Save the Cat rankings

A BRONX TALE script analysis

A BRONX TALE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Cologio Anello navigates life between his honest bus‐driver father and charismatic mob boss Johnny. He witnesses a murder, is drawn into the mafia world, and falls for a girl outside his community. After Johnny’s assassination, Cologio must choose his own path.

70 Save the Cat fit score 7% analysis confidence / 41 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

6%

Introduces the vibrant Belmont neighborhood and Johnny’s dominance.

This is the Belmont district of the Bronx, my home -- a world unto itself.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / Page 5 / 5% target

6%

Lorenzo warns against wasted talent, foreshadowing Cologio’s choices.

Always remember what I am saying to you: The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

5%

We meet Cologio’s family life, his father’s bus route, and home dinner dynamics.

Do you know how many times I have to drive that bus back and forth on 187th street...
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 4 / 12% target

5%

Cologio witnesses a public murder over a parking space.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 5 / 20% target

5%

Cologio is interrogated by police, wrestling with guilt and complicity.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 8 / 25% target

5%

Cologio helps Johnny win at craps, entering the underworld adventure.

7

B Story

Scene 23 / Page 18 / 30% target

5%

Cologio asks Jane to the movies, starting the romantic subplot.

Do you want to go to the movies?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / Page 11 / 40% target

5%

The excitement of betting at Aqueduct showcases gangster thrills.

I told you. Didn't I tell you. It was a lock.
9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / Page 19 / 50% target

5%

Cologio and Jane discuss their relationship amid neighborhood violence.

I know... I'm Jane. And you're... ?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 25 / Page 20 / 65% target

5%

A racial brawl breaks out, threatening Cologio’s worlds collide.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 37 / Page 29 / 75% target

5%

Johnny is assassinated, crushing Cologio’s mentor and protector.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 38 / Page 30 / 80% target

5%

Cologio mourns alone in the alley, despairing Johnny’s death.

Johnny...Johnny...Johnny...
13

Break into Three

Scene 40 / Page 32 / 85% target

5%

At Johnny’s funeral, Cologio speaks to his body and hears Carmine’s revelation, sparking resolve.

How ya doin' John...Not too good, huh? ...still wearing those same shoes, h...? ... Ya know, Mickey Mantle's...
14

Finale

Scene 41 / Page 33 / 95% target

5%

Cologio and Lorenzo walk away together, reflecting on lessons learned.

15

Final Image

Scene 41 / Page 33 / 99% target

5%

The pair disappears into the night as the narrator’s voiceover closes the story.