Save the Cat rankings

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN script analysis

THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Tommy Johnson, a small‐time con man, stumbles into Congress by default and quickly learns to play its dirty game. He finds purpose when a community’s health is threatened by power lines, pitting him against the party boss Dodge. After a near‐fatal car crash and personal betrayal, Tommy stages a political con to expose corruption and emerges committed to real public service.

78 Save the Cat fit score 23% analysis confidence / 108 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Tommy’s life as a small‐time con artist hustling arcade claw machines.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 15 / 5% target

15%

Tommy tells his grandmother he’s an “artist,” hinting at the moral line between con and crime.

Grandma -- I told you. I'm not a thief. I'm a con man. An artist.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

12%

We see Tommy’s con routines at the hotel and his life before politics, establishing his skills and world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 16 / 12% target

18%

Tommy impersonates Jeff Johnson, steals campaign materials and inadvertently wins a House seat.

He was a great man, Mrs. Johnson. He did so much for my people.
5

Debate

Scenes 16-23 / 20% target

14%

Tommy debates taking the dishonest shortcut in DC vs. finding real purpose as he settles into Congress after election night.

6

Break into Two

Scene 23 / 25% target

17%

Tommy’s victory speech marks his entry into Act Two and the new world of Washington politics.

We ran a positive campaign. We campaigned on the issues. The issue is leadership.
7

B Story

Scene 61 / 30% target

16%

Tommy and Celia’s intimate walk at the Jefferson Memorial introduces the romantic subplot and personal stakes.

Meaning. I need my life to mean something.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-49 / 40% target

10%

Tommy enjoys the perks of office—networking, committees, speeches, and lobbyist access—showcasing the “fun” of political life.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 67-69 / 50% target

18%

Confrontation with the Jubas over power‐line cancer cluster turns Tommy from opportunist to potential advocate.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 72-74 / 65% target

17%

Dodge pressures Tommy to drop the inquiry, and Tommy’s relationship with Celia strains as he hides meetings.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 81 / 75% target

19%

The car crash with Marshall leaves Tommy shaken and at rock bottom, fearing he’s caused a death.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 87 / 80% target

20%

At the hospital Tommy’s lies are exposed to Celia, leaving him isolated and doubting himself.

You were set up? You were in the car! I didn't hear your name on the news!
13

Break into Three

Scene 89 / 85% target

15%

Tommy rallies his team in his living room to con Dodge and expose the corruption—he commits to action.

14

Finale

Scene 106 / 95% target

18%

Tommy dramatically exposes Dodge’s and Andersen’s payoff scheme in committee, turning tables with a fake tape.

One million dollars, if we would stop the EPA from investigating the connection between power lines and cancer...
15

Final Image

Scene 108 / 99% target

16%

Tommy and Celia walk off the Capitol steps, the blank tape symbolizing his fresh start with integrity.

Why? I bought it this morning. It's blank.