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THE DAMNED UNITED script analysis

THE DAMNED UNITED script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Brian Clough arrives at Leeds United full of confidence and immediately clashes with the established culture of the club. As he pushes his new methods and signings, resistance mounts, leading to public humiliation and eventual dismissal. In the aftermath, Clough must confront his failures and seek reconciliation with his longtime partner Peter Taylor.

40 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Establishes the bleak, rain-soaked Elland Road, reflecting the daunting challenge awaiting Clough.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

25%

Clough claims he’s “not daunted at all,” hinting at confidence versus hubris.

Daunted? Not at all, Austin. Looking forward to it.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / 10% target

20%

We see Don Revie depart, Clough’s drive toward Elland Road, and his first televised statements.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / 12% target

20%

Clough arrives at Elland Road and meets Jimmy Gordon, officially taking charge.

5

Debate

Scenes 8-10 / 20% target

20%

Clough fires staff, faces board scrutiny, and flashes back to his Derby rivalry, questioning his approach.

I won't sleep and won't eat until I take whatever that man's achieved and beaten it.
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / 25% target

15%

He steps onto the training pitch to assert his new regime in act two.

7

B Story

Scene 12 / 30% target

15%

The conversation with Bremner about leadership introduces personal trust and loyalty.

Obviously all eyes will be on us to see how things have changed. Without Don. What might be...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 16-19 / 40% target

25%

Clough’s unorthodox discipline (card insults, brandy half-time) yields comic yet tense victories.

Because losing wasn't enough, was it? You only had to be the first Englishman to be sent off...
9

Midpoint

Scene 21 / 50% target

20%

His celebratory brandy speech marks a false high: “perfect…terrible football,” showing success at a price.

Congratulations, lads! Beautiful! That was as perfect a half of terrible football as I've ever seen.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 27-28 / 65% target

20%

Senior players openly challenge Clough’s signings and methods, eroding his authority.

What the hell did you buy them for? Waste of bloody money.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 30 / 75% target

25%

Drunk and defeated, Clough bitterly calls Revie: “They won’t play for me…And never will.”

They won't play for me. Your boys. Your bastard sons. And never will.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 31 / 80% target

20%

He admits he “can’t do it” with his hands tied, facing the collapse of his career at Derby and Leeds.

I can't do it, Pete. I can't work with my hands tied.
13

Break into Three

Scene 34 / 85% target

20%

Clough is forced into a live TV showdown with Revie, galvanizing his resolve to fight back.

14

Finale

Scene 35 / 95% target

20%

A heated televised debate with Revie serves as Clough’s desperate public defense.

How did I do that, Don?
15

Final Image

Scene 38 / 99% target

15%

Clough arrives at Taylor’s house, seeking redemption and the restoration of his partnership.