Save the Cat rankings

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES script analysis

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Orphaned Homer Wells grows up under the care of Dr. Larch at St. Cloud’s, learning medicine and the ethics of abortion. When he leaves with Wally and Candy to work at the cider house, he discovers love and responsibility before returning to assume Larch’s role.

75 Save the Cat fit score 52% analysis confidence / 106 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Establishes orphanage and Dr. Larch’s watchful presence over Homer.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

55%

Debate over abortion ethics foreshadows Homer’s struggle with caring responsibility.

All I said was, I don't want to perform abortions. I have no argument with you performing them.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / 10% target

50%

Introduces Homer, Larch’s lessons, orphanage routines and the stakes of secrecy.

4

Catalyst

Scene 14 / 12% target

50%

Wally invites Homer to leave and see the world beyond the orphanage.

Do you ever think about leaving this place to go find them?
5

Debate

Scene 29 / 20% target

50%

Homer and Larch argue over his decision to leave, revealing Homer’s uncertainty.

I wasn't intending to leave here in order to be entirely useless--I expect I'll find some ways to...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 32-33 / 25% target

55%

Homer departs with Wally and Candy, entering his new world at the cider house.

7

B Story

Scenes 44-45 / 30% target

55%

Homer meets Olive and the migrant workers, setting up his romantic subplot with Candy.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 47-53 / 40% target

60%

Homer settles into cider house life: reading, rules, picking apples and bonding with the crew.

9

Midpoint

Scene 58 / 50% target

55%

A turn when Candy’s emotional breakdown reveals real stakes in their relationship.

I couldn't have a baby with someone who's leaving me--I didn't know what else to do!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 64-65 / 65% target

50%

Complications in apple quality and Rose’s suspicion, leading to conflict in the mill.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 90-91 / 75% target

55%

Rose Rose runs away and Mr. Rose lies dying—Homer faces the worst consequences of the abortion.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 94-95 / 80% target

55%

Homer reads of Larch’s death, confronting loss and his own identity crisis.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 96-100 / 85% target

60%

Homer decides to return to St. Cloud’s, ready to take on Larch’s role.

14

Finale

Scenes 101-105 / 95% target

60%

Homer reunites with orphans, accepts responsibilities, and assumes Larch’s duties.

15

Final Image

Scene 106 / 99% target

60%

Homer reads the blessing, mirroring the opening and showing his transformation.

Thus I began my new life, in a new name, and with everything new about me... I felt......