2008
Steven Russell, a married police officer, comes out as gay after an accident and funds a lavish Miami lifestyle through fraud, leading to his imprisonment. While incarcerated, Steven falls in love with Phillip Morris and repeatedly escapes prison, impersonating lawyers and committing further fraud to secure Phillip's release and be with him. Their happiness is brief as Steven's embezzlement leads to his re-arrest and Phillip's re-imprisonment. Steven fakes his death to escape a life sentence and reunite with Phillip, but his deception is exposed, resulting in his final capture and a 144-year sentence, though Phillip ultimately forgives him and maintains contact.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A charming con‐man Steven Russell narrates his journey from closeted small‐town cop to master criminal, all driven by his quest for love—first with Phillip Morris and later with Jimmy.
Open full beat sheetSteven Russell is listed as Protagonist. A charismatic, intelligent, and persistent con man who is gay and deeply in love with Phillip Morris. In the parsed data, Steven Russell is connected to 157 scenes, 176 dialogue lines, 182 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
157 scenes / 176 dialogue linesPhillip Morris is listed as Love Interest. A gentle, slightly built, handsome blonde man who meets Steven in prison. In the parsed data, Phillip Morris is connected to 33 scenes, 47 dialogue lines, 51 text mentions, first appearing around scene 46.
33 scenes / 47 dialogue linesDan Lindholm is listed as Employer. Former astronaut and CFO of USAMM who hires Steven. In the parsed data, Dan Lindholm is connected to 14 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 83.
14 scenes / 13 dialogue linesDebbie Russell is listed as Steven's Wife. Steven's wife who remains friends with him after he comes out as gay. In the parsed data, Debbie Russell is connected to 13 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
13 scenes / 8 dialogue linesJimmy Kemple is listed as Former Boyfriend. Steven's boyfriend who dies of AIDS. In the parsed data, Jimmy Kemple is connected to 10 scenes, 19 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 112.
10 scenes / 19 dialogue linesLarry Birkheim is listed as CEO of USAMM. The CEO of USAMM who eventually discovers Steven's fraud. In the parsed data, Larry Birkheim is connected to 8 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 96.
8 scenes / 5 dialogue linesStephanie Russell is listed as Steven's Daughter. Steven and Debbie's daughter. In the parsed data, Stephanie Russell is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 5.
4 scenes / 0 dialogue linesCleavon is listed as Prisoner. A large inmate who becomes an ally to Steven and Phillip. In the parsed data, Cleavon is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 56.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesTitle cards appear against a clear sky.
Steven Russell is in the hospital ward while a patient in the next bed receives CPR.
Steven RussellYoung Steven and friends look at clouds.
Steven RussellSteven's parents tell him he is adopted.
Steven RussellSteven plays the organ at church.
Steven Russell, Debbie Russell, Stephanie RussellSteven arrives at work and finds a file box.
Steven RussellEstablishing shot of the house.
Steven puts his daughter to bed.
Steven Russell, Stephanie RussellSteven and Debbie pray.
Steven Russell, Debbie RussellSteven and Debbie have sex and discuss his mother.
Steven Russell, Debbie RussellSteven finds his mother's information.
Steven Russell, Debbie RussellSteven confronts his biological mother.
Steven RussellA barbecue at the new house.
Steven Russell, Debbie Russell, Stephanie RussellSteven has sex with a man.
Steven RussellSteven reflects on his sexuality.
Steven RussellYoung Steven and friends look at clouds.
Steven RussellSteven continues his intimate encounter.
Steven RussellSteven says goodbye to his partner.
Steven RussellSteven drives his Corvette and gets into an accident.
Steven RussellSteven is rescued from the crash.
Steven RussellDebbie talks to a doctor.
Debbie RussellSteven comes out to Debbie.
Steven Russell, Debbie RussellSteven lives a new life in Florida.
Steven Russell, Jimmy KempleSteven parties with friends.
Steven Russell, Jimmy KempleSteven enjoys his lifestyle.
Steven Russell, Jimmy KempleSteven fakes an injury.
Steven RussellSteven receives a settlement check.
Steven RussellSteven sells produce.
Steven RussellSteven uses multiple credit cards.
Steven RussellSteven fakes another injury.
Steven RussellSteven and Jimmy exchange gifts.
Steven Russell, Jimmy KempleSteven talks to Debbie on the phone.
Steven Russell, Debbie Russell, Stephanie RussellSteven discovers federal marshals are looking for him.
Steven RussellSteven waits anxiously.
Steven RussellSteven sees police at his apartment.
Steven RussellSteven attempts suicide.
Steven RussellSteven's car drifts off the road.
Steven RussellJimmy, Debbie, and a Cop discuss Steven's situation while Steven escapes his hospital bed.
Steven Russell, Phillip Morris, Debbie RussellSteven is cornered by Debbie, Jimmy, and the Cop, and jumps from the parking structure.
Steven Russell, Phillip Morris, Debbie RussellA new inmate, presumably Steven, arrives at the prison.
Steven RussellSteven greets his new cellmate, Arnie.
Steven RussellPhillip attempts to follow Steven after he is escorted away by guards.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisPhillip moves through the common area.
Phillip MorrisPhillip tries to get Steven's attention from a window.
Phillip MorrisSteven waits to board a bus while Phillip watches from a window.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven meets Phillip Morris for the first time.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisPhillip continues trying to get Steven's attention.
Phillip MorrisPhillip demands access to the yard.
Phillip MorrisPhillip and Steven share a final goodbye as Steven is bused away.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven reflects on his time apart from Phillip.
Steven RussellSteven is released from prison.
Steven RussellSteven rides in a taxi.
Steven RussellSteven returns to the prison disguised as an attorney.
Steven RussellSteven attempts to gain access to Phillip.
Steven RussellPhillip is depressed waiting for a note from Steven, then Steven arrives as his new cellmate.
Steven Russell, Phillip Morris, CleavonSteven and Phillip meet in the visiting area.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven works at a deli while pretending to be a lawyer.
Steven RussellSteven secures Phillip's release.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisA party celebrating Phillip's release.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven meets Eudora Mixon.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven prepares to represent Eudora.
Steven RussellSteven argues Eudora's case.
Steven RussellSteven continues his legal bluff in chambers.
Steven RussellSteven celebrates his legal victory.
Steven RussellSteven and Phillip move into a new apartment.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven and Phillip enjoy a romantic getaway.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven explains his methods to Phillip.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven and Phillip go boating.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven interviews for a job with Dan Lindholm.
Steven Russell, Dan LindholmSteven fakes a reference call.
Steven RussellLindholm confirms Steven's hiring.
Steven Russell, Dan LindholmSteven starts his new job.
Steven RussellSteven presents to the board.
Steven Russell, Dan Lindholm, Larry BirkheimSteven leaves for a gala.
Steven Russell, Phillip MorrisSteven attends a gala.
Steven RussellSteven talks with Lindholm.
Steven Russell, Dan LindholmSteven meets the wives.
Steven RussellSteven tells a joke to a coworker.
Steven RussellSteven has lunch with Lindholm and Birkheim.
Steven Russell, Dan Lindholm, Larry BirkheimSteven hears his joke being retold.
Steven RussellI know you thought we were nothing but a lie- but underneath all those lies there was always something that was real. I thought about what you said to me. You said you don't know who I am. But I have to tell you- I know now. I know who I am. I mean- I'm not a lawyer, I'm not a CFO, I'm not a cop. Hell I'm not even an escape artist. Those Steven Russells are dead. And now, all that's left is the man that loves you. That's all. Nothing else. I'm just the man that loves you. And if you can see that... believe it... then I promise I'll never be anything else ever again.
I am still angry with you, but I need you to know something. Even if sometimes I don't know who you are, I love you. I never stopped loving you. You and me are just fools for love I guess- written in the stars or some crap like that. But it was never better, never more real than with you Steven. I realize now that all that crazy shit you did- in your fucked up way- it was always for me. Always for us. You are the most amazing man Steven. It takes my breath away. And even though I can't be with you now, I will always be yours... Forever.
Anyway like I was saying the Northrup guy says to the NASA "well that question's gonna cost fifty million to answer" so NASA says, "Don't you think that's a lot of money?" and Northrup says "Yep, now you owe us another fifty million. Next question please!"
Yeah... I was wondering if we could compare some numbers. I know you usually talk to our CFO but this is a delicate matter and I'd like keep it secret for now.
...and if it wasn't for you Jesus, I would have never found that last coffee filter and Prayer-Girls would have been ruined. So thank you for that.
So the black fella says to the jew lawyer- "50 bucks a question? Ain't that expensive?" "Yeah it's expensive," he says, "I'm a Jew, you nigger!"
And for all that time- all those doctors, all those nurses and all those facilities... not one of them ever thought to give me an AIDS test...
I got work to do honey, I'm getting you out of here early. I got a hearing tomorrow morning, I got motions to file. The law don't sleep baby.
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