Save the Cat rankings

3:10 to Yuma script analysis

3:10 to Yuma script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

3:10 to Yuma opens on the Evans family’s nighttime ranch vigil before a barn set ablaze propels Dan Evans into the moral and physical trial of escorting outlaw Ben Wade. Along the cattle trail and through Apache ambushes, Dan grapples with duty, fear, and family loyalty. Stakes heighten in Contention Hotel as deputies abandon the mission and Wade taunts Dan. The climax unfolds in a firefight revealing Dan’s past bravery just before boarding the train.

70 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 65 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Establishes the dark, tense ranch night and Dan Evans’ protective role.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 15 / 5% target

60%

Dan voices his struggle with faith and fortune, hinting at themes of duty and redemption.

I’ve been standing on one leg for three damned years, waiting for God to do me a favor,...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

70%

Introduces Dan, his family, and the ranch life before the inciting attack.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / 12% target

70%

Barn fire and Dan’s injury force him to act and leave home.

5

Debate

Scene 5 / 20% target

60%

Dan and Alice argue over his decision to go to town and accept risk.

You lied to me, Dan.
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

70%

Dan formally commits to escort Ben Wade for money, shifting into the central journey.

I want to talk, Mister Hollander.
7

B Story

Scene 14 / 30% target

60%

Dinner at the ranch underscores family bonds and moral underpinnings.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-21 / 40% target

70%

Apache ambush sequence tests Dan and Wade’s uneasy alliance and showcases action beats.

No. I mean I have to go.
9

Midpoint

Scene 22 / 50% target

70%

Wade’s escape with the horses upends the mission mid-journey.

He’s gone. Took our horses with him. I found this in the grass.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 26-29 / 65% target

70%

Boles pursues Wade and Dan’s posse at the blasting camp, tightening the noose.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 32 / 75% target

70%

Doc Potter dies, leaving Dan’s group vulnerable and demoralized.

Yeah, Doc... Thanks to you.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 49 / 80% target

60%

Marshal Doane’s abandonment shatters Dan’s remaining hope of lawful support.

Aw, to hell with this. Let’s go, boys.
13

Break into Three

Scene 55 / 85% target

60%

Butterfield returns to aid Dan, sparking the final resolve.

If you think you have an obligation to me or the railroad, you don’t. I’m releasing you.
14

Finale

Scenes 64-65 / 95% target

70%

Dan and Wade fight in the shop, Dan reveals his past bravery and they reach the train under fire.

I never been no hero. Only battle I ever saw, my company was in retreat. We was running...
15

Final Image

Scene 65 / 99% target

70%

The ticket booth moment shows success and emotional payoff as Wade boards.

You done it, Pa. You done it. You put him on the train.