Save the Cat rankings

ROUGHSHOD script analysis

ROUGHSHOD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Convicts Lednov, Peters, and McCall rampage through the desert, leaving Graham to discover the Forster family massacre. Clay Phillips reluctantly escorts two stranded women, Mary and Helen, into the wilderness, forging bonds and facing romantic upheaval. As they journey toward the Sierras, the convicts hunt them down, leading to a climactic ambush and the near–death of Steve before a final healing moment with Mary.

80 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 76 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces three men trudging through the desert at dawn, establishing the stark, dangerous world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

Graham’s startled question to the women hints at themes of strangers, trust, and unexpected responsibility.

All right -- What are you girls doin' way out here?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 9-10 / Page 2 / 10% target

75%

Graham discovers the burned camp and bodies, setting up the hero’s involvement and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / Page 2 / 12% target

80%

Graham finding the Forster family corpses propels the plot into motion by demanding action.

5

Debate

Scene 11 / Page 2 / 20% target

70%

Graham debates what to do with the stranded women he encounters while retrieving the bodies.

What in thunderation -- Wait a minute -- stop --
6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / Page 3 / 25% target

85%

Clay agrees to fix the broken surrey wheel and escort the women toward the ranch, entering Act Two.

No. We came down the hill a little fast and... the wheel broke. Can you fix it for...
7

B Story

Scenes 21-22 / Page 4 / 30% target

70%

Introduces the budding protector–romance dynamic between Clay and Mary as they camp and talk at night.

Leave that unharnessing for me, Ma'am.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 27-28 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

65%

Scenes of trail travel and ranch intimidation show both camaraderie among the travelers and the menace of Lednov’s gang.

I caught up with Lednov in Nogales. He didn't like the idea of comin' back across the border...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 28-29 / Page 6 / 50% target

80%

Lednov’s arrival at the Wyatt ranch and intimidation of Ed Wyatt raises the stakes and shifts power to the villains.

My name's Wyatt. Certainly glad you boys dropped in.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 59-60 / Page 15 / 65% target

75%

Lednov’s men descend on Fowler’s camp, interrogating and assaulting Fowler, showing the villains tightening the noose.

I saw your fire and dropped by to say hello.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 71 / Page 18 / 75% target

85%

Steve is shot by Lednov, marking the story’s lowest point and seeming defeat.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 72 / Page 18 / 80% target

70%

Clay hunts down Lednov in the forest, driven by desperation and guilt over Steve’s condition.

13

Break into Three

Scene 73 / Page 19 / 85% target

75%

Clay returns to tend Steve’s wound, uniting the brothers and preparing for the final resolution.

Yeah -- but don't make a habit of it.
14

Finale

Scene 75 / Page 20 / 95% target

80%

Steve is treated in the doctor’s office with Mary assisting, resolving the immediate threat and restoring hope.

Hold her steady. I'm not hurting him.
15

Final Image

Scene 76 / Page 20 / 99% target

85%

Clay and Mary share a tender moment on the porch, mirroring the opening image’s composition but with renewed optimism.

That job you were talkin' about, did you get it yet?