1982
Frances Farmer, a rebellious and talented actress, challenges societal norms with her atheistic views and independent spirit, clashing with her controlling mother, Lillian, and conservative authorities like Judge Hillier. Frances finds success in Hollywood but rejects the studio system's superficiality, leading to a tumultuous affair with playwright Clifford Odets and a growing disdain for her manufactured public image. After a series of public outbursts and arrests, Frances is institutionalized at Meadow Wood Convalescent Home, where she endures insulin shock treatments and escapes with the help of her loyal friend and love interest, Harry York. Her brief freedom ends with Harry's arrest and her forced return home, culminating in a violent confrontation with Lillian that leads to Frances's commitment to Western State Hospital. There, Frances is subjected to electroshock therapy, hydrotherapy, and sexual assault, ultimately undergoing a lobotomy that leaves her a shadow of her former self, though she later appears on a television show and reunites with Harry, who remains a steadfast presence in her life.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Young Frances struggles with her loss of faith and her mother’s strict control, then finds unexpected fame and romance before descending into Hollywood exploitation and mental breakdown.
Open full beat sheetFrances Farmer is listed as Protagonist. A talented, rebellious actress who challenges societal norms and suffers institutional abuse. In the parsed data, Frances Farmer is connected to 94 scenes, 254 dialogue lines, 256 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
94 scenes / 254 dialogue linesLillian Farmer is listed as Antagonist. Frances' mother, a dietician who is obsessed with her daughter's image and control. In the parsed data, Lillian Farmer is connected to 29 scenes, 53 dialogue lines, 53 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.
29 scenes / 53 dialogue linesHarry York is listed as Supporting. A political activist and Frances' loyal friend/love interest. In the parsed data, Harry York is connected to 26 scenes, 80 dialogue lines, 83 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
26 scenes / 80 dialogue linesErnest Farmer is listed as Supporting. Frances' father, a lawyer who is often absent and struggles to support his daughter against Lillian. In the parsed data, Ernest Farmer is connected to 16 scenes, 15 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
16 scenes / 15 dialogue linesClifford Odets is listed as Supporting. A playwright and director who has a romantic relationship with Frances. In the parsed data, Clifford Odets is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 35.
9 scenes / 0 dialogue linesDr. Symington is listed as Antagonist. A psychiatrist at Meadow Wood who abuses his power over Frances. In the parsed data, Dr. Symington is connected to 8 scenes, 38 dialogue lines, 39 text mentions, first appearing around scene 67.
8 scenes / 38 dialogue linesAlma Styles is listed as Antagonist. An attorney and associate of Lillian who helps orchestrate Frances' institutionalization. In the parsed data, Alma Styles is connected to 7 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 77.
7 scenes / 13 dialogue linesJudge Benjamin Hillier is listed as Antagonist. A conservative judge who views Frances as a threat to law and order. In the parsed data, Judge Benjamin Hillier is connected to 7 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 78.
7 scenes / 7 dialogue linesMr. Bebe is listed as Antagonist. A powerful studio executive who treats Frances as a commodity. In the parsed data, Mr. Bebe is connected to 5 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
5 scenes / 2 dialogue linesFrances swims in the Puget Sound and reflects on her loss of faith in God.
Frances FarmerFrances writes in her diary while sitting in a tree.
Frances FarmerFrances reads her diary to Lillian; Ernest leaves for the week.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest FarmerFrances delivers her essay on atheism at a school competition, causing a stir.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest Farmer, Judge Benjamin Hillier, Alma StylesA political rally for Kaminski occurs with Harry York leading the crowd.
Harry YorkHarry York approaches Frances to warn her about the political fallout of her essay.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkJudge Hillier and Alma Styles discuss the need to suppress Frances's publicity.
Judge Benjamin Hillier, Alma StylesTension at dinner between Ernest, Lillian, and Frances regarding the essay prize money.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest FarmerLillian reviews her scrapbook while listening to the conversation in the dining room.
Lillian FarmerLillian and Ernest argue about his political affiliations and their marriage.
Lillian Farmer, Ernest FarmerErnest leaves the house while Frances watches.
Frances Farmer, Ernest FarmerFrances performs in 'Uncle Vanya'.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest Farmer, Harry YorkCelebration after the play; Frances is encouraged to enter a contest to go to Moscow.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkFrances and Harry talk in a car at the beach.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkLillian confronts Frances about her planned trip to Russia, leading to a heated argument about Frances' independence and Lillian's control.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest FarmerFrances departs for her trip while Lillian creates a public scene with reporters and a strange man.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest FarmerLillian updates her scrapbook with clippings of Frances' travels and career.
Lillian FarmerFrances undergoes a photoshoot where a publicist tries to manufacture a persona for her.
Frances Farmer, Mr. BebeFrances observes an acting class and notices a student named Dick.
Frances FarmerFrances talks to her mother on the phone while playing with Dick.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerFrances laughs at her own performance during a screening, confusing the studio executives.
Frances FarmerFrances reunites with Harry at the studio.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkFrances and Harry discuss their lives and Frances reveals she is seeing someone.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkMr. Bebe confronts Frances about her attitude and name.
Frances Farmer, Mr. BebeThe premiere of Frances' film in Seattle.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest Farmer, Harry YorkLillian and Dick pose for reporters while Frances watches the city's poor.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest FarmerFrances arrives at the theatre lobby for the premiere.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerFrances attends a premiere event in Seattle, where she is confronted by Judge Hillier's wife and expresses her disdain for the superficiality of the event.
Frances Farmer, Judge Benjamin Hillier, Mr. BebeFrances storms out of the theatre, encounters a beggar, and gives him the key to the city.
Frances FarmerFrances and Harry discuss her career, her mother, and her desire to do something meaningful.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkFrances arrives at the studio in her old car.
Frances FarmerClaire confronts Frances about her appearance and car.
Frances FarmerFrances tells Claire to relay a message to Mr. Bebe about focusing on scripts rather than her life.
Frances FarmerDick confronts Frances about her plans to leave and her secret affair.
Frances FarmerFrances is performing in a play in Mt. Kisco.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsClifford Odets and Clurman try to recruit Frances for their theatre group.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsFrances and Odets sit outside the theatre and discuss her acting.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsOdets continues to coach Frances on her acting.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsClurman gives a speech while Odets and Frances talk.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsOdets pushes Frances to show her true soul.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsFrances and Odets go to his apartment.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsMr. Bebe plots against Frances.
Mr. BebeFrances talks to a young fan who wants to go to Hollywood.
Frances FarmerFrances meets Odets at a bar to discuss her performance and emotional state.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsClurman informs Frances that she has been replaced in the play.
Frances Farmer, Clifford OdetsHarry York is at a bookie joint when he receives a call from Frances.
Harry YorkFrances calls Harry in a drunken, distraught state.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkFrances is forced to repeat a scene in the mud for a film.
Frances Farmer, Mr. BebeFrances attends a party with Bob Barnes.
Frances FarmerFrances attends the party, feels uncomfortable, and retreats to the bathroom.
Frances FarmerFrances is pulled over by a cop for driving with headlights in a dimout zone.
Frances FarmerHarry visits Frances after her arrest.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkFrances and Harry get into a fight at a bar.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkFrances returns to find her house stripped of her belongings.
Frances FarmerFrances searches for her diary in her hotel room.
Frances FarmerFrances searches her hotel room for her missing diary and calls her contact, Barnes, in a panic.
Frances FarmerFrances arrives late to the set of 'No Escape' and antagonizes the Director.
Frances FarmerFrances gets into a physical altercation with Tora, the hairdresser, and quits the film.
Frances FarmerFrances makes a dramatic exit from the movie set.
Frances FarmerPolice break into Frances' hotel room to arrest her.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerFrances is booked at the police station, mocking the sergeant.
Frances FarmerFrances is placed in a jail cell while photographers watch.
Frances FarmerFrances is sentenced to 180 days in jail by the judge.
Frances Farmer, Judge Benjamin HillierFrances attempts to escape and call for help, encountering Harry.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkLillian and Alma Styles arrange for Frances to be placed under Lillian's care instead of jail.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Alma StylesFrances is driven to Meadow Wood Convalescent Home.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerFrances meets Dr. Symington, who takes charge of her care.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Dr. SymingtonLillian is confronted by a matron in Frances' room.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerFrances is led to her room and witnesses the matron harassing Lillian.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerFrances is subjected to an insulin shock treatment.
Frances FarmerLillian visits Frances and shows her fan mail.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerFrances meets with Dr. Symington again.
Frances Farmer, Dr. SymingtonFrances confronts Dr. Symington about her release, leading to a heated argument and her sedation.
Frances Farmer, Dr. SymingtonHarry York visits Frances at the home and helps her escape.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkHarry and Frances drive toward Idaho, discussing their future and their relationship.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkHarry and Frances drink and dance, discussing marriage.
Frances Farmer, Harry YorkFrances returns home to Lillian, while Harry is arrested by the FBI.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Harry York, Alma StylesJudge Hillier sentences Harry to six months in prison.
Harry York, Judge Benjamin HillierFrances plays piano for Lillian and later meets her father at a hotel.
Frances Farmer, Lillian Farmer, Ernest FarmerFrances tells Lillian she is quitting acting, leading to a final confrontation.
Frances Farmer, Lillian FarmerWait, Mama, wait. I have something to tell you. I've decided... well... I'm not going to make movies anymore. I thought that's what I wanted, and I went after it with all my soul, the way you taught me, but I was miserable, Mama, and it nearly killed me. So now... now it's over. I want a different kind of life, something... simple. I want to live someplace quiet and peaceful... in the country maybe, and I'll have dogs and cats -- I feel so light suddenly, so clear for the first time in... It's going to be okay, Mama, I know it. And I love you.
Alvin Hanson, a.k.a. Ronald Burns, Thomas Slocum, Harry York... Mr. Hanson, this warrant has been outstanding for many years. Normally that circumstance would prompt me toward leniency, but the crime you committed -- inciting to riot -- and the cause you sought to promote -- a worker's rebellion -- are such anathemas to this court that I feel compelled to mete out the full sentence. I only wish it were longer. Six months in the state penitentiary.
...From her history, it's apparent the patient suffers from a paranoid reaction with pronounced egotism. Her violent responses have recently included aggression against her mother. In view of the deep-seated nature of her ailments and her failure to respond satisfactorily to insulin shock, it is my opinion she may ultimately require permanent institutional care.
They want you back! Your agent called today! Don't you understand? He's sending the scripts. He wants to fly up here in a week with the publicity people! Frances, you can't do this to your fans! Why, they've been praying for you all through this nightmare. You can't turn your back on them now! Look at this fan mail I've been answering!
...Dwayne Steele divorced you, and from this point on, your story takes a darker turn. Shunned by the Hollywood you criticized so harshly, alienated from your family and friends, you turn your back on professional commitments in New York, and alcohol and drugs enter your life. These are sad, desperate times for you.
What you have to understand, Francie, is that she... well... she wanted so much for herself too, and for me, and she never really got to... The only time I ever saw her happy was if her name was in the papers... but she could have been... if times were different she could have been a politician or... I don't know.
Salesman says, 'I don't care. I gotta have a martini.' So the bartender fixes him a martini real fast, grabs his money, and runs out the back. Salesman sits there sipping his martini,... he's got the bar all to himself... Then he hears it. This big roaring in the street. RRRAAAAAAA!!!
Well, Francie, sometimes after you get your hands on something you want, it just doesn't look the same. Then you have to be real smart to know if you should hold onto it because it's all you've got... or just let it go. This is the way of things, but I guess you already know that.
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