Scripts
MOONRISE KINGDOM poster

2011

MOONRISE KINGDOM script

Orphan Sam Shakusky escapes scout camp on New Penzance to reunite with Suzy Bishop, a troubled girl with whom he has been exchanging letters, and they embark on an island adventure while a search party tracks them. After being discovered and Sam taken into Captain Sharp's care, Suzy and other scouts help him escape again, leading them to Fort Lebanon where Sam and Suzy are symbolically married by Cousin Ben as a hurricane approaches. The search party converges on Fort Lebanon, and Sam is struck by lightning but recovers before Captain Sharp rescues him and Suzy from a collapsing church steeple during the storm. In the aftermath, Captain Sharp becomes Sam's foster father, allowing him to stay on the island and continue his relationship with Suzy, who now visits him regularly under the guise of attending scout meetings.

Writer
Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt1748122
Script date
May 1, 2011
65Scenes
28Characters
77Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

MOONRISE KINGDOM Save the Cat analysis

An adventurous young runaway pair, Sam and Suzy, set off into the New Penzance wilds, sparking a search led by Scout Master Ward and Captain Sharp.

Open full beat sheet
80

Key characters

Sam Shakusky

Sam Shakusky is listed as Scout. Twelve-year-old orphan, Khaki Scout. In the parsed data, Sam Shakusky is connected to 36 scenes, 44 dialogue lines, 48 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.

36 scenes / 44 dialogue lines

Suzy Bishop

Suzy Bishop is listed as Child. Twelve-year-old girl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. In the parsed data, Suzy Bishop is connected to 31 scenes, 42 dialogue lines, 42 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.

31 scenes / 42 dialogue lines

Scout Master Ward

Scout Master Ward is listed as Scout Master. Thirty-five-year-old man, leader of Troop 55. In the parsed data, Scout Master Ward is connected to 20 scenes, 38 dialogue lines, 40 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

20 scenes / 38 dialogue lines

Captain Sharp

Captain Sharp is listed as Police Officer. Forty-five-year-old police captain. In the parsed data, Captain Sharp is connected to 18 scenes, 60 dialogue lines, 70 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.

18 scenes / 60 dialogue lines

Mr. Bishop

Mr. Bishop is listed as Parent. Fifty-year-old man, father of Suzy and the boys. In the parsed data, Mr. Bishop is connected to 17 scenes, 24 dialogue lines, 25 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.

17 scenes / 24 dialogue lines

Mrs. Bishop

Mrs. Bishop is listed as Parent. Forty-five-year-old woman, mother of Suzy and the boys. In the parsed data, Mrs. Bishop is connected to 15 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.

15 scenes / 22 dialogue lines

Skotak

Skotak is listed as Scout. Thick-set scout with black hair and a crooked tooth. In the parsed data, Skotak is connected to 15 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 32.

15 scenes / 10 dialogue lines

Gadge

Gadge is listed as Scout. Thin scout with curly hair and sunglasses. In the parsed data, Gadge is connected to 11 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

11 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Lazy-Eye

Lazy-Eye is listed as Scout. Scout with a gauze patch over one eye. In the parsed data, Lazy-Eye is connected to 8 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.

8 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Deluca

Deluca is listed as Scout. Tall, stooped scout. In the parsed data, Deluca is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.

7 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Lionel

Lionel is listed as Child. Ten-year-old boy, brother of Murray, Rudy, and Suzy. In the parsed data, Lionel is connected to 7 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 32.

7 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Murray

Murray is listed as Child. Eight-year-old boy, brother of Lionel, Rudy, and Suzy. In the parsed data, Murray is connected to 7 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 32.

7 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Nickleby

Nickleby is listed as Scout. Very small scout with tiny eyes. In the parsed data, Nickleby is connected to 7 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.

7 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Becky

Becky is listed as Post Office Operator. Young woman with her hair in a bun. In the parsed data, Becky is connected to 6 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

6 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Rudy

Rudy is listed as Child. Nine-year-old boy, brother of Lionel, Murray, and Suzy. In the parsed data, Rudy is connected to 6 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 1.

6 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Social Services

Social Services is listed as Social Worker. Fifty-year-old woman in a uniform pants-suit. In the parsed data, Social Services is connected to 5 scenes, 34 dialogue lines, 41 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

5 scenes / 34 dialogue lines

Narrator

Narrator is listed as Narrator. Fifty-year-old man, bald on top with long hair on the sides. In the parsed data, Narrator is connected to 5 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

5 scenes / 6 dialogue lines

Redford

Redford is listed as Scout. Bronze, all-American-looking boy with blond hair. In the parsed data, Redford is connected to 5 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 20.

5 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Commander Pierce

Commander Pierce is listed as Scout Leader. Seventy-year-old man, Scout Master-in-Chief. In the parsed data, Commander Pierce is connected to 4 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 56.

4 scenes / 9 dialogue lines

Secretary McIntire

Secretary McIntire is listed as Scout Leader. Forty-five-year-old scout master. In the parsed data, Secretary McIntire is connected to 4 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 59.

4 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Cousin Ben

Cousin Ben is listed as Scout. Twenty-year-old scout, cousin of Skotak. In the parsed data, Cousin Ben is connected to 4 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 50.

4 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Roosevelt

Roosevelt is listed as Scout. Scout with long hair over his eyes. In the parsed data, Roosevelt is connected to 4 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.

4 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Panagle

Panagle is listed as Scout. Scout who makes rockets. In the parsed data, Panagle is connected to 4 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 39.

4 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Izod

Izod is listed as Scout. Scout who makes rockets. In the parsed data, Izod is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 3.

3 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. INT. Bishop's House - DAY

    Lionel, Murray, Rudy, and Suzy are at home during a rainstorm. Suzy reads a book and watches the outdoors with binoculars.

    Lionel, Murray, Rudy, Suzy Bishop

  2. 2. EXT. Cliff above beach - DAY

    The Narrator introduces the island of New Penzance and the upcoming storm.

    Narrator

  3. 3. EXT. Scout Camp - DAY

    Scout Master Ward inspects the troop and discovers Sam Shakusky is missing.

    Lazy-Eye, Scout Master Ward, Gadge, Deluca, Roosevelt, Skotak

  4. 4. INT. Police Station - DAY

    Captain Sharp receives a call from Scout Master Ward about the missing scout.

    Scout Master Ward, Captain Sharp

  5. 5. INT. Post Office - DAY

    Captain Sharp and Scout Master Ward call Sam's foster parents.

    Scout Master Ward, Captain Sharp, Becky, Mr. Billingsley, Mrs. Billingsley

  6. 6. INT. Scout Master's Tent - NIGHT

    Scout Master Ward records a log entry about the search for Sam Shakusky and prays.

    Scout Master Ward

  7. 7. EXT. Scout Camp - NIGHT

    Ward zips up his tent; a terrier digs through trash.

    Scout Master Ward

  8. 8. EXT. Narrow Stream - DAY

    Sam travels down a stream in a mini-canoe.

    Sam Shakusky

  9. 9. EXT. River Bank - DAY

    Sam hides his canoe and cargo.

    Sam Shakusky

  10. 10. EXT. Rocky Gorge - DAY

    Sam hikes through a pass.

    Sam Shakusky

  11. 11. EXT. Wide Meadow - DAY

    Sam and Suzy meet in a meadow.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  12. 12. INT. Episcopal Church - EVENING

    Flashback to a church pageant where Sam and Suzy first meet.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Mrs. Lynn

  13. 13. EXT. Church Yard - EVENING

    Sam receives a note from Suzy.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  14. 14. EXT. Lake Shore - DAY

    Sam and Suzy set up camp and discuss their supplies.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  15. 15. INT. Bishop's House - NIGHT

    Mrs. Bishop discovers Suzy is missing.

    Mrs. Bishop, Lionel, Murray, Rudy, Mr. Bishop, Captain Sharp

  16. 16. EXT. Bishop's House - NIGHT

    Captain Sharp arrives at the Bishop's house to discuss the search for Sam and Suzy.

    Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop, Captain Sharp

  17. 17. INT. Station Wagon - NIGHT

    Captain Sharp and Mr. Bishop drive while discussing Suzy's disappearance and the Bishops' marriage.

    Mr. Bishop, Captain Sharp

  18. 18. EXT. Bishop's House - NIGHT

    Mrs. Bishop reveals Suzy's letters and paintings from Sam.

    Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop, Captain Sharp, Lionel, Murray, Rudy

  19. 19. EXT. Wide Meadow - DAY

    The search party gathers at the meadow where Sam and Suzy met.

    Captain Sharp, Scout Master Ward, Mrs. Bishop, Becky, Gadge, Skotak

  20. 20. EXT. High Ridge - DAY

    Sam and Suzy are confronted by the other scouts.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Deluca, Nickleby, Panagle, Izod

  21. 21. INT. Station Wagon - DAY

    Captain Sharp transports the injured Redford while communicating via radio.

    Captain Sharp, Lazy-Eye, Deluca, Gadge, Scout Master Ward

  22. 22. EXT. Police Station Dock - DAY

    The search party converges at the dock to deal with the injured and plan the next move.

    Captain Sharp, Scout Master Ward, Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop, Skotak, Gadge

  23. 23. EXT. Tidal Lagoon - DAY

    Sam and Suzy arrive at their destination and enjoy the lagoon.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  24. 24. EXT. Lagoon - DAY

    Sam and Suzy prepare to swim in the lagoon.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  25. 25. EXT. Campsite - DAY

    Sam paints Suzy at their campsite.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  26. 26. EXT. Cove - NIGHT

    Sam gives Suzy beetle earrings.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  27. 27. INT. Tent - NIGHT

    Sam pierces Suzy's ears.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  28. 28. EXT. Beach - DAY

    Sam and Suzy dance and share intimate moments.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  29. 29. EXT. Tree branch - DAY

    Sam and Suzy discuss their futures and secrets.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  30. 30. EXT. Campsite - NIGHT

    Suzy reads to Sam.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  31. 31. EXT. Campsite - DAY

    Sam and Suzy are discovered by their families and scouts.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Captain Sharp, Scout Master Ward, Gadge, Skotak

  32. 32. EXT. Police Launch - DAY

    Interrogation on the boat.

    Captain Sharp, Suzy Bishop, Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop, Sam Shakusky, Skotak

  33. 33. INT. Police Launch Cabin - DAY

    Scout Master Ward talks to Sam.

    Sam Shakusky, Scout Master Ward

  34. 34. INT. Post Office - DAY

    Call with Social Services.

    Becky, Captain Sharp, Scout Master Ward, Social Services

  35. 35. INT. Bishop's House - NIGHT

    Mr. Bishop prepares to chop a tree.

    Mr. Bishop, Lionel, Murray, Rudy

  36. 36. INT. Suzy's Bathroom - NIGHT

    Mrs. Bishop bathes Suzy.

    Mrs. Bishop, Suzy Bishop

  37. 37. INT. Airstream Trailer - NIGHT

    Captain Sharp and Sam eat dinner.

    Captain Sharp, Sam Shakusky

  38. 38. INT. Scout Master Ward's Tent - NIGHT

    Ward records his log.

    Scout Master Ward

  39. 39. INT. Tree House - NIGHT

    The scouts meet to discuss Sam.

    Skotak, Gadge, Deluca, Roosevelt, Panagle, Nickleby

  40. 40. EXT. Bishop's House - NIGHT

    Mr. Bishop sits by the tree.

    Mr. Bishop

  41. 41. EXT. BISHOP'S HOUSE - NIGHT

    Mr. Bishop sits by a tree while silhouettes of the children escape.

    Mr. Bishop, Lionel, Murray, Rudy, Suzy Bishop, Sam Shakusky

  42. 42. EXT. DIRT ROAD - NIGHT

    Captain Sharp and Mrs. Bishop discuss their relationship and the children's escape.

    Captain Sharp, Mrs. Bishop

  43. 43. INT. AIRSTREAM TRAILER - NIGHT

    Skotak and Suzy rescue Sam from the trailer.

    Sam Shakusky, Skotak, Suzy Bishop

  44. 44. EXT. ROUGH CHANNEL - NIGHT

    The scouts paddle canoes toward Fort Lebanon.

    Skotak, Deluca, Nickleby, Gadge, Lazy-Eye, Panagle

  45. 45. EXT. PEBBLE BEACH - NIGHT

    The narrator describes the island as the scouts land.

    Narrator, Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Skotak

  46. 46. INT. BISHOP'S HOUSE - NIGHT

    Mr. and Mrs. Bishop discuss their failing marriage.

    Mrs. Bishop, Mr. Bishop

  47. 47. INT. STONE CAVE - NIGHT

    The scouts camp in a cave while Suzy reads.

    Skotak, Gadge, Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  48. 48. EXT. SCOUT CAMP - DAY

    Scout Master Ward discovers his troop is missing.

    Scout Master Ward

  49. 49. INT. COMMAND TENT - DAY

    Commander Pierce and Secretary McIntire learn about the missing troop.

    Secretary McIntire, Commander Pierce

  50. 50. EXT. FORT LEBANON - DAY

    Sam and Suzy arrive at Fort Lebanon and meet Cousin Ben.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Skotak, Cousin Ben, Nickleby

  51. 51. INT. CHAPEL TENT - DAY

    Cousin Ben marries Sam and Suzy.

    Cousin Ben, Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Skotak, Nickleby, Gadge

  52. 52. EXT. CAMP MARINA - DAY

    Sam and Suzy depart, then return for binoculars.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Cousin Ben, Skotak, Nickleby, Gadge

  53. 53. EXT. CHAPEL TENT - DAY

    Sam confronts Redford.

    Sam Shakusky, Redford

  54. 54. EXT. CAMP FIELD - DAY

    Sam is struck by lightning.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop

  55. 55. EXT. Camp - DAY

    Sam is struck by lightning while fleeing the scouts, then escapes with Suzy and the troop.

    Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Skotak

  56. 56. INT. Command Tent - DAY

    Commander Pierce coordinates the search while Captain Sharp re-routes resources.

    Captain Sharp, Scout Master Ward, Becky, Commander Pierce, Secretary McIntire

  57. 57. INT. Bishop House - DAY

    Mr. and Mrs. Bishop receive the news about Suzy.

    Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop

  58. 58. INT. Seaplane - DAY

    Jed and Social Services fly through a storm.

    Social Services

  59. 59. EXT. Scout Festival - DAY

    Commander Pierce strips Scout Master Ward of his command before a flash flood hits.

    Scout Master Ward, Commander Pierce, Secretary McIntire, Cousin Ben

  60. 60. INT. Episcopal Church - DAY

    Refugees gather in the church as the search for Sam and Suzy continues.

    Captain Sharp, Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop, Scout Master Ward, Commander Pierce, Social Services

  61. 61. EXT. Church Roof - NIGHT

    Captain Sharp confronts Sam and Suzy on the steeple during the storm.

    Captain Sharp, Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Social Services, Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop

  62. 62. EXT. CHURCH ROOF - NIGHT

    Captain Sharp, Sam, and Suzy are rescued from the roof as the steeple explodes.

    Captain Sharp, Sam Shakusky, Suzy Bishop, Scout Master Ward, Mr. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop

  63. 63. EXT. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - DAY

    The narrator describes the aftermath of the storm three days later.

    Narrator

  64. 64. INT. SCOUT MASTER WARD'S TENT - DAY

    Scout Master Ward records his log and accepts a new recruit.

    Scout Master Ward, Skotak

  65. 65. INT. BISHOP'S HOUSE - DAY

    The children listen to a record while Sam paints; they are called for dinner.

    Lionel, Murray, Rudy, Suzy Bishop, Sam Shakusky, Mr. Bishop

Dialogue examples

This is the island of New Penzance. Sixteen miles long. Forested with old-growth pine and maple. Criss-crossed by shallow tidal creeks. An important seabird habitat. There are no paved roads but instead many miles of intersecting foot paths and dirt trails and a ferry that runs twice daily from Stone Cove. The year is 1965. We are on the far edge of Black Beacon Sound, famous for the ferocious and well-documented storm which will strike from the east on the fifth of September -- in three day's time.

Narrator / Scene 2

Scout Master's log. September second. First day of search party for Sam Shakusky. Morale is extremely low, in part, I suppose, because Sam is, unfortunately, the least popular scout in the troop, by a significant margin. I'm worried, and I'm confused. Please, let us find him tomorrow. Please, don't let him fall off a cliff or drown in the goddamn lake or something. A terrible day at Camp Ivanhoe. Let's hope tomorrow's better. In fact, I'm going to say a prayer.

Scout Master Ward / Scene 6

The flashlight's beam drew a moon through the black across the attic and settled on a gap in the base-board. A mouse-hole, no bigger than a pocket-watch. Eric crouched on his flat feet and placed his hand in front of the tiny opening. "It's windy," he said. "Like someone in there's blowing on my fingers." Christy rolled her eyes and sighed a sigh. He's right again, she thought. Little brothers drive people crazy.

Suzy Bishop / Scene 30

Look, let's face it, you're probably a much more intelligent person than I am. In fact, I guarantee it -- but even smart kids sometimes stick their fingers in electrical sockets, if you see what I mean. It takes time to figure things out. It's been proven by history: all mankind makes mistakes. It's our job to try to protect you from the dangerous ones. If we can.

Captain Sharp / Scene 37

Hello? ... Yes, sir. I received your message. Thank you very much. In fact, we've come to a decision, as a family, because this is only the most recent incident involving Sam's troubles, and it's just not fair to the others, so, unfortunately -- we can't invite him back, at this time.

Mr. Billingsley / Scene 5

I do know what you're feeling, Suzy-bean. I've had moments myself where I say: what am I doing here? Who made this decision? How could I allow myself to do something so stupid -- -- and why is it still happening? We women are more emotional. You have to REMEMBER --

Mrs. Bishop / Scene 36

Go on adventures, too. Not get stuck, too. I guess that sounds almost like I'm just repeating what you just said, but I couldn't think of anything as good as it. On the other hand, maybe we'll get blown up by an atom bomb. You can't predict the exact future.

Sam Shakusky / Scene 29

I admit we knew we'd get in trouble. That part's true. We knew people would be worried, and we still ran away, anyway -- but something also happened which we didn't do on purpose. When we first met each other. Something happened to us.

Sam Shakusky / Scene 37

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