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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WANDA JUNE script analysis

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WANDA JUNE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A missing father, presumed dead, returns to disrupt the lives of his wife Penelope and son Paul. As Harold Ryan reveals his brutal past and reasserts control, Penelope struggles between her former love and her new life with Dr. Woodly. Meanwhile, in Heaven Wanda June and other dead soldiers reflect on the costs of war. Ultimately, Harold’s rigid heroism unravels under exposure to civilian life.

35 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 19 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Introduces Penelope’s apartment and the family’s tension over Harold’s disappearance.

How do you do. My name is Penelope Ryan. This is a simple-minded play about men who enjoy...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

20%

Shuttle and Woodly argue about fighting, hinting at the conflict between war and peace.

You've got to fight from time to time.
3

Set-Up

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

20%

Establishes Penelope’s new life, Paul’s hope, and the impending return of Harold.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Pages 2-3 / 12% target

20%

Harold dramatically returns alive, interrogating Woodly and upending the household.

Dead! Such a final word. Dead!
5

Debate

Scene 4 / Pages 3-4 / 20% target

20%

In Heaven, Wanda June questions fate and the meaning of death, reflecting the family’s inner conflict.

Hello. I am Wanda June. Today was going to be my birthday, but I was hit by an...
6

Break into Two

Scene 5 / Pages 4-5 / 25% target

20%

Harold recounts meeting Penelope, transitioning into his narrated adventures as Act II begins.

The night I met Penelope, I had no beard--so imagine me, if you can, without a beard.
7

B Story

Scene 4 / Pages 3-4 / 30% target

20%

Wanda June’s subplot in Heaven explores the emotional cost of war and sets up contrast to Harold’s worldview.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 6-9 / Pages 5-8 / 40% target

20%

Harold tells war stories to Paul while family dynamics shift; Penelope and Woodly’s relationship is tested.

9

Midpoint

Scene 9 / Page 8 / 50% target

20%

Penelope reveals her engagement to Woodly, a surprising emotional reversal that raises the stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 10 / Page 9 / 65% target

20%

Harold and Penelope attempt reconciliation but tensions mount as news of death arrives.

What are his symptoms?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 14 / Page 11 / 75% target

20%

Preparations for a funeral highlight Penelope’s alienation and Harold’s inability to adapt.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 15 / Pages 11-12 / 80% target

20%

Penelope returns for her clothes, signaling the breakdown of her marriage and Harold’s rigid stance.

I came for my clothes.
13

Break into Three

Scene 17 / Page 13 / 85% target

20%

Harold confronts Penelope and Paul, forcing a final emotional reckoning.

14

Finale

Scene 19 / Page 14 / 95% target

20%

Harold and Woodly’s standoff breaks Harold’s psyche, resolving the central conflict.

You're in one hell of a jam. You realize that?
15

Final Image

Scene 19 / Page 14 / 99% target

20%

Harold’s broken state contrasts the opening image of his confident return.