Save the Cat rankings

CHICAGO script analysis

CHICAGO script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Roxie Hart, frustrated by her stalled vaudeville career, shoots her lover and lands in Cook County Jail, where she vies for attention alongside seasoned performer Velma Kelly. With the help of slick lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie navigates publicity stunts, courtroom battles, and shifting alliances. Ultimately, she and Velma transform rivalry into partnership, culminating in a vaudeville triumph.

80 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 32 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

82%

Introduces the glitzy, cutthroat world of Chicago vaudeville through Velma’s 'All That Jazz' performance.

COME ON, BABE WHY DON’T WE PAINT THE TOWN AND ALL THAT JAZZ
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

80%

Fred dismisses Roxie’s talent, stating the theme of ambition versus reality.

Face it, Roxie. You’re a two-bit talent with skinny legs. And I’m just a furniture salesman.
3

Set-Up

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

79%

We meet Roxie, see her envy Velma, then witness the shooting of Fred and her processing in jail.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

85%

Roxie’s impulsive murder of Fred Casely propels her into the jailhouse world.

5

Debate

Scenes 4-7 / Pages 4-7 / 20% target

74%

Roxie grapples with prison life, jealousy of Velma and her own ability to survive behind bars.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 25% target

77%

Roxie discovers Billy Flynn’s trial date and legal strategy by eavesdropping, committing her to the publicity game.

Billy Flynn's set your trial date for March 5th. March 7th you'll be acquitted, and March 8th -...
7

B Story

Scene 20 / Page 20 / 30% target

70%

Amos’s 'Mr. Cellophane' number underscores Roxie’s personal relationships and emotional stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 40% target

75%

The inmates’ 'Cell Block Tango' offers the musical payoff and showcases jailhouse life’s absurdity.

HE HAD IT COMING HE HAD IT COMING HE ONLY HAD HIMSELF TO BLAME
9

Midpoint

Scene 18 / Page 18 / 50% target

78%

Roxie’s fake pregnancy stunt raises the stakes and shifts momentum in her favor.

Oh, don't worry about...me. I just hope the fall didn't hurt the baby!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 23 / Page 23 / 65% target

72%

The execution of The Hunyak reminds Roxie that jail’s dangers remain real despite her publicity.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 28 / Page 28 / 75% target

76%

Billy publicly cross-examines Velma, threatening Roxie’s exclusive spotlight and potential acquittal.

Sit down. You're only making it worse.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 80% target

80%

Roxie is acquitted but realizes her victory hasn’t brought the fame she craves.

Baby? What baby? Jesus, what do you take me for? There ain't no baby!
13

Break into Three

Scene 31 / Page 31 / 85% target

79%

Velma proposes teaming up, giving Roxie a new path to stardom beyond solo ambition.

Think about it, Roxie. Our faces back in the papers. Our names on the marquee. Velma Kelly and...
14

Finale

Scene 32 / Page 32 / 95% target

83%

Roxie and Velma debut their joint vaudeville act, resolving their rivalry in showbiz success.

Thank you. Me and Roxie would just like to thank you.
15

Final Image

Scene 32 / Page 32 / 99% target

81%

The closing onstage shot mirrors the glamor of the opening image but now as a duet of triumph.