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MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DREAM HOUSE script analysis

MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DREAM HOUSE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Jim Blandings, frustrated with cramped city life, discovers a dream farmhouse and impulsively buys it. He and Muriel face escalating construction nightmares and budget crises. After hitting rock bottom personally and financially, Jim has a breakthrough that reignites hope. In the end, they reconcile, solve their problems, and Jim finds peace in his new home.

65 Save the Cat fit score 14% analysis confidence / 45 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

12%

Introduces Jim Blandings’s dream house story against the excavation site.

I suppose you're wondering what all this has to do with Mr. Blandings and his Dream House? Well,...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 5% target

13%

Jim voices a desire for a peaceful morning, foreshadowing the need for a real home.

Forced to sell. Farm dwelling, oak grove, apple orchard, trout stream, hay fields, four barns, seclusion, superb view,...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

15%

Establishes the Blandings’ cramped apartment life and discontent with their routine.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 2 / 12% target

14%

Jim finds the farmhouse ad that sparks the entire house‐buying adventure.

5

Debate

Scene 11 / Page 3 / 20% target

15%

Jim and Muriel weigh the offer price and question the wisdom of the purchase.

I was just wondering, dear. Ten thousand dollars is such an awful lot to offer --
6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 3 / 25% target

14%

Bill Cole urges them to follow their hearts, cementing their commitment to the project.

You buy it with your heart, not your head. You don't ask, how much was the canvas, how...
7

B Story

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 30% target

13%

Introduction of Bunny Funkhauser’s extravagant ideas represents the personal stakes in their home life.

Funkhauser? Oh, Mr. Funkhauser!
8

Fun and Games

Scene 18 / Page 5 / 40% target

14%

The collapse of the old house and debate over costs deliver the comedic and dramatic highs and lows.

But we've got the nicest vacant lot in the state of Connecticut.
9

Midpoint

Scene 19 / Page 6 / 50% target

15%

A mortgage crisis and budget blowout raise the stakes to a dramatic low point.

Honey, you heard Simms. As the house stands now it's over fifteen thousand dollars!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 23 / Page 7 / 65% target

14%

News of further construction setbacks and work performance warnings tighten the pressure.

You see, Mary, the average fellow who builds a house doesn't know where he stands from day to...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 27 / Page 8 / 75% target

15%

They receive notice to move in before the house is finished, seeming doomed.

We're moving in thirty days.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 36 / Page 10 / 80% target

14%

Jim’s jealousy over Muriel's past shakes their relationship and his confidence.

You! You're jealous! You're standing there with your face full of soap and you're jealous.
13

Break into Three

Scene 40 / Page 11 / 85% target

14%

Jim cracks the slogan problem, renewing his spirit and directing him back home.

14

Finale

Scene 44 / Page 12 / 95% target

14%

Mr. Tesander returns money and new equilibrium is reached as Bill departs.

Every word of it! Anybody who builds a house today is crazy! The minute you start, they put...
15

Final Image

Scene 45 / Page 13 / 99% target

13%

Jim relaxed on the patio directly addresses the audience, closing the story loop.

Drop in and see us sometime.