Scripts
BAMBINO (BREAKING AWAY) poster

1978

BAMBINO (BREAKING AWAY) script

Dave Blase, a young man from Bloomington, Indiana, is obsessed with Italian cycling culture, often pretending to be Italian to impress college student Katherine Maxwell and escape his working-class roots as a "cutter." His friends Mike, Cyril, and Moocher, also cutters, struggle with their own futures while Dave's father, a used car salesman, disapproves of his son's Italian affectations and lack of direction. After a series of escalating conflicts with college students, including a fight and Cyril being assaulted, the townies are allowed to compete in the Little 500 bicycle race, a collegiate event. Dave's father suffers a heart attack, prompting Dave to reconcile with him and commit to the race, ultimately leading the Cutters to victory in a dramatic final lap, earning the respect of his family and community.

Writer
Steve Tesich
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0078902
Script date
1978
120Scenes
10Characters
14Pages
1Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

BAMBINO (BREAKING AWAY) Save the Cat analysis

Dave Blase, obsessed with Italian cycling culture, clashes with his small-town life and family as he pursues glory in local races and love with Katherine.

Open full beat sheet
80

Key characters

Moocher

Moocher is listed as Friend. Very short, physically strong, struggling with employment. In the parsed data, Moocher is connected to 54 scenes, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

54 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Mr. Blase

Mr. Blase is listed as Dave's Father. Used car salesman, former stonecutter, struggles with his son's behavior. In the parsed data, Mr. Blase is connected to 39 scenes, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

39 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, UNKNOWN is connected to 37 scenes, 795 dialogue lines, first appearing around scene 1.

37 scenes / 795 dialogue lines

Mike

Mike is listed as Friend. Handsome, well-built, cynical, former high school quarterback. In the parsed data, Mike is connected to 30 scenes, 30 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

30 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Cyril

Cyril is listed as Friend. Tall, skinny, self-deprecating, often feels like a cartoon character. In the parsed data, Cyril is connected to 25 scenes, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

25 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Dave Blase

Dave Blase is listed as Protagonist. A young man obsessed with Italian cycling culture, often pretending to be Italian. In the parsed data, Dave Blase is connected to 25 scenes, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

25 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Mrs. Blase

Mrs. Blase is listed as Dave's Mother. Supportive, tries to mediate between Dave and his father. In the parsed data, Mrs. Blase is connected to 21 scenes, first appearing around scene 4.

21 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Rod Sommers

Rod Sommers is listed as Antagonist. College student, fraternity member, cyclist. In the parsed data, Rod Sommers is connected to 17 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

17 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Katherine Maxwell

Katherine Maxwell is listed as Love Interest. College student, initially dating Rod. In the parsed data, Katherine Maxwell is connected to 16 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

16 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Nancy

Nancy is listed as Moocher's Girlfriend. Waitress, planning to move out of her parents' home. In the parsed data, Nancy is connected to 10 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

10 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. QUARRY OUTSKIRTS

    Mike, Cyril, Moocher, and Dave walk toward a quarry, singing and discussing life and Italian culture.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  2. 1. EXT. STUDENT UNION

    Mike, Moocher, and Cyril arrive at the Student Union and prepare to enter.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril

  3. 1. INT. DAVE'S ROOM

    Dave discards his Italian posters and is confronted by Mr. Blase.

    Moocher, Mr. Blase

  4. 1. INT. MR. BLASE'S GARAGE

    Dave performs extensive maintenance and assembly on his bicycle, transitioning through various tasks including truing wheels and cleaning parts.

    Moocher

  5. 2. EXT. QUARRY WATER

    The group swims; Dave remains on the rocks, reading his phrase book.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  6. 2. INT. STUDENT UNION

    Dave and Katherine are on a date while Rod and his girlfriend navigate the union; Dave struggles with a lighter.

    Moocher, Katherine Maxwell, Rod Sommers, Nancy

  7. 2. EXT. CAMPUS

    Mr. Blase shares his history as a stonecutter with Dave while walking on campus.

    Moocher, Mr. Blase

  8. 2. EXT. BLOOMINGTON

    Dave tests his bike but suffers a leg cramp mid-sprint.

    Moocher

  9. 3. EXT. ROCKS BY THE WATER

    The group discusses quitting their jobs and Mike hides inside an old icebox at the bottom of the quarry.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  10. 3. INT. STUDENT UNION - CAFETERIA

    Mike, Cyril, and Moocher search for Rod while Dave confronts him in the cafeteria line.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher, Rod Sommers

  11. 3. INT. DAVE'S ROOM

    Cyril and Moocher move into Dave's room after Moocher's home is sold.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher, Mr. Blase

  12. 3. EXT. DOWNTOWN BLOOMINGTON

    Katherine encounters Dave; they share news about their future plans.

    Moocher, Katherine Maxwell

  13. 4. EXT. QUARRY / MIKE'S CAR

    The group leaves the quarry and drives through town.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  14. 4. INT. BOWLING ALLEY

    The cutters confuse a stranger for Rod in the bowling alley.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril

  15. 4. INT. DAVE'S ROOM

    The three friends sleep on the floor and share a moment of vulnerability.

    Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  16. 4. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    The Blase family and Moocher have dinner; Mr. Blase discusses the upcoming race.

    Moocher, Cyril, Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  17. 5. EXT. CAMPUS / FRATERNITY ROW

    Mike drives through the college campus, antagonizing fraternity students by running over a Frisbee.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher, Katherine Maxwell, Rod Sommers

  18. 5. INT. STUDENT UNION CORRIDOR

    A fight breaks out between the Cutters and Rod's group.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher, Katherine Maxwell, Rod Sommers

  19. 5. INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH

    Dave confesses his deception regarding his heritage to a priest.

    Moocher

  20. 5. INT. LITTLE 500 STADIUM

    The teams enter the stadium; the race begins.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher, Rod Sommers, Katherine Maxwell

  21. 6. EXT. BLOOMINGTON STREETS

    Dave rides his bike through the neighborhood, acting like an Italian hero.

    Moocher, Nancy

  22. 6. INT. PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

    The University President addresses the students regarding the recent fight and announces town team inclusion in the Little 500.

    Rod Sommers

  23. 6. EXT. CAMPUS

    Dave reveals his true identity to Katherine.

    Moocher, Katherine Maxwell

  24. 6. EXT. MR. BLASE CAR LOT

    Mr. Blase listens to the race broadcast and cheers for Dave.

    Mr. Blase

  25. 7. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mr. and Mrs. Blase argue about their son Dave's obsession with Italian culture and his lack of direction.

    Moocher, Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  26. 7. EXT. DAVE'S HOUSE

    Dave and Cyril discuss the fight.

    Moocher, Mike

  27. 7. EXT. DAVE'S HOUSE

    The group examines the official Little 500 bicycle.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  28. 7. INT. LITTLE 500 STADIUM

    The race reaches a critical point; Dave suffers, exchanges, and the team falters.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher, Katherine Maxwell, Rod Sommers

  29. 8. INT. DAVE'S ROOM

    Dave shaves his legs and eats out of a cinzano ashtray while listening to Italian music.

    Moocher

  30. 8. EXT. COURTHOUSE

    Moocher and Nancy arrive to get a marriage license.

    Cyril, Nancy

  31. 9. EXT. INTERSECTION

    Dave has a near-collision with his father's car.

    Moocher, Mr. Blase

  32. 10. EXT. BLOOMINGTON

    Mr. Blase's car is towed.

    Mr. Blase

  33. 11. EXT. MR. BLASE'S USED CAR LOT

    Mr. Blase attempts to sell a car to a student, while Dave bikes past and waves, annoying his father.

    Mr. Blase, Moocher

  34. 12. EXT. CAMPUS

    Dave observes campus life and spots Katherine; he chases down a runaway paper of hers.

    Moocher, Katherine Maxwell

  35. 13. EXT. MOOCHER'S HOUSE / INT. MOOCHER'S HOUSE

    Nancy visits Moocher and tells him she is moving out.

    Cyril, Nancy

  36. 14. EXT. BLOOMINGTON

    Dave and Cyril discuss their futures while cycling and jogging.

    Moocher, Mike

  37. 15. EXT. ROAD

    Katherine and fraternity members cycle past Dave while he fixes a flat tire.

    Katherine Maxwell, Rod Sommers, Moocher

  38. 16. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mr. Blase complains about his wife serving zucchini and rejects the Italian influence Dave brings to the house.

    Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  39. 21. EXT. BLASE HOUSE

    Dave sneaks home with his bike.

    Moocher

  40. 22. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mr. and Mrs. Blase realize Dave has returned.

    Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  41. 23. EXT. BLASE HOUSE

    Dave finds out about the Italian race and excitedly shares the news with his mother.

    Moocher, Mrs. Blase

  42. 24. EXT. BLOOMINGTON

    Dave excitedly hugs the local mailman.

    Moocher

  43. 25. EXT. BLOOMINGTON

    Dave decides to send flowers to Katherine.

    Moocher

  44. 26. INT. FLOWER SHOP

    Dave orders flowers for Katherine at the Chi-Delt house.

    Moocher

  45. 27. EXT. FLOWER SHOP

    Dave encounters Mike, Cyril, and Moocher.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  46. 28. EXT. BLOOMINGTON

    The group travels through town.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril, Moocher

  47. 29. EXT. CAMPUS CAR WASH

    Moocher prepares to start his job at the car wash.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril

  48. 30. INT. CAMPUS STREET CAR WASH

    Moocher reacts aggressively to being called 'shorty'.

    Cyril

  49. 31. EXT. CAR WASH

    Moocher is picked up by Mike and the others.

    Dave Blase, Cyril

  50. 31. INT. STUDENT UNION

    Rod Sommers and Katherine argue about a mystery man who sent Katherine flowers.

    Rod Sommers, Katherine Maxwell

  51. 32. EXT. BLOOMINGTON

    Dave observes Moocher and Nancy walking while riding his bike, but chooses to continue on his own path.

    Moocher, Cyril, Nancy

  52. 33. INT. BLASE KITCHEN

    Dave eats his father's French fries, causing a scene; Mrs. Blase subsequently purges the kitchen of 'unhealthy' food.

    Mrs. Blase, Mr. Blase, Moocher

  53. 34. EXT. COUNTRY ROAD

    Dave engages in a high-speed drafting challenge behind a Cinzano truck.

    Moocher

  54. 35. EXT. BLOOMINGTON CAFE

    Mike, Cyril, and Moocher loiter outside a cafe and interact with Mike's brother, a campus police officer.

    Dave Blase, Mike, Cyril

  55. 36. EXT. MR. BLASE'S CAR LOT

    Mr. Blase stands in the rain at his car lot, reflecting on life.

    Mr. Blase

  56. 37. EXT. NANCY'S CARAVAN

    Moocher helps Nancy move furniture, and they share an intimate moment regarding her appearance.

    Cyril, Nancy

  57. 41. OUTSKIRTS OF BLOOMINGTON

    Mr. Blase drives a fancy car toward the quarry.

    Mr. Blase

  58. 42. INT. CAR

    Mr. Blase prepares to arrive at the quarry.

    Mr. Blase

  59. 43. EXT. WOOLRIDGE QUARRY SHOP

    Mr. Blase arrives at the quarry and approaches the shop.

    Mr. Blase

  60. 44. EXT. SHOP ENTRANCE

    Mr. Blase reunites with his former coworkers at the quarry.

    Mr. Blase

  61. 45. INT. SHOP

    Mr. Blase walks through the shop, feeling nostalgic yet disconnected.

    Mr. Blase

  62. 46. EXT. BLASE HOUSE

    Dave trains on his bike while Cyril arrives.

    Moocher, Mike

  63. 47. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mrs. Blase does housework while Dave and Cyril practice in the bedroom.

    Mrs. Blase, Moocher, Mike

  64. 48. EXT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mr. Blase returns home in the rain.

    Mr. Blase

  65. 49. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mr. Blase finds Mrs. Blase looking dressed up.

    Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  66. 50. EXT. CAMPUS

    Dave and Cyril travel to their destination.

    Moocher, Mike

  67. 51. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mr. and Mrs. Blase have a candlelit dinner.

    Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  68. 51. INT. DAVE'S ROOM

    Mrs. Blase plays an Enrico Gimondi record.

    Mrs. Blase

  69. 52. EXT. CHI-DELT SORORITY

    Cyril serenades the sorority house.

    Mike, Moocher

  70. 52. EXT. CHI DELT SORORITY

    Dave serenades Katherine with his guitar, accompanied by Cyril.

    Mike, Moocher, Katherine Maxwell

  71. 53. INT. BLASE HOUSE

    Mr. and Mrs. Blase listen to the music.

    Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  72. 54. INT. CHI DELT SORORITY

    Suzy calls Rod to report the serenade.

    Rod Sommers

  73. 55. INT. BLASE BEDROOM

    Mr. and Mrs. Blase get ready for bed.

    Mr. Blase, Mrs. Blase

  74. 56. EXT. ALLEY

    Dave's cat meows in the alley.

  75. 57. EXT. CAMPUS

    Rod and his frat brothers rush to his car.

    Rod Sommers

  76. 58. EXT. CHI DELT SORORITY

    The serenade ends and Katherine rides away.

    Mike, Moocher, Katherine Maxwell

  77. 59. EXT. BLASE HOUSE

    The lights go out at the house.

  78. 60. EXT. CHI DELT SORORITY

    Cyril walks away as a car approaches.

    Mike

  79. 61. INT. CAR

    Rod tracks down Cyril.

    Mike, Rod Sommers

  80. 61. EXT. CHI-DELT SORORITY

    Dave drops Katherine off at her sorority after a date; they share a kiss.

    Moocher, Katherine Maxwell

Dialogue examples

I really thought I was a great quarterback in high school. I still think so. I can't even bring myself to light a cigarette 'cause I keep thinking I should stay in shape. And you know what gets me. Living here and reading in the papers how some hotshot kid is the new star on the college team. Every year there'll be a new one and it's never going to be me. I'll just be Mike. Twenty-year-old Mike. Thirty-year-old Mike. Old mean old man Mike. But the college kids will never get old...out of shape...'cause new ones come every year. And they'll keep calling us 'cutters.' To them it's a dirty word but to me it'll just be something else I never got a chance to be.

UNKNOWN / Scene 1

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