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RKO 281 script analysis

RKO 281 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

RKO 281 follows Orson Welles’s journey from an inspired young dreamer through the turbulent making and release of Citizen Kane, highlighting his creative battles and the powerful forces arrayed against him. Alongside, the personal B-story with Marion Davies and the fallout of William Randolph Hearst’s rage deepen the stakes. Ultimately, Welles fights to preserve his work and emerges triumphant at the premiere, closing with a reflective moment between him and his mentor, Mank.

85 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 65 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Young Orson’s dying mother urges him to “come into the light,” establishing his visionary drive.

Come into the light.. Come into the light
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / 5% target

68%

Louis B. Mayer’s disdainful remark underscores the film’s exploration of power, reputation and artistic audacity.

Who does that cocksucker think he is?
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / 10% target

75%

Welles and Mank struggle to choose a subject, laying out their creative partnership and Hollywood obstacles.

I don't know what you expected with Joseph-fucking-Conrad for Chrissake. I mean this is Hollywood, pal.
4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / 12% target

78%

At the pool, Welles first proposes to base their film on Hearst, triggering the story’s central conflict.

Orson, please ... it's too bright
5

Debate

Scene 11 / 20% target

74%

Mank and Welles argue about naming Hearst as their subject, debating the danger of challenging a powerful tycoon.

Don't whisper it. Don't even think it
6

Break into Two

Scene 21 / 25% target

70%

Welles persuades Schaefer to greenlight Citizen Kane, committing fully to Act Two’s challenge.

7

B Story

Scene 7 / 30% target

65%

Welles’s interaction with Carole Lombard introduces the personal thread that humanizes him amid professional turmoil.

"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decree. . . "How big is it, all told?...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 22 / 40% target

72%

Welles begins filming Citizen Kane, showcasing his inventive style and on-set clashes.

9

Midpoint

Scene 32 / 50% target

77%

Hearst watches the rough cut and goes into a rage, raising the stakes with a public enemy now made.

Switch it off SWITCH IT OFF
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 34 / 65% target

75%

Mayer and Parsons conspire in Mayer’s office to destroy the film, tightening the external threats.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / 75% target

80%

Mayer actually buys the negative, signaling the production’s apparent defeat.

Where did this money come from?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 55 / 80% target

76%

Schaefer grimly tells Welles the studios will destroy his film, plunging him into despair.

The bosses -- the other studios -- they want to buy the film and destroy it.
13

Break into Three

Scene 59 / 85% target

74%

Welles passionately pleads before the RKO board to save Citizen Kane, finding renewed purpose.

Today a man from Germany invaded Greece. He has already swallowed Poland and Denmark and Norway and Belgium....
14

Finale

Scene 62 / 95% target

71%

The premiere of Citizen Kane represents Welles’s triumph and the culmination of his fight.

15

Final Image

Scene 65 / 99% target

70%

Welles and Mank drink reflectively after the premiere, echoing the opening’s mentorship bond.

Will burn. Burn up. Burn out. But oh, what a flame