Save the Cat rankings

DIAL 'M' FOR MURDER script analysis

DIAL 'M' FOR MURDER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A wealthy husband, Tony Wendice, plots to murder his wife Margot by blackmailing an old acquaintance into the deed. The plan goes awry when the killer is found dead and Margot is accused. Romantic friend Mark Halliday and Inspector Hubbard uncover Tony’s scheme, leading to his exposure and arrest.

30 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 33 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces the comfortable domestic setting of Tony and Margot at breakfast.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

40%

Margot reveals she’s being blackmailed, foreshadowing themes of deceit and betrayal.

Mark, before Tony comes, I ought to explain something.
3

Set-Up

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

30%

Establishes characters’ relationships: Tony’s controlling nature, Margot’s vulnerability, and Mark’s friendship.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

50%

Tony blackmails Lesgate into murdering Margot, triggering the central conflict.

For a few minutes' work. That's all it is. And no risk. I guarantee.
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 6-7 / 20% target

40%

Lesgate expresses fears about the plan’s risks; Tony questions Mark’s willingness.

How about it, Mark. Will you provide me with the perfect murder?
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 25% target

50%

The murder attempt occurs, moving the story into the “upside‐down” world of crime and investigation.

Get the police -- quickly -- police!
7

B Story

Scene 22 / Page 22 / 30% target

30%

Mark’s arrival signals the emergence of the emotional subplot of friendship and loyalty.

Hullo, Tony. Margot...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 8-14 / Pages 8-14 / 40% target

40%

Investigation unfolds: murder scene, police questioning, and Tony’s performance as the grieving husband.

9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 50% target

50%

Discovery of Lesgate’s body shifts stakes: Margot is in real peril and suspicion deepens.

Oh, Tony, Tony, Tony...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 16-21 / Pages 16-21 / 65% target

40%

Inspector Hubbard gathers evidence; Tony’s lies begin to unravel.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 27 / Page 27 / 75% target

50%

Margot is convicted at trial—worst possible outcome, Tony’s crime seems successful.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 28 / Page 28 / 80% target

40%

Mark begs Tony to confess, highlighting hopelessness and personal guilt.

Tony, I take it you'd do anything to save her life?
13

Break into Three

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 85% target

50%

Mark finds Tony’s hidden money, uncovering the proof needed to turn the tide.

Must be over five hundred pounds here. Where did you get it?
14

Finale

Scenes 31-33 / Pages 31-33 / 95% target

50%

Hubbard traps Tony with his own key; Tony’s carefully laid plans collapse.

We strongly suspect that your husband had planned to murder you.
15

Final Image

Scene 33 / Page 33 / 99% target

40%

Tony is caught in the act, a mirror to the opening image of domestic calm now shattered.

You see, Mark, it might work out on paper, but... Congratulations, Inspector. -- Oh, by the way...