Save the Cat rankings

GREEN BOOK script analysis

GREEN BOOK script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1960s New York, is hired to drive celebrated pianist Dr. Don Shirley on a concert tour through the racially segregated American South. As they encounter prejudice and personal conflict, they forge an unlikely friendship that challenges their assumptions and transforms their lives.

80 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 63 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the bustling Copacabana exterior, establishing Tony’s world of nightlife security.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Sinatra’s line about guarding his hat hints at identity and respect, foreshadowing racial and personal pride themes.

Guard this hat with your life...My mother gave it to me.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

14%

Shows Tony at work, his family life, and his hot-dog contest, defining his skills, motivations, and financial pressure.

4

Catalyst

Scene 22 / Page 4 / 12% target

13%

Tony meets Dr. Shirley and is unexpectedly offered the driver job, upending his routine life.

I’m Dr. Donald Shirley.
5

Debate

Scenes 25-27 / Pages 4-5 / 20% target

12%

Tony discusses the offer with his wife and hesitates before accepting Shirley’s call, questioning the commitment.

6

Break into Two

Scene 28 / Page 5 / 25% target

10%

The concert tour officially begins as Tony and Shirley depart Carnegie Hall, entering Act Two’s new world.

7

B Story

Scene 30 / Page 6 / 30% target

11%

Dr. Shirley outlines tour protocols, deepening their relationship and introducing Shirley’s world and needs.

Tony, when we arrive in a city, the first thing I’d like you to do is check the...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 32-45 / Pages 6-12 / 40% target

12%

A series of humorous and tense road-trip episodes show culture clashes, from bathroom fights to demanding pianos.

9

Midpoint

Scene 42 / Page 9 / 50% target

13%

The gas-station confrontation over petty cash escalates their conflict, marking a false victory turned sour.

I just heard something that disturbed me very much. I gave you petty cash.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 47 / Page 10 / 65% target

12%

Tony and Shirley argue bitterly after the outhouse incident, illustrating internal and external pressures closing in.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 49 / Page 11 / 75% target

14%

Shirley is arrested at the YMCA, the tour—and their friendship—seem doomed.

Nah, can’t be. Gotta be some mistake.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 50 / Page 11 / 80% target

11%

Tony and Shirley sit in silent tension, both questioning their bond and the journey’s purpose.

I assumed you would want this to be the exception.
13

Break into Three

Scene 53 / Page 12 / 85% target

12%

Shirley offers Tony a formal promotion, symbolizing their mutual respect and a way forward together.

Tony, I think you’re doing a wonderful job. So I would like to formally offer you the position...
14

Finale

Scene 63 / Page 13 / 95% target

13%

Tony and Shirley reunite at the Lip home, celebrating family and friendship, completing their emotional arc.

Tony, s’matter with you? You haven’t said a word.
15

Final Image

Scene 62 / Page 13 / 99% target

10%

Shirley returns alone to his apartment, contrasting the opening isolation with newfound dignity.