Save the Cat rankings

BULL DURHAM script analysis

BULL DURHAM script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

BULL DURHAM follows veteran catcher Crash Davis as he mentors rookie pitcher Ebby “Nuke” LaLoosh under the guidance (and seduction) of baseball groupie Annie Savoy. Through a series of on-field lessons and off-field liaisons, Nuke finds confidence wearing Annie’s underwear, sparks a winning streak, and then faces the challenge of leaving Durham and the woman who’s become his grounding force. A late-career romance blossoms alongside baseball’s highs and lows, culminating in personal reckonings and a return to what truly matters.

90 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 84 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

68%

Annie reflects on her unique baseball philosophy, setting the film’s tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

81%

Annie’s line equates baseball with faith and sex, hinting at the film’s exploration of love, religion, and the game.

I believe in the Church of Baseball.
3

Set-Up

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 10% target

75%

Crash arrives at the Bulls’ clubhouse and is asked to mentor Nuke, establishing his role and the status quo.

I am the player to be named later.
4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / Page 1 / 12% target

79%

Crash and Annie meet at the club, igniting the central romantic and philosophical conflict.

Annie Savoy. Wanta dance?
5

Debate

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 20% target

74%

Annie lays down the rules for her relationships with players, and Crash hesitates, debating his involvement.

I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve...
6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 25% target

77%

Crash directly asks Annie “Wanta make love?”, marking his commitment to their unconventional partnership and act two.

So... Wanta make love?
7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 30% target

70%

Annie and Crash’s flirtatious banter at Maxwell’s Bar introduces the romantic subplot that runs alongside Nuke’s development.

I don't trust a man who don't dance. It ain't natural.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 19-21 / Page 1 / 40% target

75%

A montage of Crash coaching Nuke features playful baseball lessons and witty banter about pitching philosophy.

Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring. They're Fascist. Throw some ground balls, it's more Democratic.
9

Midpoint

Scene 55 / Page 1 / 50% target

82%

Nuke throws a stellar game wearing Annie’s underwear, representing a false victory high point.

God, these panties feel great. That don't make me queer, right? Right. Whoo.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 69 / Page 1 / 65% target

78%

Nuke’s performance suffers under the pressure of his father’s presence, and doubts creep in.

Nuke's overthrowing tonight, he don't look loose. Anything bothering him?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 71 / Page 1 / 75% target

74%

Crash is ejected from the game, marking a low point where their support system fractures.

I got him on the knee!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 72 / Page 1 / 80% target

80%

Nuke learns he’s being called up to the Big Leagues, facing the loss of his mentor and Annie.

13

Break into Three

Scene 74 / Page 1 / 85% target

76%

Crash advises Nuke in the locker room for his final challenge, uniting them for the last time.

It's the best, Nuke... the absolute fucking best.
14

Finale

Scenes 75-81 / Page 1 / 95% target

73%

Goodbyes ensue as Nuke leaves for the majors and Crash is released—each must accept change and choose their paths.

15

Final Image

Scene 84 / Page 1 / 99% target

79%

Crash returns to Annie’s house and they commit to each other, bringing closure and symmetry to the opening image.

I quit. Hit my dinger and hung 'em up.