1997
Melvin Udall, a misanthropic, obsessive-compulsive romance novelist, lives a solitary life marked by cruel interactions with his gay artist neighbor, Simon Nye, and his favorite waitress, Carol Connelly. When Simon is brutally attacked and hospitalized, Melvin is forced to care for Simon's dog, Verdell, which slowly begins to soften Melvin's rigid routines and emotional defenses. Melvin's growing empathy is further tested when Carol's son falls severely ill, prompting Melvin to pay for his medical care, which leads to a complicated road trip to Baltimore with Simon and Carol to ask Simon's parents for money. During the trip, Melvin struggles with his feelings for Carol and his ingrained behaviors, eventually confessing his love for her and beginning a new, more open chapter in his life with Carol and Simon.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A misanthropic novelist, Melvin, lives a life of rigid routines and loathing until he becomes unwillingly involved with his neighbor’s dog and later a single mother, Carol.
Open full beat sheetMelvin Udall is listed as Protagonist. A misanthropic, obsessive-compulsive romance novelist. In the parsed data, Melvin Udall is connected to 48 scenes, 71 dialogue lines, 71 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
48 scenes / 71 dialogue linesCarol Connelly is listed as Waitress. A single mother working at a restaurant, struggling with her son's chronic illness. In the parsed data, Carol Connelly is connected to 29 scenes, 45 dialogue lines, 45 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
29 scenes / 45 dialogue linesSimon Nye is listed as Artist. A gay painter and Melvin's neighbor. In the parsed data, Simon Nye is connected to 21 scenes, 33 dialogue lines, 33 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
21 scenes / 33 dialogue linesVerdell is listed as Pet. Simon's small dog. In the parsed data, Verdell is connected to 18 scenes, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
18 scenes / 0 dialogue linesFrank Sachs is listed as Art Dealer. Simon's friend and art dealer. In the parsed data, Frank Sachs is connected to 9 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 22.
9 scenes / 1 dialogue linesSpencer Connelly is listed as Carol's son. A young boy suffering from severe asthma. In the parsed data, Spencer Connelly is connected to 9 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 53.
9 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBeverly is listed as Carol's mother. Carol's mother who lives with her. In the parsed data, Beverly is connected to 8 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 70.
8 scenes / 1 dialogue linesDr. Bettes is listed as Doctor. A physician who treats Spencer. In the parsed data, Dr. Bettes is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 28.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesMelvin encounters a neighbor's dog in the hallway and cruelly disposes of it down the garbage chute.
Melvin Udall, VerdellSimon confronts Melvin about his missing dog, Verdell.
Melvin Udall, Simon Nye, Frank SachsMelvin performs his obsessive-compulsive cleaning ritual.
Melvin UdallSimon is reunited with Verdell, who was found in the basement.
Simon Nye, Frank Sachs, VerdellMelvin writes his novel while Simon knocks on his door to confront him.
Melvin Udall, Simon NyeFrank confronts Melvin and threatens him to protect Simon.
Melvin Udall, Frank SachsMelvin walks to the restaurant, avoiding cracks in the sidewalk.
Melvin UdallMelvin eats at the restaurant and interacts with Carol.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellyCarol has a date, but it is interrupted by her son Spencer's illness.
Carol Connelly, Spencer Connelly, BeverlyCarl picks up a model for Simon.
Frank SachsSimon works with his new model, Vincent.
Simon NyeMelvin and Carol discuss their lives.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellySimon is attacked by intruders.
Simon Nye, VerdellMelvin is questioned by the police after the attack on Simon.
Melvin UdallFrank leaves Verdell with Melvin.
Melvin Udall, Frank Sachs, VerdellFrank and Jackie visit Simon in the hospital.
Simon Nye, Frank SachsMelvin eats while watching Verdell.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellyMelvin writes while Verdell watches.
Melvin Udall, VerdellMelvin walks his dog Verdell, carefully avoiding cracks in the sidewalk.
Melvin Udall, VerdellMelvin writes and reads his work to Verdell.
Melvin Udall, VerdellSimon wakes up in a bad mood while Nora and Jackie discuss his bills.
Simon NyeFrank visits Melvin to discuss Verdell.
Melvin Udall, Frank Sachs, VerdellMelvin struggles with his obsessive-compulsive rituals.
Melvin Udall, VerdellSimon returns home and reunites with Verdell.
Melvin Udall, Simon Nye, VerdellSimon tries to get Verdell to approach him.
Simon Nye, VerdellMelvin experiences an emotional breakdown over the dog.
Melvin Udall, VerdellMelvin rushes to a psychiatrist's office.
Melvin UdallMelvin demands help from his psychiatrist.
Melvin Udall, Dr. BettesMelvin leaves the office after upsetting other patients.
Melvin UdallMelvin causes a scene at the restaurant demanding Carol.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellyMelvin takes a taxi to Brooklyn.
Melvin UdallMelvin confronts Carol at her home.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Spencer ConnellyCarol checks on her sick son.
Carol Connelly, Spencer ConnellyCarol asks Melvin for a ride to the hospital.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Spencer ConnellyThey ride to the hospital.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Spencer ConnellyCarol arrives at the hospital.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Spencer ConnellyJackie discusses Simon's financial situation.
Simon Nye, VerdellMelvin tries to write but is distracted.
Melvin UdallMelvin visits his publisher.
Melvin UdallCarol returns home and sees a doctor's car.
Carol ConnellyDr. Bettes treats Spencer.
Carol Connelly, Spencer Connelly, Beverly, Dr. BettesNora says goodbye to Simon.
Simon NyeNora asks Melvin to walk the dog.
Melvin UdallCarol and her mother argue about the doctor.
Carol Connelly, BeverlySimon calls Carl for money.
Simon NyeMelvin visits Simon.
Melvin Udall, Simon Nye, VerdellCarol is in turmoil.
Carol ConnellyCarol chases a bus.
Carol ConnellyCarol visits Melvin.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellyMelvin has an anxiety attack.
Melvin UdallMelvin brings Simon soup.
Melvin Udall, Simon NyeCarol writes a thank-you note.
Carol Connelly, BeverlyCarol and Beverly prepare to go out after an emotional conversation; Carol checks on Spencer before leaving.
Carol Connelly, Spencer Connelly, BeverlyBeverly and Carol walk together and head toward a bar.
Carol Connelly, BeverlyCarol gives Melvin a thank-you note; Melvin and Frank discuss Simon and the upcoming trip to Baltimore.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Frank SachsCarol packs for the trip.
Carol ConnellyMelvin prepares for the trip and receives a call from Carol.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellyMelvin and Simon discuss their living situation while Carol gives Simon a baseball cap.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Simon Nye, Frank SachsThe group arrives in New York; Carol decides not to let Melvin take her home.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Simon NyeVerdell reacts to the arrival.
VerdellMelvin and Simon enter the apartment and reunite with Verdell.
Melvin Udall, Simon Nye, VerdellMelvin shows Simon his new room.
Melvin Udall, Simon NyeCarol unpacks at home.
Carol Connelly, Spencer Connelly, BeverlyMelvin is awake with the dog; Simon enters.
Melvin Udall, Simon Nye, VerdellCarol calls the apartment.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, Simon NyeMelvin talks to Carol on the phone.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellyMelvin and Simon discuss the phone call.
Melvin Udall, Simon Nye, VerdellMelvin arrives at Carol's building.
Melvin UdallMelvin hesitates at the door.
Melvin UdallMelvin visits Carol.
Melvin Udall, Carol Connelly, BeverlyMelvin and Carol walk to a bakery.
Melvin Udall, Carol ConnellyIt's really something that you're looking after Simon. And what I said on the street. That was a bad thing to say. And it made me sick to my stomach. It was a bad thing to say. And I'd be lying if I didn't say that I enjoyed your company... but the truth is you do bother me enormously and I know -- think -- that it's best for me to not have contact with you because you're just not ready and you're a pretty old guy to not be ready... and I'm too old to ignore that. But there were extraordinary kindnesses that did take place. So thanks for the trips...
Just let me talk. I'm the only one on the face of the earth who realizes that you're the greatest woman on earth. I'm the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing you do -- in every single thought you have... in how you are with Spencer -- Spence... in how you say what you mean and how you almost always mean something that's all about being straight and good...
Then get in your jammies and I'll read you a story... I think you've got a chance. The only real enemy you have is her ability to think logically -- the best thing you have going for you is your willingness to humiliate yourself if it gives you one chance in whatever -- so go catch her off-guard.
Everybody wants that, dear -- it doesn't exit... Sorry... didn't mean to interrupt.
If you want to see me you will not do this. You will make an appointment...
Hello. It's me. He took me in. Did you know? Hold on, I'll get him for you.
I'll tell you, buddy, I'd be the luckiest guy alive if that did it for me.
I'm gonna grab you. I didn't mean it to be a question. I'm gonna grab you.
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