1976
Rupert Pupkin, an aspiring stand-up comedian obsessed with fame and talk show host Jerry Langford, repeatedly tries to meet Langford and get a spot on his show, only to be continually dismissed by Langford's staff. In a desperate attempt to gain recognition, Rupert, with the help of the equally unstable Marsha, kidnaps Jerry Langford and demands a guest spot on his show in exchange for Langford's release. The network executives and FBI reluctantly agree to air Rupert's stand-up performance, hoping to locate Langford and capture Rupert. Rupert performs his monologue on live television, confessing to the kidnapping, before being arrested backstage, while Marsha is apprehended after Langford escapes her apartment. Despite his imprisonment, Rupert's televised performance and subsequent book deal about his life and the kidnapping ultimately grant him the fame he craved, culminating in his release from prison and a triumphant return to the stage as a celebrated comedian.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Rupert Pupkin, an obsessed aspiring comedian, relentlessly pursues late‐night TV star Jerry Langford while juggling a budding romance with Rita.
Open full beat sheetRupert Pupkin is listed as Protagonist. An aspiring stand-up comedian in his early thirties, obsessed with fame and Jerry Langford. In the parsed data, Rupert Pupkin is connected to 83 scenes, 131 dialogue lines, 137 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
83 scenes / 131 dialogue linesJerry Langford is listed as Talk Show Host. A famous, weary television host who becomes the target of Pupkin's obsession. In the parsed data, Jerry Langford is connected to 32 scenes, 18 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
32 scenes / 18 dialogue linesRita Keane is listed as Love Interest. A bartender and former high school classmate of Rupert. In the parsed data, Rita Keane is connected to 26 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
26 scenes / 12 dialogue linesMarsha is listed as Antagonist/Accomplice. A mentally unstable, wealthy woman obsessed with Jerry Langford. In the parsed data, Marsha is connected to 25 scenes, 31 dialogue lines, 35 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
25 scenes / 31 dialogue linesBert Thomas is listed as Executive Producer. The executive producer of the Jerry Langford Show. In the parsed data, Bert Thomas is connected to 12 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 67.
12 scenes / 4 dialogue linesCathy Long is listed as Producer Assistant. An assistant to the executive producer of the Jerry Langford Show. In the parsed data, Cathy Long is connected to 10 scenes, 49 dialogue lines, 50 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
10 scenes / 49 dialogue linesInspector Patten is listed as F.B.I. Inspector. The lead investigator on the Langford kidnapping case. In the parsed data, Inspector Patten is connected to 10 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 75.
10 scenes / 3 dialogue linesMae is listed as Autograph Hunter. An elderly professional autograph hunter. In the parsed data, Mae is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
2 scenes / 2 dialogue linesSidney is listed as Autograph Hunter. A young professional autograph hunter. In the parsed data, Sidney is connected to 2 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 1.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesCeleste is listed as Autograph Hunter. An obese woman who hunts autographs. In the parsed data, Celeste is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesRupert Pupkin makes his rounds as a messenger and arrives at the Jerry Langford Show theater, where he interacts with autograph hunters and witnesses a kidnapping attempt on Jerry Langford.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, Marsha, Mae, Sidney, CelesteRupert pitches his comedy career to Jerry Langford during a ride through New York.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry LangfordJerry exits the limo and Rupert attempts to leave a lasting impression.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry LangfordRupert and Jerry have lunch together.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry LangfordRupert celebrates his interaction with Jerry.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry LangfordJerry returns home and receives a disturbing call from Marsha.
Jerry Langford, MarshaRupert visits Rita at her workplace to ask her out.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRupert Pupkin and Rita Keane have dinner at a Chinese restaurant where Rupert attempts to impress her with his connections and future stardom.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRita receives a mysterious phone call while at the restaurant.
Rita KeaneRita leaves the restaurant, and Rupert follows her.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRupert stalks Rita and a young man to an apartment building.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRupert tries to find which apartment Rita is in using the intercom.
Rupert PupkinRita is trapped in an uncomfortable situation with a young man.
Rita KeaneRupert finally buzzes the correct apartment, causing a distraction.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRupert drops Rita off at her home.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRupert visits a travel office to drop off a package.
Rupert PupkinRupert spends the day making repeated calls to Jerry Langford's office.
Rupert PupkinRupert arrives at the office to meet Jerry Langford.
Rupert PupkinA fantasy sequence where Rupert is a guest on Jerry Langford's show.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry LangfordThe receptionist informs Rupert he has no appointment.
Rupert PupkinPupkin attempts to see Jerry Langford but is told there is no appointment. He speaks with Cathy Long, who dismisses him but asks for a demo tape.
Rupert Pupkin, Cathy LongPupkin is confronted by Marsha, who forces him to take an envelope and money for Jerry.
Rupert Pupkin, MarshaPupkin enters his hotel.
Rupert PupkinPupkin records a mock monologue and introduction for his appearance on the Jerry Langford Show.
Rupert PupkinPupkin imagines his triumphant entrance onto the stage.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin continues his recording session.
Rupert PupkinPupkin delivers his tape to Cathy Long.
Rupert Pupkin, Cathy LongPupkin imagines a conversation with Jerry Langford where Jerry praises his work and invites him to his home.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry LangfordPupkin leaves the building and avoids Marsha.
Rupert Pupkin, MarshaJerry Langford walks through the city, dealing with fans.
Jerry LangfordJerry interacts with a couple who recognize him.
Jerry LangfordJerry walks through the city.
Jerry LangfordMarsha chases Jerry, who runs into his office building.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaPupkin is told he is not ready for the show by Cathy Long.
Rupert Pupkin, Cathy LongPupkin is escorted out by security.
Rupert PupkinPupkin talks to Marsha outside the building.
Rupert Pupkin, MarshaPupkin forces his way into the offices and is dragged out by security.
Rupert PupkinPupkin is thrown out into the street.
Rupert Pupkin, MarshaPupkin convinces Rita to go with him.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin gets fitted for a new suit.
Rupert PupkinPupkin buys a suitcase.
Rupert PupkinPupkin buys a sapphire ring.
Rupert PupkinPupkin and Rita travel to Jerry's house.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin and Rita attend a lavish lunch at Jerry Langford's estate, where Pupkin tells jokes and announces an engagement.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, Rita KeaneA televised wedding ceremony for Pupkin and Rita is interrupted by the official.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, Rita Keane, Bert ThomasPupkin and Rita arrive at Greenwich.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin and Rita arrive at a house in a taxi.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin and Rita enter Langford's house.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin insists to the houseboy that Langford is expecting them.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneThe houseboy attempts to call Langford.
Pupkin and Rita explore the living room and look at photos.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneThe houseboy continues trying to reach Langford.
Rita and Pupkin dance and then explore upstairs.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin searches for Rita.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRita lies on Langford's bed.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneRita and Pupkin have a confrontation in the bathroom.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeaneLangford returns home and confronts Pupkin and Rita.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, Rita KeanePupkin and Rita are kicked out of the house.
Rupert Pupkin, Rita KeanePupkin and Marsha wait in a car.
Rupert Pupkin, MarshaPupkin and Marsha prepare to kidnap Langford.
Rupert Pupkin, MarshaPupkin and Marsha follow Langford.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaLangford realizes he has been kidnapped by Pupkin and Marsha.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaLangford is led into a brownstone.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaPupkin and Marsha hold Langford hostage.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaA secretary receives a call.
Bert ThomasBert Thomas is in a meeting.
Cathy Long, Bert ThomasThomas and his team discuss the urgent call from the impressionist, Martino.
Bert Thomas, Cathy LongPupkin forces Langford to make a phone call.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaThomas speaks to Langford on the phone and realizes something is wrong.
Bert ThomasLangford answers a question from Thomas while under duress.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaThomas instructs Langford to stay calm and calls the FBI.
Bert ThomasMarsha and Pupkin discuss Langford's new suit.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaThomas tries to reach someone urgently.
Bert ThomasPupkin talks to Langford while unpacking his suitcase.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaNetwork executives and the FBI discuss the kidnapping.
Cathy Long, Bert Thomas, Inspector PattenPupkin takes a shower.
Rupert PupkinThe debate continues regarding whether to air the kidnapper.
Cathy Long, Bert Thomas, Inspector PattenPupkin finishes taping Langford and leaves.
Rupert Pupkin, Jerry Langford, MarshaThomas receives a call from Pupkin.
Bert ThomasThomas talks to Pupkin while the FBI monitors.
Cathy Long, Bert Thomas, Inspector PattenNow, Jerry. Before I begin, I just want to thank you for listening to this material and for the opportunity that you've given me. You know, lots of people think that guys like you, you know, people who have made it, lose their feeling for struggling young talent such as myself. But now I know from experience that those people are just cynics, embittered by their own failure. I know, Jerry, that you're as human as the rest of us, if not more so. Oh well, I guess there's no point going on about it. You know how I feel. So let's get on with the show. The best of Rupert Pupkin! I've sketched out this little introduction in order to save you a little time. So close your eyes and imagine it's exactly six o'clock. You're standing in the wings and we hear Rick Ross and the Orchestra strike up your theme song.
Which is interesting to you, I'm sure and to your wife ... and to a few friends. But we feel that you should keep developing your act. Test it in some live situations. There are a number of clubs in the city you can try. And after a reasonable period, get in touch with us again and we'll be glad to send someone down to check out your progress.
Don't do anything, Jerry. Stay right there. Tell him we'll do anything he wants. Tell him to cool it. Are you okay? ... Look, tell him to call us about five, okay. We'll let him know what to do. And don't do anything stupid.
But that's just it, Rube. It doesn't happen for me. Why do you think the show is in so much trouble? By the time I've done my monologue, everyone has switched to Carson. Maybe if you did a little writing ... ?
Here we, are, Pupkin. I don't know what this is all about, but as soon as you've seen yourself, you're going to talk to us or I promise you, you'll never see daylight again.
I'm sorry to have to say this, Miss Long, and I certainly don't want you to take it personally, but I have to tell you that I don't ... I don't have faith in your judgment.
Good evening, ladies and gentleman. Let me introduce myself. My name is Rupert Pupkin. I was born in Clifton, New Jersey, which was not, at that time, a federal offense.
You would? Great. Why don't you come out to my place this weekend and we'll hash it out. I'm having a few of my friends but we should be able to get a little work in.
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