Save the Cat rankings

THE BIJOU script analysis

THE BIJOU script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Hollywood screenwriter Pete Appleton loses his memory after a car crash, is mistaken for a missing WWII soldier, and helps revive his ‘new’ family’s decaying theater. As he bonds with small‐town townspeople and falls for Adele, Pete uncovers his true identity amidst anti‐communist paranoia. Ultimately he confronts the HUAC, reclaims his integrity, and returns home on his own terms.

75 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 70 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Aerial shot of 1951 Hollywood introduces Pete Appleton’s glamorous life before conflict.

Of course, it's not like the postcards say it is. This is what it's like. I'm Pete Appleton,...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Newsreel about Red Menace foreshadows theme of identity vs. ideology.

Bringing the news of the world to you!
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

20%

Pete’s studio career collapses under McCarthyist suspicion and his girlfriend distances herself.

They're saying I'm a communist, Sandy. But I'm not, you know that. I'm gonna fight 'em, and I'm...
4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

25%

Pete crashes his car into the wash and loses his memory, propelling him into a new life.

5

Debate

Scenes 8-10 / Pages 12-15 / 20% target

20%

Pete struggles with amnesia and hesitates to accept his new identity as Luke Trumbo.

Hello, son. How'd that happen?
6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / Pages 15-16 / 25% target

25%

Sheriff and Harry embrace Pete as their long‐lost son, fully committing him to life in Lawson.

I knew all along. I knew you were alive! Oh, Luke...
7

B Story

Scene 21 / Pages 20-22 / 30% target

20%

Pete meets Adele properly among the Bijou staff, establishing their romantic subplot.

Head cashier and refreshments clerk. So glad to have you back, my boy!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-26 / Pages 16-30 / 40% target

20%

Pete explores the decaying Bijou, bonds with townspeople, and helps plan its revival.

The trick... is to see it.
9

Midpoint

Scene 37 / Pages 30-32 / 50% target

20%

Pete connects with war‐wounded Old Tim, deepening his emotional stake in the community.

I'll do everything I can.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 40 / Pages 32-34 / 65% target

25%

Justice Department orders a federal investigation, threatening Pete’s new life.

You find me this Appleton. I want to see what this one has to say.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 52 / Pages 45-47 / 75% target

25%

Harry suffers a fatal heart attack during the film, leaving Pete bereft and alone.

And I love you... Dad.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 54 / Pages 47-49 / 80% target

20%

Pete admits to Adele that he’s starting to remember his past, questioning his place in Lawson.

Your father said... that I would start to remember things.
13

Break into Three

Scene 59 / Pages 50-52 / 85% target

25%

Pete decides to ‘do the right thing’ despite risking the town’s trust and his own safety.

Delly, I want to do the right thing.
14

Finale

Scenes 63-64 / Pages 52-60 / 95% target

20%

Pete defends himself before the HUAC, reasserts his convictions, and clears his name.

Peter Kenneth Appleton. Hollywood, California.
15

Final Image

Scene 70 / Pages 60-61 / 99% target

15%

Pete returns triumphantly to Lawson, choosing community and love over Hollywood fame.

Dell, I can't write unless I'm happy, and I can't be happy unless I'm here -- and with...