Save the Cat rankings

THE BIJOU (The Majestic) script analysis

THE BIJOU (The Majestic) script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter, Pete Appleton, flees Los Angeles and stumbles into the small town of Lawson, California, suffering from amnesia. Mistaken for the town’s long–lost movie theater owner Luke, he gradually rebuilds the rundown Bijou cinema and reconnects with the community and a local lawyer, Adele. When his true identity resurfaces, he faces a choice between clearing his name or embracing the life he’s rediscovered.

65 Save the Cat fit score 32% analysis confidence / 107 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

The film opens with a sweeping aerial of 1951 Hollywood and Pete's life of glamour before the Red Scare.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

30%

At the studio gate, the guard’s cold reception hints at the costs of fame and integrity.

Born and raised here, thank you very much. Sometimes, it seems like everyone here is from somewhere else....
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 3-4 / 10% target

28%

We see Pete’s blacklist, his panic, and decision to head north as his career collapses.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

30%

Pete crashes his car and is knocked unconscious, propelling him off his known path.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 20% target

27%

In the dive bar, Pete wrestles with his situation and uncertain identity.

Come on, we'll have the Doc look you over.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 25% target

30%

Rescued by Stanton Lawson, Pete enters Act Two as he arrives in Lawson and is mistaken for Luke.

7

B Story

Scenes 46-47 / Pages 46-47 / 30% target

35%

Pete/Luke’s growing relationship with Adele provides the emotional heart of the story.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 58-64 / Pages 58-64 / 40% target

33%

Montage of Pete restoring the Bijou, integrating into town life, dances, sign repairs, and community events.

9

Midpoint

Scene 76 / Page 76 / 50% target

29%

A newspaper article reveals Pete Appleton’s blacklisted identity, raising the stakes and jeopardizing his new life.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 95 / Page 95 / 65% target

31%

FBI agents confront the sheriff, closing in on Pete’s double life and threatening the Bijou.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 98 / Page 98 / 75% target

30%

Pete shuts the empty Bijou for the last time, feeling he’s lost both identities.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 93 / Page 93 / 80% target

28%

At Harry’s funeral, Pete mourns his friend and contemplates abandoning Lawson forever.

13

Break into Three

Scene 94 / Page 94 / 85% target

30%

Pete confesses to Adele and resolves to clear his name and save the Bijou.

14

Finale

Scene 99 / Page 99 / 95% target

32%

On the theater roof, Pete and Adele plan his exoneration and the Bijou’s revival, uniting both worlds.

15

Final Image

Scene 99 / Page 99 / 99% target

30%

A reconciled Pete gazes at the reopened Bijou sign with Adele, mirroring the hopeful opening aerial but on a human scale.