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TARZAN script analysis

TARZAN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Tarzan must protect Helena and stop the villainous El Kal from using an ancient device. After initial intrigue in colonial society, Tarzan leads a dangerous jungle expedition, faces capture and torture, then escapes to rescue Helena in the lost city of Opar. The film concludes with Tarzan’s triumph and a new understanding between civilization and the jungle.

65 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 51 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces the African river valley’s harsh beauty and El Kal’s expedition under vulture watch, setting tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

11%

Selah warns El Kal about the White Ape’s domain, hinting at respect for nature vs. exploitation.

Thee will not die this day, Selah.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

13%

We meet El Kal’s witch doctor clash, Helena’s arrival at the governor’s ball, and El Kal’s failed device in the mansion yard.

Une soiree splendide, Monsieur le Gouverneur, excede seulement par la peaute de dotre femme charmante.
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 12% target

12%

The mysterious device fails to destroy the coach, revealing El Kal’s vulnerability.

Its power is gone, master!
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 3-5 / 20% target

13%

Guests question Tarzan’s existence while El Kal conspires with Selah and Flemming on the diamond map.

But I am disappointed. If he's your Commissioner of the Interior, he must know the jungle quite well.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 5 / 25% target

12%

Tarzan departs the governor’s grounds to infiltrate Kirobi quarters, officially entering the jungle world.

Tarzan seeks two in Arab robes. Trail lost where they entered Kirobi. Ask all who are friends of...
7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 9 / 30% target

12%

Tarzan and Helena discuss her medallion and journey, establishing their emotional connection.

My wife Jane loved the jungle as much as I... but she was enough a woman to enjoy...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-24 / Pages 9-14 / 40% target

11%

Tarzan demonstrates jungle life, ambushes El Kal’s men, crosses plains, and shares insights with Helena.

Only when female says she is ready. One way... female begins chatter, chatter, chatter, moves closer and closer,...
9

Midpoint

Scene 27 / Page 15 / 50% target

12%

Tarzan finds Tu’in’s body and realizes Helena has been captured—a point of no return.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 28-29 / Pages 15-16 / 65% target

13%

Tarzan is ambushed and then tortured by El Kal to force Helena’s location.

He could be saved.... with thy help. The word of El Kal! He will live if I am...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 29 / Page 16 / 75% target

12%

Tarzan endures torture, seeming defeated with no clear path to Helena.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 30 / Page 16 / 80% target

11%

Escaping captivity, Tarzan and Helena face a sinking horse and a leopard—hopeless and isolated.

13

Break into Three

Scene 41 / Page 22 / 85% target

12%

Tarzan and Helena trigger the mechanism in the silver room, opening the way to Opar and their final plan.

I assumed the cavern would lead to the top of the plateau somehow. Why would it end in...
14

Finale

Scenes 42-48 / Pages 22-25 / 95% target

12%

They reach the temple, face Egyptians and Templeton, then Tarzan frees Helena and confronts the Hall of Women to rescue her.

I am La. Favored of the Hall of Women.
15

Final Image

Scene 51 / Page 27 / 99% target

11%

Tarzan integrates the women of Opar with colonial society under his guidance, showing unity of worlds.

It's all right to bring them out, La.