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BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID script analysis

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid follows outlaw partners as they rob banks, evade a relentless posse, and flee to Bolivia, where their successes turn to desperation. Love interweaves with camaraderie, and finally a bold plan leads to a doomed stand-off. The story balances action, humor, and poignancy in a classic buddy-outlaw saga.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

65%

Butch is introduced casing a new bank, establishing the outlaw world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

60%

A guard’s quip about beauty vs. cost hints at choosing between style and substance.

What was the matter with that old bank this town used to have? It was beautiful.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

65%

We meet Butch, Sundance and their skills through bank casing, street banter, and a blackjack showdown.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 12% target

70%

The train robbery provokes the Superposse pursuit, raising stakes.

Think you used enough dynamite there, Butch?
5

Debate

Scene 10 / Page 5 / 20% target

60%

In jail, Butch reflects on age and war, questioning life choices.

It's just -- my country's at war and I'm not getting any younger and I'm sick of my...
6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 25% target

75%

They decide to flee the U.S. and start anew in Bolivia with Etta’s support.

I'll go with you, and I won't whine, and I'll sew your socks and stitch you when you're...
7

B Story

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 30% target

65%

Sundance’s surprise visit to Etta’s home establishes the romantic subplot.

Keep going, teacher lady.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 15-23 / Pages 7-10 / 40% target

70%

A montage of Bolivian bank robberies shows their outlaw antics abroad.

9

Midpoint

Scene 19 / Page 8 / 50% target

65%

Their ambush victory lifts spirits—“Isn’t that a beautiful sight?” marks a false triumph.

Isn't that a beautiful sight?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 24-28 / Pages 10-12 / 65% target

70%

Law threats at dinner and bandits killing Garris tighten the noose.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 30 / Page 13 / 75% target

75%

Seeing a film that shows them dead shatters their confidence.

Did it say we're dead? We're not dead.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 32 / Page 14 / 80% target

70%

Trapped in the restaurant, Butch questions his own smarts—despair hits.

Why am I so damn smart all the time?
13

Break into Three

Scene 33 / Page 14 / 85% target

75%

They decide on a final escape plan, choosing who runs first.

I gotta be the one to go.
14

Finale

Scenes 34-37 / Pages 15-17 / 95% target

70%

A climactic shootout unfolds as they burst out, retreat, and become surrounded.

15

Final Image

Scene 38 / Page 17 / 99% target

80%

They talk of a next destination while the cavalry prepares—hope mingled with doom.

I got a great idea where we should go next.