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NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD script analysis

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Barbara and Johnny visit their father’s grave and are attacked by a ghoul, setting off a night of survival. Barbara finds refuge in an old house where Ben and others barricade against the undead. Tensions rise within the group as they plan escape attempts that fail disastrously. Ultimately, only Barbara and Ben survive the siege, only for Ben to be killed in the dawn’s mistaken bloodshed.

55 Save the Cat fit score 46% analysis confidence / 17 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Barbara and Johnny’s quiet arrival at the cemetery establishes a peaceful contrast to the horror to come.

THEY OUGHT TO MAKE THE DAY THE TIME CHANGES THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER. THEN TWO GOOD THINGS...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

65%

Johnny’s warning “They’re coming for you” foreshadows the threat and mortality theme.

THEY'RE COMING FOR YOU, BARBARA...THEY'RE GONNA GET YOU...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

68%

We meet Barbara, Johnny, and the rural setting before the ghoul attack, establishing normal life and characters.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 3 / 12% target

72%

The stranger’s attack on Barbara and Johnny abruptly introduces the supernatural threat.

5

Debate

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 20% target

60%

Barbara hesitates and panics alone in the old house, questioning her ability to survive.

6

Break into Two

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 25% target

75%

Ben arrives and actively rescues Barbara, moving the story into the main survival battleground.

AAW RIGHT...'TS AWRIGHT NOW...
7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 30% target

58%

Harry and Helen’s family drama in the cellar offers an emotional counterpoint to Ben and Barbara’s struggle.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 6-9 / Pages 6-9 / 40% target

70%

The group fortifies the house and shares stories about the ghouls, showing their tactics and building suspense.

THEY'RE SCAIRT OF FIRE TOO, I FOUND THAT OUT...
9

Midpoint

Scene 9 / Page 9 / 50% target

65%

They feel temporarily safe with fire and a radio, marking a false victory before the stakes rise.

"SO, WE GOT US A RADIO...AND SOONER OR LATER SOMEBODY'LL COME AND GET US OUTA HERE...WE GOT FOOD...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 11-13 / Pages 11-13 / 65% target

68%

Attempts to coordinate with Harry’s group and move resources heighten internal conflicts and external pressure.

"HARRY...WE GOT FOOD, AND SOME MEDICINE AND THINGS FROM UP HERE..."
11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / Page 15 / 75% target

75%

The failed escape results in Tom and Judy’s deaths and the collapse of hope for rescue.

YOU... ROTTEN... NEXT... TIME... YOU TRY SOMETHING... LIKE THAT... I'LL KILL YOU...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 80% target

70%

Amid the final siege, characters despair as Helen and Harry are slain, and survival seems impossible.

13

Break into Three

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 85% target

60%

Ben finds renewed purpose to fight back after the group’s collapse.

14

Finale

Scene 16 / Page 16 / 95% target

72%

Ben and Barbara mount a last defense, killing the remaining ghouls and escaping to the house’s entrance.

15

Final Image

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 99% target

80%

The posse’s arrival and Ben’s mistaken shooting underscore the tragic cycle of fear and violence.

DAMN IT, WHAT'D YOU SHOOT FOR? I TOLD YOU TO BE CAREFUL... THERE MIGHT BE PEOPLE IN THERE...