Save the Cat rankings

ELVIS script analysis

ELVIS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

ELVIS follows Colonel Tom Parker’s retrospective narration as he recounts discovering and shaping Elvis Presley’s meteoric rise, his struggles with fame, and eventual fall-out. Through carnival recruitment, Sun Records breakthroughs, Hollywood detours, and 1968 comeback, the story tracks key turning points in Elvis’s career and the Colonel’s influence, culminating in their bitter parting onstage.

85 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 86 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

An elderly Colonel collapses listening to the radio, establishing the present-day frame and stakes.

I know what you're thinking... who the hell is this Colonel fellow?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 5% target

75%

The Colonel reflects, “I didn’t kill him… I loved him,” foreshadowing themes of loyalty and exploitation.

No!... It's not true. I didn't kill him... I loved him. I didn't kill him. But I know...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 7-11 / Pages 2-4 / 10% target

82%

We see the Colonel’s carnival hustling, Hank Snow encounter, and Elvis’s early Louisiana Hayride performances setting character roles and relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 13-14 / Pages 4-5 / 12% target

80%

Colonel isolates and recruits Elvis in the Hall of Mirrors and carnival, marking the opportunity that launches Elvis’s career.

5

Debate

Scene 15 / Page 5 / 20% target

77%

On the Ferris wheel Elvis and Parker discuss career sacrifices, as Elvis hesitates at the cost of fame.

Your future, Mr. Presley, blazing before you. Recording contracts, television, even Hollywood.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 16-18 / Pages 6-7 / 25% target

74%

Flash forwards to RCA contract and Presley Enterprises signing mark Act Two’s journey into professional show business.

7

B Story

Scenes 28-29 / Page 9 / 30% target

70%

Elvis’s relationship with B.B. King and Dixie introduces the personal subplot around artistic integrity and romance.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 31-36 / Pages 10-12 / 40% target

79%

Hollywood life montage: bus narration, wedding, films, showcasing Elvis’s successes and excesses.

Thanks to me, his life became one big Hollywood movie!
9

Midpoint

Scene 42 / Page 12 / 50% target

81%

Priscilla’s line, “I’m so tired of playing Elvis Presley,” signals a false victory turning point in their marriage and career.

I'm so tired of playing Elvis Presley.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 54-58 / Pages 13-14 / 65% target

76%

During the ’68 NBC special rehearsals and ghostly Vegas reflections, Colonel’s insecurity and industry pressures mount against Elvis.

Those know-it-all hippies poisoned Elvis. And now my boy, mocking me!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 73 / Page 17 / 75% target

78%

Colonel convinces Elvis to cancel international tour, symbolizing a major career setback.

Hulett's security is not what it needs to be and he knows it. An international tour is out...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 76-77 / Page 18 / 80% target

80%

Priscilla leaves Elvis and takes Lisa Marie, representing his lowest emotional point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 80 / Page 19 / 85% target

83%

Jerry exposes Colonel’s fraudulent past to Elvis (“There never was a Colonel Tom Parker”), prompting dramatic shift toward confrontation.

There never was a Colonel Tom Parker.
14

Finale

Scenes 81-84 / Pages 19-20 / 95% target

79%

Elvis fires the Colonel onstage and they clash in a parking garage, resolving their arc in public and personal fallout.

15

Final Image

Scene 86 / Page 20 / 99% target

75%

Elvis’s final concert performance closes the circle back to showmanship and legacy.