Save the Cat rankings

PUBLIC ENEMIES script analysis

PUBLIC ENEMIES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Public Enemies opens with John Dillinger poised for escape, setting the tone for a high–stakes crime saga. As the plot unfolds, Dillinger’s bank robberies and his romance with Billie Frechette punctuate the thrills (“Fun and Games”) while the FBI’s pursuit intensifies. After a daring jail break (“Midpoint”) and a deadly shootout (“Bad Guys Close In”), Dillinger faces loss and betrayal. The film culminates in the Biograph ambush (“Finale”) and closes on Billie receiving his final message (“Final Image”).

85 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 69 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

The film opens with Dillinger and Hamilton waiting in a Pontiac outside the prison, establishing mood and main characters.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Hamilton’s line about addressing Dillinger as “Mister” hints at identity and notoriety as central themes.

That's right. But my friends call me "Johnnie". You gotta address me as "Mister" Dillinger.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-6 / Page 1 / 10% target

80%

Introduces Dillinger’s world: prison break planning in the car, infiltration of the prison, and the violent escape.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

70%

The convicts retrieving hidden weapons in the shirt factory triggers the escape plot.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / 20% target

70%

Dillinger confronts Shouse over a botched escape, questioning their competence and next steps.

Walter's dead 'cause you screwed it up, you son of a bitch!
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

80%

Dillinger’s first major bank robbery signifies the move into Act Two’s world of crime.

Let's play a game, Mr. President. Its called spin the dial.
7

B Story

Scenes 12-13 / 30% target

70%

Dillinger meets Billie Frechette, introducing the romantic subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 19 / 40% target

60%

Another bank robbery in Greencastle shows the thrill of the outlaw lifestyle.

9

Midpoint

Scene 28 / 50% target

80%

Dillinger’s jailbreak using a fake gun marks a high point of invincibility.

Dear Henry Ford, Your 1934 Ford is the best damned getaway car in America. Yours truly, John Dillinger.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / 65% target

70%

The FBI raids Little Bohemia Lodge, closing in on Dillinger and his gang.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 38 / 75% target

70%

Dillinger buries Hamilton, signaling a personal and emotional defeat.

I'm sorry to do this to you, Red.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 49 / 80% target

70%

Dillinger and Billie discuss fleeing to South America, revealing their fear and uncertainty.

So whattya say we lit out of here? Lit out of here, altogether.
13

Break into Three

Scene 55 / 85% target

60%

Anna Sage is recruited to betray Dillinger, providing the plan for the final act.

14

Finale

Scene 66 / 95% target

80%

Dillinger exits the Biograph and is gunned down in the ambush, delivering the story’s climax.

15

Final Image

Scene 69 / 99% target

80%

Winstead delivers Dillinger’s last message to Billie, closing on a poignant, reflective note.

.tell Billie for me...Bye Bye Blackbird...