Scripts
Star Trek: The Motion Picture poster

1978

Star Trek: The Motion Picture script

Admiral Kirk is recalled to command the USS Enterprise to intercept a powerful, mysterious luminescent cloud that has destroyed several vessels and is on a collision course with Earth. The Enterprise is drawn into the entity, revealed to be an ancient Earth probe named V'ger, which has achieved sentience and been enhanced by an alien machine race, now seeking its Creator. V'ger, unable to comprehend organic life, demands to merge with its Creator, threatening Earth's destruction if its demand is not met. Commander Decker merges with V'ger and its Ilia-probe emissary, transforming into a new life form that transcends into another dimension, thereby saving Earth.

Writer
Gene Roddenberry & Harold Livingstone
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0079945
Script date
July 19, 1978
87Scenes
12Characters
101Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

Star Trek: The Motion Picture Save the Cat analysis

Starfleet detects an immense, unknown cloud headed toward Earth, prompting Kirk’s hurried reassignment to the Enterprise.

Open full beat sheet
75

Key characters

James T. Kirk

James T. Kirk is listed as Starfleet Admiral / Captain of the Enterprise. Determined, experienced, obsessed with the Enterprise. In the parsed data, James T. Kirk is connected to 59 scenes, 77 dialogue lines, 77 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

59 scenes / 77 dialogue lines

Willard Decker

Willard Decker is listed as Executive Officer / Former Captain. Handsome, competent, initially resentful of being replaced. In the parsed data, Willard Decker is connected to 40 scenes, 33 dialogue lines, 33 text mentions, first appearing around scene 20.

40 scenes / 33 dialogue lines

Spock

Spock is listed as Science Officer. Vulcan, lean, stoic, struggling with his human half. In the parsed data, Spock is connected to 33 scenes, 33 dialogue lines, 45 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.

33 scenes / 33 dialogue lines

Ilia

Ilia is listed as Navigator / Alien Probe. Deltan, bald, sensual, later replaced by a machine probe. In the parsed data, Ilia is connected to 26 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 25 text mentions, first appearing around scene 24.

26 scenes / 22 dialogue lines

Leonard McCoy

Leonard McCoy is listed as Chief Medical Officer. Dour, cynical, old friend of Kirk. In the parsed data, Leonard McCoy is connected to 26 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 25.

26 scenes / 10 dialogue lines

Hikaru Sulu

Hikaru Sulu is listed as Helmsman. Skilled pilot, nervous around Ilia. In the parsed data, Hikaru Sulu is connected to 25 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 27.

25 scenes / 12 dialogue lines

Pavel Chekov

Pavel Chekov is listed as Weapons Officer. Alert, professional. In the parsed data, Pavel Chekov is connected to 22 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

22 scenes / 7 dialogue lines

Montgomery Scott

Montgomery Scott is listed as Chief Engineer. Grizzled, dedicated to the Enterprise engines. In the parsed data, Montgomery Scott is connected to 18 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.

18 scenes / 9 dialogue lines

Nyota Uhura

Nyota Uhura is listed as Communications Officer. Efficient, alert. In the parsed data, Nyota Uhura is connected to 18 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 29.

18 scenes / 8 dialogue lines

Christine Chapel

Christine Chapel is listed as Medical Doctor. Professional, former nurse. In the parsed data, Christine Chapel is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 27.

9 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Branch

Branch is listed as Epsilon 9 Commander. Young, alert. In the parsed data, Branch is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 11.

2 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Sonak

Sonak is listed as Science Officer. Vulcan, killed in transporter accident. In the parsed data, Sonak is connected to 2 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 14.

2 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. SPACE - N/A

    A supernova occurs in deep space, followed by the discovery of a mysterious, ominous luminescent cloud.

  2. 2. EXT. AREA OF LUMINESCENCE - N/A

    Two Klingon cruisers approach the mysterious luminescent cloud.

  3. 3. INT. KLINGON CRUISER BRIDGE - N/A

    The Klingon Captain and Exec prepare for battle against the cloud.

  4. 4. EXT. SPACE - KLINGON PATROL AND HAZE - N/A

    Three Klingon ships close in on the cloud.

  5. 5. INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - N/A

    The Klingon Captain orders an attack on the cloud.

  6. 6. EXT. SPACE - KLINGON VESSEL - N/A

    Klingon ships fire torpedoes at the cloud, but they have no effect.

  7. 7. INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - N/A

    The Klingon Captain orders evasive maneuvers as the cloud retaliates.

  8. 8. EXT. SPACE - THE CLOUD - N/A

    The cloud destroys the Klingon ships with energy bolts.

  9. 9. INT. KLINGON BRIDGE - N/A

    The mortally wounded Klingon Captain transmits a final message.

  10. 10. EXT. STARFLEET MONITOR STATION EPSILON 9 - N/A

    Epsilon 9 monitors the destruction of the Klingon ships.

    Branch

  11. 11. INT. EPSILON 9 - MONITOR ROOM - N/A

    Branch and his crew observe the destruction of the Klingon cruiser.

    Branch

  12. 12. EXT. SURFACE OF PLANET VULCAN - DAY

    Spock undergoes the Kolinahr ritual on Vulcan.

    Spock

  13. 13. EXT. EARTH - AIR TRAM - DAY

    Kirk travels by air tram in San Francisco.

    James T. Kirk

  14. 14. INT. AIR TRAM STATION - DAY

    Kirk encounters Sonak and orders him to report to the Enterprise.

    James T. Kirk, Sonak

  15. 15. INT. INNER OFFICE - N/A

    Kirk meets Scott and demands the Enterprise be ready for launch.

    James T. Kirk, Montgomery Scott

  16. 16. INT. TRAVEL POD - N/A

    Kirk and Scott travel to the Enterprise.

    James T. Kirk, Montgomery Scott

  17. 17. INT. ENTERPRISE CARGO DECK - N/A

    Kirk and Scott board the Enterprise.

    James T. Kirk, Montgomery Scott

  18. 18. INT. BRIDGE - N/A

    Kirk arrives on the bridge and takes command.

    James T. Kirk, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  19. 19. INT. ENGINEERING SECTION - N/A

    Kirk informs Decker that he is taking command of the Enterprise.

    James T. Kirk, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker

  20. 20. INT. Enterprise Bridge - DAY

    Kirk informs Decker he is taking command of the Enterprise, demoting Decker to Commander.

    James T. Kirk, Willard Decker, Montgomery Scott

  21. 21. INT. Transporter Room - DAY

    A transporter malfunction results in the death of Sonak and a woman.

    James T. Kirk, Montgomery Scott, Sonak

  22. 22. INT. Corridor - DAY

    Kirk encounters Decker and informs him he must double as Science Officer.

    James T. Kirk, Willard Decker

  23. 23. INT. Recreation Deck - DAY

    Kirk briefs the crew on the threat and the destruction of Epsilon 9.

    James T. Kirk, Nyota Uhura

  24. 24. INT. Enterprise Bridge - DAY

    Ilia reports for duty and encounters Decker.

    James T. Kirk, Willard Decker, Ilia, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu

  25. 25. INT. Transporter Room - DAY

    McCoy is beamed aboard.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy

  26. 26. INT. Enterprise Bridge - DAY

    The Enterprise departs drydock.

    James T. Kirk, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker, Ilia, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu

  27. 27. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise enters warp drive, then is suddenly caught in a wormhole distortion.

    James T. Kirk, Willard Decker, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov, Christine Chapel

  28. 28. EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise is drawn deeper into the wormhole vortex.

  29. 29. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The crew struggles to maintain control as the ship is trapped.

    James T. Kirk, Willard Decker, Ilia, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  30. 30. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The crew attempts to deflect the incoming asteroid.

    James T. Kirk, Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu, Leonard McCoy

  31. 31. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk and Decker coordinate the destruction of the asteroid.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Willard Decker, Ilia, Pavel Chekov

  32. 33. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    McCoy observes Kirk's confusion regarding Decker.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Willard Decker

  33. 34. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The torpedoes are fired at the asteroid.

    Willard Decker, Ilia, Pavel Chekov

  34. 35. EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

    The asteroid is destroyed by the torpedoes.

  35. 36. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The ship exits the wormhole and reports are taken.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker, Ilia, Nyota Uhura

  36. 37. INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS

    Scotty reports on the engine status.

    Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker

  37. 38. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk orders repairs and invites Decker to his quarters.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker, Hikaru Sulu

  38. 39. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    Ilia watches Decker leave.

    Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu

  39. 40. INT. KIRK'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk confronts Decker about the phaser order.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Willard Decker

  40. 43. INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

    Decker and Ilia have a brief, tense encounter.

    Willard Decker, Ilia

  41. 44. INT. KIRK'S CABIN - CONTINUOUS

    McCoy challenges Kirk on his command fitness.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy

  42. 45. INT. KIRK'S CABIN - CONTINUOUS

    Uhura contacts Kirk about a shuttle.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Nyota Uhura, Pavel Chekov

  43. 46. EXT. SPACE - CONTINUOUS

    A shuttle approaches the Enterprise.

  44. 47. EXT. OFFICERS' LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS

    The shuttle docks with the Enterprise.

  45. 48. INT. POD HATCH ENTRY AREA - CONTINUOUS

    Spock arrives on the Enterprise.

    Spock, Pavel Chekov

  46. 49. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    Spock arrives on the bridge and takes his station.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker

  47. 50. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The crew reacts to Spock's cold demeanor.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy, Nyota Uhura, Christine Chapel

  48. 51. INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS

    Spock and Scotty work on the engines.

    Spock, Montgomery Scott

  49. 52. INT. OFFICER'S LOUNGE - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk and McCoy interview Spock.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy

  50. 52. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise is struck by a whiplash energy bolt, causing damage and injuring Chekov.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  51. 53. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise encounters a mysterious cloud.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  52. 53. EXT. Space - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise is enveloped by a sheet of writhing-green energy.

  53. 54. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise is struck by an energy bolt.

    Ilia, Pavel Chekov

  54. 54. INT. Engineering - CONTINUOUS

    Scott attempts to stabilize the ship's systems under attack.

    Montgomery Scott

  55. 55. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    The energy bolt fades, medical staff arrives, and the crew assesses the situation.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu

  56. 56. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    Spock identifies the intruder's communication attempt.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  57. 57. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    A second energy bolt approaches; the crew transmits a response.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu

  58. 58. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    The crew discusses the intruder's nature and the decision to enter the cloud.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker, Ilia, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu

  59. 59. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise enters the cloud and discovers the massive alien vessel.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy, Willard Decker, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  60. 60. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    A plasma energy probe enters the bridge and abducts Ilia.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  61. 61. INT. Bridge - CONTINUOUS

    The Enterprise is seized by a tractor beam and pulled into the alien vessel.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu

  62. 62. INT. BRIDGE - UNKNOWN

    Kirk, Spock, and Decker observe the V'ger chamber on the viewer; Uhura reports the aperture is closing.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker, Nyota Uhura

  63. 63. INT. BRIDGE - UNKNOWN

    The Enterprise is trapped inside V'ger; Kirk orders maneuvering thrusters.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  64. 64. INT. BRIDGE - UNKNOWN

    Sensors fail to penetrate V'ger; an intruder alert sounds.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov

  65. 65. INT. ILIA'S CABIN - UNKNOWN

    Kirk and Spock confront the Ilia-probe.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy, Ilia

  66. 66. INT. EXAMINING ROOM - UNKNOWN

    The crew examines the Ilia-probe.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy, Willard Decker, Pavel Chekov, Christine Chapel

  67. 67. INT. MCCOY'S OFFICE - UNKNOWN

    Kirk, Spock, and Decker discuss using the probe to contact V'ger.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Willard Decker

  68. 68. INT. ENTERPRISE AIRLOCK - UNKNOWN

    Spock attempts to contact the aliens via a thruster suit.

    Spock

  69. 69. INT. RECREATION DECK - UNKNOWN

    Decker attempts to stimulate the probe's memory.

    Willard Decker, Ilia, Christine Chapel

  70. 70. INT. V'GER - INTERIOR - CONTINUOUS

    Decker and McCoy question the Ilia-probe about V'ger's purpose and its relationship with the Creator.

    Willard Decker, Leonard McCoy, Ilia

  71. 71. INT. V'GER - TRENCH - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk maneuvers through the V'ger trench and is attacked by a swarm of crystal forms.

    James T. Kirk, Spock

  72. 72. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The bridge crew observes Kirk's distress and alerts Spock.

    Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov, James T. Kirk

  73. 73. INT. V'GER - TRENCH - CONTINUOUS

    Spock hears Kirk's distress call and returns to rescue him.

    Spock, James T. Kirk

  74. 74. INT. V'GER - MEMORY CAVE - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk and Spock enter the memory cave and discover V'ger's nature.

    James T. Kirk, Spock

  75. 75. INT. DISPENSARY - LATER

    Spock recovers from the mind-meld and shares his findings.

    Spock, James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Christine Chapel

  76. 76. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The crew prepares for V'ger's arrival at Earth.

    James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Spock, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Willard Decker

  77. 77. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk and the crew discuss V'ger's needs and the threat to Earth while the ship is rocked by power surges.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy, Montgomery Scott, Willard Decker, Ilia

  78. 78. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    Kirk orders the bridge cleared while the ship is under stress.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy, Willard Decker, Ilia, Hikaru Sulu

  79. 79. INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

    The crew discusses the central brain complex of V'ger.

    James T. Kirk, Spock, Leonard McCoy, Willard Decker, Ilia

  80. 80. INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS

    Scotty prepares for the self-destruct sequence.

    Montgomery Scott, Christine Chapel

Dialogue examples

No, Admiral. I don't think you are; not one damned bit. I remember when you recommended me for this command. You told me how envious you were, and if only you could find a way to get a starship command again. Well, sir, it looks like you found a way.

Willard Decker / Scene 20

We assume there is a vessel of some type at the heart of the cloud. Our orders are to intercept, investigate; and take whatever action is necessary... and possible. We can only hope that the life form aboard that vessel reasons as we do.

James T. Kirk / Scene 23

What happened, Captain, sir, was that your revered Admiral Nogura invoked a little known -- and seldom used -- reserve activation clause... in simpler language, Captain, sir, they drafted me!

Leonard McCoy / Scene 25

This consciousness which calls -- it stirs your human half, Spock? You have not achieved Kolinahr -- Your human emotions are not fully extinguished.

Spock / Scene 12

I have been programmed by V'ger to observe and record normal functioning of the carbon-based units infesting USS ENTERPRISE.

Ilia / Scene 65

My experience -- five years out there dealing with unknowns like this -- my familiarity with the Enterprise, this crew...

James T. Kirk / Scene 20

Spock, this 'child' is about to eliminate all life on Earth; how do we teach it that that's 'wrong'? With a spanking...!?

Leonard McCoy / Scene 77

Negative control from inertial lag will continue 22 point five seconds before forward velocity slows to sub-light speed.

Willard Decker / Scene 29

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