Save the Cat rankings

AMERICAN MADNESS script analysis

AMERICAN MADNESS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Bank cashier Matt Brown works under liberal President Tom Dickson, who faces ouster for risky loans. A robbery frames Matt, triggering a run on the bank that Dickson must stem by rallying depositors. Through persistence and public faith, they save the institution and restore order.

80 Save the Cat fit score 65% analysis confidence / 87 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Establishes the imposing Union National Bank building as the setting and symbol of stability.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / 5% target

70%

Charlie tells Matt “Baby, I can’t give you anything but love,” hinting that trust and integrity matter more than money.

Baby, I can't give you anything but love . . .
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-10 / 10% target

75%

Introduces Matt’s role as teller, his friendship with Helen, and the bank’s daily operations.

4

Catalyst

Scene 16 / 12% target

70%

Board debates ousting Dickson over his “hunch”-driven loans, raising stakes for bank leadership.

Some day he'll get a "hunch" about a man and give the bank away.
5

Debate

Scene 34 / 20% target

68%

Matt struggles with what he witnessed between Cluett and Mrs. Dickson, debating whether to speak up.

What's the matter, Matt? Gee, I thought you'd be thrilled to death.
6

Break into Two

Scene 40 / 25% target

80%

A nighttime robbery at the bank shatters the ordinary world, propelling the story into crisis.

7

B Story

Scene 13 / 30% target

65%

Helen greets Matt and their budding relationship provides emotional support throughout.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 45-52 / 40% target

70%

Rumors spread fuel public panic; gossip in lobby, switchboard, and street intensify the bank run.

9

Midpoint

Scene 52 / 50% target

85%

A massive run on the bank begins, marking the point of no return for Dickson and Matt.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 42-43 / 65% target

75%

Matt is interrogated and nearly arrested for the crime, while Dickson learns of the peak panic.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 70 / 75% target

72%

Despondent Dickson signs over his stock option, believing the bank and his career are lost.

Eighty dollars? That's fine - anything you say.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 72 / 80% target

70%

Phyllis confronts Dickson; he faces personal and professional ruin, doubting any solution.

13

Break into Three

Scene 73 / 85% target

75%

Matt and Helen spearhead a phone campaign calling in favors to rally funds and save the bank.

Dickson's in a jam I tell you. The run's getting worse.
14

Finale

Scenes 80-84 / 95% target

78%

Directors mobilize cash shipments and depositors return, reversing the run and restoring the bank.

Come out here you pawnbrokers - take a look at this!
15

Final Image

Scene 87 / 99% target

80%

Normalcy returns as Dickson greets staff at the bank entrance, mirroring the opening image but with renewed confidence.