Save the Cat rankings

THE GODFATHER PART III script analysis

THE GODFATHER PART III script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Michael’s nephew Tony Adams graduates from the Naval Academy and is recruited by the CIA for a covert operation in Latin America. Along the way he falls in love with journalist Elizabeth Ann Dunne and navigates family obligations to the Corleone legacy. His mission spirals into betrayal and violence, forcing him back into his family’s orbit for revenge and redemption.

65 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 87 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Introduces the Corleone compound at Tahoe and the world Tony is born into.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

30%

Graduation speech frames freedom and justice, hinting at moral choices to come.

Our Nation is and has been historically the symbol of freedom, of justice and opportunity and its peculiar...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 9-10 / 10% target

35%

Tom Hagen’s failed loan negotiations establish the family’s struggle and Tony’s divergence.

If you've misplaced it, I have a copy of the package plus a summary of Genco International's assets...
4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / 12% target

40%

CIA offers Tony a covert operation, pulling him from his expected path.

What they'd like to find out right now is: Would you be interested?
5

Debate

Scenes 8-9 / 20% target

30%

Tony undergoes testing and Hagen negotiates loans, showing Tony’s uncertainty between family and CIA.

6

Break into Two

Scene 19 / 25% target

35%

Tony begins CIA training at Camp Peary, committing to the new world of espionage.

Do I read disapproval on your face, Mister Adams?
7

B Story

Scenes 12-13 / 30% target

40%

Tony meets Elizabeth Ann Dunne, introducing the personal love story B-plot.

My name's Adams. Tony Adams. I know who you are Miss Dunne.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 23-25 / 40% target

25%

Training sequences show Tony mastering spycraft and enjoying the “fun” of his assignment.

9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / 50% target

30%

Tony delivers money and poison to rebels, the mission goes live, stakes are raised.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / 65% target

35%

Arrigo and Anjelica are arrested, jeopardizing Tony’s operation.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 43 / 75% target

35%

Tony finds Arrigo dead, the mission appears to have failed utterly.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 44 / 80% target

35%

Discovering Anjelica’s body leaves Tony in despair and guilt.

13

Break into Three

Scene 69 / 85% target

40%

Tony returns home; Michael gives him the choice to embrace family vengeance or hide.

I told Tom Hagen -- God rest his soul --- but I warned him. it was a mistake...
14

Finale

Scene 82 / 95% target

30%

Morehouse and Palmateer are killed, cleaning up loose ends and fulfilling Michael’s plan.

15

Final Image

Scene 87 / 99% target

30%

Tony returns to Michael at the compound, completing his journey back into the family fold.