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The Longest Yard script analysis

The Longest Yard script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Former pro quarterback Paul Crewe’s glory days are upended when a night of drinking and a brawl land him in prison. Coerced by a sadistic warden to assemble an inmate football team against the guards, Paul must navigate distrustful convicts and corrupt authority. As he builds camaraderie with his teammates, he ultimately risks everything to play fair and win for real.

85 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 35 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

A televised pro football game establishes Paul Crewe’s former glory and sets up his identity as an athlete.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 16 / 5% target

68%

Ms. Tucker warns Paul that he must choose wisely whom to trust and work with, hinting at themes of loyalty and teamwork.

I know all the other gangs are gonna be recruiting you and shit, but ya' gotta think about...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / 10% target

75%

We meet Paul at a lavish party, see his strained relationship with Nikki, and witness his downward spiral through poker loss and bar fight.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

85%

Paul’s car is stopped and he’s arrested for disorderly conduct, abruptly transitioning him from the outside world to prison.

5

Debate

Scenes 10-11 / 20% target

70%

Paul meets Captain Knauer and Warden Hazen, and he hesitates when offered the chance to lead a prison football team.

We'd like your help.
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / 25% target

80%

Faced with solitary confinement or coaching the inmates, Paul accepts his role as team quarterback.

And you, Mr. Crewe, are gonna be the quarterback.
7

B Story

Scene 12 / 30% target

65%

Paul’s friendship with Caretaker begins in the cafeteria, laying the emotional groundwork for trust and loyalty.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-24 / 40% target

78%

Paul assembles and trains a ragtag team, holding try-outs, recruiting through sports challenges, and bonding with inmates.

9

Midpoint

Scene 27 / 50% target

82%

Deacon Moss and his crew join the team, significantly boosting their talent and morale—this is a false victory.

We got a week 'til the game and we can't run a simple pass play? Megget can't carry...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 30 / 65% target

75%

Warden Hazen confronts Paul in the showers, ordering him to throw the game and intensifying external pressure.

I never said anything about winning.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 32 / 75% target

77%

In the second half, Paul deliberately sabotages plays, crushing team morale—this represents the apparent defeat.

I believed in your bullshit.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / 80% target

79%

Paul reflects on the abuse his teammates endure and wrestles with guilt over betraying them.

I threw that game. I did it. And not a day goes by that it doesn't eat at...
13

Break into Three

Scene 33 / 85% target

76%

After his moment of self-reproach, Paul decides to play honestly and rally the team for a real comeback.

14

Finale

Scenes 34-35 / 95% target

81%

Paul leads the inmates to score a touchdown and execute a successful two-point conversion, overcoming the guards and the warden’s scheme.

15

Final Image

Scene 35 / 99% target

74%

The victorious inmates celebrate on the field as Paul and the guards acknowledge mutual respect, mirroring the opening’s athletic triumph.

Good game, Crewe. You kicked our ass.