Save the Cat rankings

EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES script analysis

EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Sissy Hankshaw is born with oversized thumbs and grows into a free-spirited hitchhiker who becomes a modeling star for a reclusive Countess. Rejecting urban confines, she embarks on a feminist ranch where she falls in love with Bonanza Jellybean and bonds with a Japanese-American mystic called the Chink. After political clashes and personal loss, Sissy finds new purpose in life’s paradoxes.

40 Save the Cat fit score 22% analysis confidence / 61 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Introduces mysterious cave ritual and hourglass, symbolizing destiny and time’s passage.

She is restless tonight.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

18%

Family’s comments on Sissy’s thumbs hint at themes of uniqueness and fate.

Well, you're lucky that you don't suck 'em.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / Page 1 / 10% target

20%

Establishes Sissy’s origin, hitchhiking spirit, and her first arrival at the ranch.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

18%

Sissy’s first successful hitch—driven by her thumbs—propels her journey.

Jesus fucking Christ!
5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / 20% target

20%

Sissy questions her life direction while traveling and receiving the Countess’s letter.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

25%

She enters the Countess’s world, leaving her nomadic life behind.

7

B Story

Scene 17 / 30% target

20%

Introduction of Julian sets up the romantic B-story.

I beg your pardon. I've been enthralled with your photographs for years. When the Countess hinted that you...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-32 / 40% target

22%

Sissy enjoys the absurd beauty ranch tour and community life.

We have a facial wing, and next to that is the Hair Barn...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 39-40 / 50% target

23%

Meets the Chink and experiences spiritual connection—stakes and worldview shift.

Well, aren't you going to shake your whanger at me?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 46 / 65% target

24%

The Countess accuses Sissy of sabotage, endangering her model career.

Sissy, don't play dumb with me! You're a good model but a shitty actress. The cowgirls are involved...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 57 / 75% target

21%

Jelly is fatally shot negotiating with authorities, Sissy’s love appears lost.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 59 / 80% target

22%

Sissy mourns by burning Jelly’s letters, questioning her purpose.

You know, podner, you can tune a guitar but you can't tuna fish.
13

Break into Three

Scene 60 / 85% target

23%

Chink’s cosmic perspective inspires Sissy toward acceptance and new beginnings.

The world isn't going to end, you dummy; I hope you know that much. But it is going...
14

Finale

Scenes 54-56 / 95% target

22%

Cowgirls rally, Delores negotiates, and Jelly’s sacrifice galvanizes their cause.

It isn't for ourselves that we take this stand. It isn't for cowgirls. It's for all the daughters...
15

Final Image

Scene 61 / 99% target

20%

Driving the Chink to the station, Sissy embraces life’s paradox symbolized by his closing line.

Don't ever bet against paradox, ladies... if complexity doesn't beat you, then paradox will. Ha ha ho ho...