Dogfight?

Though George Lucas recently staked his claim to the story of the Tuskegee Airmen--a much-decorated World War II black fighter squadron--he may have some competition.

Bob Williams, a veteran of both show business and the corporate world who flew 50 missions for the Tuskegee group, has been working since 1952 to bring the story to the screen. His version is now in development at Columbia Pictures. Like Lucas’ “Red Tails,” it is budgeted in the $25-$30 million range and expects to have a shooting script within two weeks.

Columbia chairman Frank Price has been personally involved with the Tuskegee project since the mid-’80s, when he headed Universal. Though he has yet to greenlight the picture, he said through a spokesman that Lucas’ announcement will have no impact on his plans.

Lucas has enlisted the support of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., whose scholarship fund stands to benefit from the film. Williams said he bypassed the group because he has no interest in “making a film by committee.” Moreover, claims Williams, his project has several things in its favor: the involvement of Price (whom he calls “one of the best story and business minds in the industry”); the fact that it was written “by someone who was there,” and his approach, which will be more “socially significant” than the action-adventure angle Lucas has described.

Bill Melton, historian for the Tuskegee Airmen, has doubts that there’s room for two such films in the marketplace. But, he adds, no one in his camp is losing any sleep. “George Lucas’ stature is so enormous that no one else has a chance,” he says. “If anyone tried to take him on, it would be like fighting a battleship with a wooden sword.” Lucas was out of town and unavailable for comment.