Save the Cat rankings

The Apartment script analysis

The Apartment script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

C.C. Baxter, an insurance clerk, lends his apartment to his superiors for their secret trysts, hoping to climb the corporate ladder. He falls for elevator operator Fran Kubelik, only to discover she’s involved with his boss Sheldrake. A spiral of jealousy and crisis leads to Fran’s suicide attempt in his apartment, forcing Baxter to reevaluate his compromises. In the end, both Baxter and Fran break free of Sheldrake’s control and find each other.

90 Save the Cat fit score 8% analysis confidence / 60 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

5%

Introduces Baxter’s servile role as he waits outside his own apartment for executives to leave.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

7%

Landlady greets Baxter, hinting at his overly accommodating nature and the cost of people-pleasing.

Good evening, Mr. Baxter.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-7 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

6%

We meet Baxter’s routine: shuttling keys, juggling coworkers, and his shy interactions with Fran in the elevator.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 4 / 12% target

6%

Dobisch demands the apartment back at short notice, raising the stakes of Baxter’s obligations.

Make it thirty minutes. What do you say, Bud?
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 5-12 / 20% target

5%

Baxter wonders if his sacrifices (keys, respect) are worth it as he interacts anxiously with Fran and fielding calls.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 12 / 25% target

6%

Sheldrake confronts Baxter and effectively forces Baxter to go deeper into enabling the affair by demanding the key for his own rendezvous.

Tell me, Baxter -- just what is it that makes you so popular?
7

B Story

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 5-14 / 30% target

5%

Baxter’s innocent elevator chats with Fran establish their emotional rapport apart from the boss-driven main plot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-16 / Pages 13-20 / 40% target

6%

Baxter flirts with Fran, executives scheme, and Sheldrake flaunts his power while Fran grows disillusioned.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / Page 22 / 50% target

7%

Fran attempts suicide by pills in Baxter’s apartment—stakes shift from romantic complications to life-and-death.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-33 / Pages 23-26 / 65% target

6%

Mrs. Lieberman and Sheldrake press Baxter for answers while Fran recovers, tightening outside pressures.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / Page 45 / 75% target

7%

Baxter refuses Sheldrake’s last demand for the key and effectively quits—he seems to lose everything he worked for.

Here's the breakdown of figures on personnel turnover. Twenty-two percent quit because --
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 54 / Page 46 / 80% target

6%

Packing in his new office, Baxter reflects on the emptiness of his corporate climb.

That's right, Mr. Sheldrake. I won't be needing it -- because I'm all washed up around here.
13

Break into Three

Scene 59 / Page 57 / 85% target

6%

Fran rushes to Baxter’s door upon hearing a distressing sound, signifying her renewed commitment to him.

Mr. Baxter! Mr. Baxter! Mr. Baxter!
14

Finale

Scene 60 / Pages 58-60 / 95% target

6%

Baxter and Fran reconcile, discard their fears, and play cards together—hearts united and free of Sheldrake.

I love you, Miss Kubelik.
15

Final Image

Scene 60 / Pages 58-60 / 99% target

5%

The final card game mirrors the Opening Image: Baxter in his apartment, but now joyful and in love rather than lonely.