Screenplay data
The scoutship Dark Star, on a twenty-year mission to destroy unstable planets, suffers from extensive malfunctions and crew boredom. After successfully deploying Bomb #19, the crew prepares to drop Bomb #20, but a laser malfunction traps Talby in the beam and the bomb refuses to deploy. Doolittle consults the cryogenically frozen Commander Powell, who advises teaching the sentient bomb phenomenology to prevent its premature detonation. Despite Doolittle's philosophical discussion, the bomb detonates, destroying the Dark Star, and Doolittle and Talby drift into space, becoming falling stars.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Dark Star follows the oddball crew of a scoutship as they grapple with a malfunctioning bomb and existential questions while isolated in space.
Open full beat sheetDoolittle is listed as Crew member of the Dark Star. A crew member who enjoys surfing and reminiscing about Earth. In the parsed data, Doolittle is connected to 12 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
12 scenes / 5 dialogue linesPinback is listed as Crew member of the Dark Star. A crew member responsible for bomb systems. In the parsed data, Pinback is connected to 9 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
9 scenes / 2 dialogue linesTalby is listed as Crew member of the Dark Star. A crew member who prefers the observation dome and watching space. In the parsed data, Talby is connected to 7 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
7 scenes / 6 dialogue linesBoiler is listed as Crew member of the Dark Star. A crew member responsible for technical readouts. In the parsed data, Boiler is connected to 5 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.
5 scenes / 0 dialogue linesBomb #20 is listed as Exponential Thermostellar Device. A sentient bomb that malfunctions. In the parsed data, Bomb #20 is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
3 scenes / 2 dialogue linesCommander Powell is listed as Former Commander. Deceased commander kept in a cryogenic freezer. In the parsed data, Commander Powell is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBomb #19 is listed as Exponential Thermostellar Device. A sentient bomb with a prim, fussy voice. In the parsed data, Bomb #19 is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 3.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMission Controller is listed as Earth-based contact. A mission controller seen via video communication.
0 scenes / 0 dialogue linesNarrator is listed as Voiceover. Provides exposition about the mission.
0 scenes / 0 dialogue linesThe Dark Star scoutship is introduced while navigating deep space, with the crew attempting to communicate with Talby in the observation dome.
Doolittle, Pinback, TalbyThe crew prepares to drop a bomb on a planet.
Doolittle, Pinback, Boiler, TalbyBomb #19 is armed and dropped onto the planet.
Doolittle, Pinback, Bomb #19The crew discusses future missions and names a new star.
Doolittle, Pinback, BoilerDoolittle visits Talby in the dome to bring him food and discuss their mission.
Doolittle, TalbyThe crew eats and discusses ship malfunctions.
Doolittle, Pinback, BoilerTalby attempts to fix a malfunction while the crew prepares to drop Bomb #20.
Doolittle, Pinback, Talby, Bomb #20Talby attempts to fix the laser, but it malfunctions and he is trapped in the beam.
TalbyThe crew realizes the bomb is stuck and refuses to drop.
Pinback, Boiler, DoolittleDoolittle consults the frozen Commander Powell about the bomb.
Doolittle, Commander PowellDoolittle talks to the bomb about phenomenology to prevent detonation.
Doolittle, Bomb #20The crew realizes the bomb did not explode.
Pinback, BoilerPinback accidentally blows Talby out into space.
Doolittle, Pinback, TalbyThe bomb detonates, and Doolittle and Talby drift into space.
Doolittle, Talby, Bomb #20, Commander PowellI'm glad you've come to talk with me, Doolittle. It's been so long since anyone has come to talk with me.
Doolittle. Doolittle? It you're there, I'm going to try to adjust the cue switch on the laser.
Everything sounds fine, bomb. Dropping you off in sixty seconds. Good luck.
Commander Powell? Commander Powell, this is Doolittle. Can you read me?
Bomb #20 to Sergeant Pinback. Roger, I read you, continue.
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