Save the Cat rankings

Cobb script analysis

Cobb script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Sportswriter Al Stump reluctantly embarks on a biography with baseball legend Ty Cobb, confronting Cobb’s volatile nature and dark past. Their journey on the road and through flashbacks reveals Cobb’s hidden traumas and Stump’s own conflicts about truth and hero worship. As Cobb’s behavior spirals, Stump secretly writes a more honest version of the story. Ultimately, Stump must decide between protecting his subject’s myth or exposing a painful reality.

45 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 99 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Al Stump struggles with writing, setting a tone of creative frustration.

The muse has not descended, Lucille.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

20%

Cobb’s invitation hints at the cost of greatness and the question of legacy.

Cobb wants to see me.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

20%

We see Stump’s domestic life, his odd commute by pogo stick, and his entry into Cobb’s world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 12% target

20%

Stump receives Cobb’s call, launching the biography assignment.

Cobb wants to see me.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

20%

Stump hesitates over Cobb’s demands and unpredictable behavior at the lodge.

Yes, Mr. Stump -- you do need this job that bad.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 5 / 25% target

20%

They officially begin work on the biography as Cobb dictates opening lines.

Chapter one, Page one... 'Know ye that a prince and a great man has fallen this day.'
7

B Story

Scene 31 / Page 8 / 30% target

20%

Willie appears, offering a subplot about innocence and competition.

Help me. Please help me.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 15-29 / Pages 9-12 / 40% target

20%

On the road, Cobb entertains with stories and flashbacks showcasing baseball exploits.

It's only another hour -- plenty of time to tell you my story before we find us some...
9

Midpoint

Scene 39 / Page 15 / 50% target

20%

Stump’s notes are exposed in a heated argument, forcing a critical rift.

'Pathetic, paranoid, lost in the past!' What is this shit?!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 47-48 / Pages 18-19 / 65% target

20%

Cobb’s jealousy erupts over Ramona, and he terrorizes her alone in his room.

You two-timing bastard! You God damn Judas Iscariot! You stealing my girl! I'll kill you!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 87 / Page 23 / 75% target

20%

Cobb’s violent rage over Stump’s manuscript and his health crisis signal collapse.

You don't have a point of view, Stumpy, you ain't worth killing...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 89-92 / Pages 24-25 / 80% target

20%

Stump finds Cobb gone, visits the hospital, and reflects on his moral dilemma.

Exactly what I say...
13

Break into Three

Scene 93 / Page 26 / 85% target

20%

Stump narrates Cobb’s last moments, leading him to choose which manuscript to publish.

Y'see how it works, Stumpy... they boo ya your whole career, then when you're about to kiss off,...
14

Finale

Scenes 96-99 / Pages 27-29 / 95% target

20%

Stump lies to his friends, buries the truth, and visits the empty stadium, resolving his inner conflict.

I published the lie and put the truth in a closet...
15

Final Image

Scene 99 / Page 29 / 99% target

20%

Archival footage of Cobb plays as Stump reflects, bookending the story on legacy.