold as a result of the fictional environment. Carson Phillips, the central character of "The Poison Rose," is also an example of this fictional creation. The film, in its essence, is a fictional narrative.

The films setting and narrative are meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in a world of crime and mystery. The narrative moves at a fast pace, introducing viewers to a series of situations and suspenseful situations. The narrative takes place in Galveston, Texas. Carson Phillips, who starts his adventure in Los Angeles, is the central figure, who navigates the complexities of the narrative. The plot reveals the challenges, obstacles, and turning points that Phillips encounters in his investigation. The narrative of the film is designed to keep viewers engaged and thinking.

While the movie has faced a mix of reviews, the inclusion of the cast, with John Travolta and Morgan Freeman, is a highlight that draws attention. The plot of "The Poison Rose" takes viewers to the heart of a crime-filled narrative.

The exploration of the Poison Pen campaign that shocked Littlehampton has provided a different angle on the world of cinema. The story reveals neighbors, injustice, and obscene letters. The details and historical background also add layers to the narrative. The story of Wicked Little Letters reflects the challenges and triumphs of real people.

As a side note, the second novel in the Kagen Vale saga, "Son of the Poison Rose," introduces another chapter in the adventure. The author of the saga uses the genre of swashbuckling adventure. The sagas stories offer the audience a range of stories.

The Poison Rose (2019) Is the Movie Based on Real Life? Where Was it Filmed?

Details

THE POISON ROSE Brings Mystery to Bluray Imperial Beach, CA Patch

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Jason Littel
Username : klittel
Email : qbotsford@wintheiser.com
Birthdate : 1993-03-07
Address : 90263 Samara Creek Suite 864 Chynashire, RI 11203-7740
Phone : +19314825617
Company : Schiller PLC
Job : Electrical Parts Reconditioner
Bio : Aspernatur repellendus accusantium nostrum sequi eveniet consequatur. Consequatur aut quis odit. Facilis aut voluptas unde qui quo et. Dicta ab vel totam.