Save the Cat rankings

101 DALMATIANS script analysis

101 DALMATIANS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Roger and Pongo’s ordinary morning is disrupted by Cruella’s sinister designs on their new litter of puppies, setting off a high-stakes battle to save the Dalmatian pups. As the villains close in, the dogs and their human friends face setbacks and a narrow escape before rallying for a final rescue. In the aftermath, family is restored and life returns to its cozy beginning.

85 Save the Cat fit score 80% analysis confidence / 19 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Introduces Roger and Pongo’s domestic routine at dawn, establishing the peaceful status quo.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

75%

Anita’s horror at the zoo poaching news hints at compassion and protection of the innocent.

Isn't that horrible? Who could do a thing like that?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

70%

We meet Roger, Anita, Pongo and Perdy; learn their routines and values.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 12% target

80%

Cruella first sees Anita’s puppy designs and reveals her obsession, foreshadowing conflict.

More good women have been lost to marriage than to all the wars, famines, epidemics, and disasters combined....
5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 20% target

70%

Roger and Anita weigh their future together after rescuing Pongo’s mate and getting engaged.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 1 / 25% target

85%

Cruella demands the puppies, Anita refuses and loses her job, launching the central conflict.

Absolutely precious. Put them in a bag. I'll take them with me now.
7

B Story

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 30% target

75%

Pongo’s park outing introduces the canine allies who will aid in the puppies’ rescue.

Well, boy, I have a meeting this afternoon. I better get home and prepare for it.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / Page 1 / 40% target

80%

Horace’s bumbling cheese trap and the puppies’ clever escapes provide playful mischief.

You're hungry, ain't'cha?
9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / Page 1 / 50% target

80%

The malfunctioning lorry bursts into flames, dramatically raising the stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / Page 1 / 65% target

80%

Cruella arrives at the barn, intensifying the puppies’ peril.

Filthy, stinky farmyard! Ick!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 17 / Page 1 / 75% target

75%

Cruella is humiliated and covered in muck, seeming to thwart her own plans but leaving danger unresolved.

I know a horse who's going to make one heck of a lot of French gastronomes happy!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 18 / Page 1 / 80% target

75%

The villains are arrested, leaving the fate of the puppies unclear and the protagonists in suspense.

I've never met more incompetent boobs than you three.
13

Break into Three

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 85% target

80%

Roger and Anita rally to reclaim their puppies now that the threat is legally neutralized.

14

Finale

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 95% target

85%

The family is joyfully reunited when Pongo and Perdy return the puppies home.

Pongo, old boy! Perdy!
15

Final Image

Scene 19 / Page 1 / 99% target

75%

Mirrors the opening domestic calm but now with a larger, happier family.