2001
Sam Dawson, a man with a developmental disability, meticulously works at Starbucks before rushing to the hospital for the birth of his daughter, Lucy, whose mother abandons them. Sam struggles to raise Lucy, relying on his agoraphobic neighbor Annie and his friends for support, but as Lucy grows, she begins to surpass Sam's intellectual abilities, leading to embarrassment and frustration. After Sam is arrested for solicitation and Lucy runs away from a surprise party, social services removes Lucy from his care, prompting Sam to seek legal help from high-powered lawyer Rita Harrison, who initially takes the case pro bono to prove she is not a bad person. During the custody battle, Sam and Rita develop a close bond as they navigate court hearings, psychological evaluations, and Lucy's emotional struggles, culminating in Sam's heartfelt testimony about his love for Lucy.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A devoted father with an intellectual disability, Sam Dawson navigates the challenges of single parenthood after his daughter Lucy is born and her mother leaves.
Open full beat sheetSam Dawson is listed as Protagonist. A man with a developmental disability who is a devoted father to his daughter, Lucy. In the parsed data, Sam Dawson is connected to 78 scenes, 94 dialogue lines, 95 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
78 scenes / 94 dialogue linesLucy Diamond Dawson is listed as Sam's daughter. Sam's daughter, named after the Beatles song. In the parsed data, Lucy Diamond Dawson is connected to 35 scenes, 19 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
35 scenes / 19 dialogue linesRita Harrison is listed as Lawyer. A high-powered, workaholic divorce lawyer who takes Sam's case pro-bono. In the parsed data, Rita Harrison is connected to 31 scenes, 53 dialogue lines, 53 text mentions, first appearing around scene 26.
31 scenes / 53 dialogue linesMargaret Brown is listed as Social Worker. A social worker from Children's Social Services. In the parsed data, Margaret Brown is connected to 13 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 64.
13 scenes / 2 dialogue linesIfty is listed as Sam's friend. A Pakistani gentleman and one of Sam's close friends. In the parsed data, Ifty is connected to 9 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 63.
9 scenes / 1 dialogue linesRandy Carpenter is listed as Foster Mother. The woman who fosters Lucy. In the parsed data, Randy Carpenter is connected to 8 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 67.
8 scenes / 10 dialogue linesBrad is listed as Sam's friend. One of Sam's close friends who considers himself a ladies' man. In the parsed data, Brad is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 8.
7 scenes / 0 dialogue linesRobert is listed as Sam's friend. One of Sam's close friends who is highly paranoid. In the parsed data, Robert is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 8.
7 scenes / 0 dialogue linesTurner is listed as Prosecuting Attorney. The lawyer representing the state against Sam. In the parsed data, Turner is connected to 6 scenes, 26 dialogue lines, 31 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.
6 scenes / 26 dialogue linesAnnie Cassell is listed as Neighbor. Sam's agoraphobic neighbor who is a talented pianist. In the parsed data, Annie Cassell is connected to 6 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 52.
6 scenes / 1 dialogue linesGeorge is listed as Sam's Boss. The manager at Starbucks where Sam works. In the parsed data, George is connected to 5 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
5 scenes / 5 dialogue lineschar_14 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_14 is connected to 3 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 16.
3 scenes / 1 dialogue lineschar_12 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_12 is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 14.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesSam Dawson works at Starbucks, meticulously organizing items and interacting with customers before his boss George tells him it is time to go.
Sam Dawson, GeorgeSam walks through the city, oblivious to traffic and pedestrians, repeating that it is time to go.
Sam DawsonSam arrives at the hospital for the birth of his daughter, Lucy.
Sam Dawson, Margaret BrownLucy is born and Sam names her Lucy Diamond Dawson.
Sam Dawson, Margaret BrownSam and Rebecca leave the hospital, but Rebecca abandons Sam and the baby.
Sam DawsonSam struggles to care for the newborn Lucy.
Sam DawsonSam's neighbor Annie helps him with advice on feeding the baby.
Sam Dawson, Annie CassellSam's friends visit for Video Night, causing chaos.
Sam Dawson, Ifty, Brad, RobertAnnie gives Lucy a piano lesson.
Lucy Diamond Dawson, Annie CassellSam and Lucy have a serious conversation about her mother.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam and his friends help Lucy pick out school shoes.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Ifty, Brad, RobertSam watches Lucy play soccer.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam reads to Lucy before bed.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonLucy struggles to read aloud in class and runs out.
Lucy Diamond Dawson, char_12Sam meets a woman at a bus stop and is arrested for solicitation.
Sam Dawson, char_13, char_14Sam is processed at the police station while Margaret Brown observes.
Sam Dawson, Margaret Brown, char_14Sam is told that the school and social services are concerned about his parenting.
Sam Dawson, char_12, char_15Sam encourages Lucy to read, and she succeeds.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam dances at the parade, causing Lucy to feel embarrassed.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam and Lucy have a difficult dinner due to menu issues.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, char_16Sam and Lucy eat at Denny's, where Lucy expresses frustration.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam's surprise party for Lucy goes wrong, leading to her running away.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Ifty, Brad, Robert, Margaret BrownSocial services removes Lucy from Sam's care.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Margaret Brown, char_14A judge grants the petition to remove Lucy from Sam's home.
Sam Dawson, Margaret Brown, char_19Sam's friends help him look for a lawyer.
Sam Dawson, Ifty, Brad, RobertSam meets Rita Harrison and tries to convince her to take his case.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, char_20Sam attempts to convince George to hire him at Starbucks, but George remains non-committal.
Sam Dawson, GeorgeSam visits Rita at her office party to ask if she found a lawyer for him.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, Annie CassellRita is trapped in an elevator with Sam and finally agrees to take his case.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonSam arrives late to a meeting with Lucy and the social workers.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Margaret BrownSam and Lucy interact while being observed by social workers.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam interrupts Rita's meeting with clients to deliver an urgent letter.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonRita drives Sam to his evaluation while exhibiting road rage.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonSam begins his court-ordered evaluation.
Sam DawsonSam and his friends try to set up an answering machine.
Sam Dawson, Ifty, Brad, RobertThe court hearing begins with the therapist's testimony.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, TurnerSam and Rita have lunch in the cafeteria.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonSam and Rita argue over who pays the bill, leading to a deeper discussion about Sam's self-worth and Rita's true feelings regarding his case.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonDr. Donovan testifies about her mother's disability and her own success, while Turner aggressively challenges Sam's fitness as a parent.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, TurnerSam and Lucy have a brief, emotional visit monitored by Margaret Brown.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Margaret BrownLucy escapes from the bathroom to reunite with Sam.
Lucy Diamond Dawson, Margaret BrownLucy returns to Sam, claiming she convinced Margaret to let them go to the park.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonLucy convinces Sam to run away with her to start a new life.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam and Lucy travel through the night.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonA police officer confronts Sam while Lucy sleeps in a plastic tunnel.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonRita arrives at the police station and confronts Sam and Margaret Brown.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Rita Harrison, Margaret BrownLucy is sworn in and cross-examined by Turner.
Lucy Diamond Dawson, Rita Harrison, TurnerSam and Lucy have an emotional exchange after the testimony.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Margaret BrownSam prays for help.
Sam DawsonGeorge testifies about Sam's reliability, and Turner challenges Sam's capabilities.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, George, TurnerRita prepares Ifty for testimony and discovers Annie waiting to help.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, Annie Cassell, IftyAnnie testifies about Sam's parenting abilities.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, Annie Cassell, TurnerRita, Sam, and Annie travel in Rita's car.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, Annie CassellSam and Rita work on his testimony while Danny watches TV.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonSam and Danny watch a movie while Rita watches them from the doorway.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Rita HarrisonSam finds Rita eating marshmallows in the pantry and she gives him a suit.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonRita helps Sam with his tie and they practice legal strategy.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonRita roleplays as the prosecutor to prepare Sam for court.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonRita pushes Sam to defend his parenting abilities.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonSam prepares for his court appearance while working at Starbucks.
Sam Dawson, GeorgeSam becomes frazzled and over-caffeinated while working.
Sam Dawson, GeorgeSam rushes to the courthouse.
Sam DawsonSam arrives at court disheveled and testifies.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, Ifty, TurnerSam and Lucy have a painful goodbye after the court proceedings.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Rita Harrison, Margaret BrownSam grieves in his apartment.
Sam DawsonRita tucks her son into bed.
Rita HarrisonSam watches Lucy from afar.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Randy CarpenterSam has an outburst at work.
Sam DawsonLucy has an outburst.
Lucy Diamond Dawson, Randy CarpenterSam plays the piano.
Sam DawsonLucy and Randy bond over birthday presents.
Lucy Diamond Dawson, Randy CarpenterRita breaks into Sam's apartment.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonRita visits Sam, who has barricaded himself behind a newspaper wall. They argue about his ability to parent and their own personal struggles, leading to an emotional breakthrough and intimacy.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonSam visits Randy's house to see Lucy. They have a tense exchange, and Sam reunites with Lucy.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Randy CarpenterSam works at the salad bar, demonstrating his meticulous nature.
Sam DawsonSam and Rita meet before a court hearing.
Sam Dawson, Rita HarrisonA court hearing where Sam's fitness as a parent is challenged.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, Margaret BrownSam and his friends meet with Rita to discuss the case.
Sam Dawson, Rita Harrison, Ifty, Brad, RobertSam leaves an origami bird for Lucy at school.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond DawsonSam surprises Lucy and Randy by moving into an apartment nearby.
Sam Dawson, Lucy Diamond Dawson, Randy CarpenterYou think you got the market cornered on human suffering? Well let me tell you something about "People like me." People like me feel little and lost and ugly and dispensable. People like me have perfect husbands screwing someone far more perfect than me and my son, my son hates me, I try too hard and I push and he knows it and I talk in that voice, that voice I promised I'd never use, and I've screamed, I've screamed horrible things to him, a five year-old because he doesn't want to get in the car at the end of a day and he stares at me with such anger and I hate him then. I know I'm failing you, I know I'm disappointing you, I know you deserve better but get in the fucking car! It's like every morning I wake up and fail, and I look around and anybody, anybody can pull it off, but somehow I can't. And I know, I know I have everything, and I'm still miserable and it's pathetic. I know it's pathetic. No matter how hard I try, something about me will never be enough.
Paul wrote the first part of the song "Michelle". He said to John, "Where do I go from here?" John had been listening to Nina Simone. There was a line in it that went something like, "I love you, I love you, I love you..." They put that into the song. It wouldn't be the same song without that. It made the song complete. That's why the whole world cried when they broke up on April 10, 1970.
Excuse me, Mr. Dawson, your lawyer just objected; that means you didn't have to answer the question. You can't even follow the simple rules you've watched here day after day. You really think you can raise a seven-year old? A ten year old? A thirteen-year old? That means she'll be six years more advanced than you.
Never. Look at Lucy. She's strong, she's able to display true empathy for people, all kinds of people. I know you all think she's as bright as she is despite him. But it's because of him.
Irreparable. Joanne, don't do that, please. Don't do it twice, not to him. Then Meryl Streep can't even look at Dustin Hoffman after that.
I think in other ways I'm smarter than her. Smarter than you are, Mr. Turner. In fact, in some ways I'm smarter than you, Judge McNeilly.
But don't you ever think it would be better for Lucy if she lived with a permanent foster family and you could visit whenever you wanted?
I will not eat them here or there! I will not eat them anywhere! I will not eat green eggs and ham! I will not eat them, Sam I am!
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