Save the Cat rankings

NATIONAL TREASURE script analysis

NATIONAL TREASURE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Benjamin Gates, a treasure hunter, learns of a centuries-old family secret and races alongside historian Abigail Chase to protect the Declaration of Independence from villainous rivals. Following clues hidden in historical documents, they embark on a globe-spanning adventure that tests their trust and resolve. Betrayal, narrow escapes, and the FBI’s pursuit culminate in a daring discovery beneath Trinity Church. In the end, Gates negotiates peace and secures his legacy.

85 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 40 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

65%

Establishes young Ben’s fascination with the family’s treasure hunt under his grandfather’s guidance.

You're old enough, I suppose. You should know the story.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

60%

Ian’s betrayal and the riddle from the Charlotte hint at how obsession with history can drive alliances or conflicts.

The Declaration of Independence.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 2-4 / 10% target

75%

Ben and Riley’s attempt to warn Abigail at the Archives introduces main characters, their world, and the stakes around the Declaration.

Someone's going to steal the Declaration of Independence.
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Pages 4-5 / 12% target

70%

Security is alerted by Ben’s laser pointer trick, marking the first major obstacle and raising urgency.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 5-8 / 20% target

72%

Ben’s plan to retrieve clues is questioned as Abigail investigates, Riley monitors from the van, and trust wavers.

Our evil plan is working.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 9-10 / Pages 8-10 / 25% target

78%

Ben commits to infiltrating the gala to steal the Declaration, shifting from research to action.

Unfortunately, yeah. We're all set in here.
7

B Story

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 10-12 / 30% target

68%

At the gala, Ben’s rapport with Abigail deepens, setting up their personal arc and mutual respect.

Well. A toast... Yeah? To high treason.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 13-16 / Pages 12-16 / 40% target

74%

Decoding Silence Dogood letters, sneaking to Patrick’s house, and outsmarting the FBI provide adventure and puzzle-solving thrills.

Gentlemen, why is this word capitalized?
9

Midpoint

Scenes 17-20 / Pages 16-20 / 50% target

80%

They locate the letters and head to Philadelphia, marking a false victory as the road map emerges and stakes double.

Dad, I need the Silence Dogood letters.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 21-26 / Pages 20-26 / 65% target

77%

Ian’s team ambushes at Independence Hall and recovers the Declaration after a chase, tightening the noose.

It says 'Heere at the wall.' Spelled with two 'e's. Take a look.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 27-30 / Pages 26-30 / 75% target

79%

Ben is captured by the FBI and separated from his friends, and the Declaration is lost to Ian, representing ultimate setback.

Let them go. We got it.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 31-32 / Pages 30-32 / 80% target

73%

Interrogated by Sadusky and summoned by Ian aboard the Intrepid, Ben faces despair and moral choices.

Someone's got to go to prison, Ben.
13

Break into Three

Scenes 33-34 / Pages 32-34 / 85% target

75%

Ben escapes custody and reunites with Abigail and Riley, ready to pursue the treasure in Trinity Church with renewed resolve.

14

Finale

Scenes 35-38 / Pages 34-38 / 95% target

81%

Navigating underground chambers, finding the treasure, and negotiating immunity with Sadusky culminate in triumph and clever resolution.

Scrolls from the Library at Alexandria! Could this be possible?
15

Final Image

Scenes 39-40 / Pages 38-40 / 99% target

70%

In the aftermath, Ben, Abigail, and Riley look forward to future adventures, mirroring the optimistic promise of the opening.

They want us in Cairo next week for the opening of the exhibit. They're sending a private jet.