2006
Margaret Mills, a high-powered Canadian editor-in-chief in New York City, faces deportation when her visa expires, leading her to coerce her assistant, Richard Paxton, into a fake engagement. Richard agrees to the ruse, but only if Margaret travels with him to his family's home in Sitka, Alaska, for his grandmother's ninetieth birthday, where they must convince his family they are genuinely in love. Upon arriving in Sitka, Margaret struggles to adapt to Richard's eccentric family and small-town life, while Mr. Gilbertson, an Immigration and Naturalization Service agent, begins investigating their relationship. As Margaret and Richard spend more time together, they develop genuine feelings for each other, culminating in a real proposal and wedding ceremony, but Margaret ultimately confesses the truth to the family and leaves.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Margaret, a high-powered book editor, and her assistant Richard fake a romance to appease her Alaskan grandmother.
Open full beat sheetMARGARET MILLS is listed as Editor in Chief. 37, ambitious, professional, Canadian, high-powered executive. In the parsed data, MARGARET MILLS is connected to 68 scenes, 174 dialogue lines, 174 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
68 scenes / 174 dialogue linesRICHARD PAXTON is listed as Assistant. 26, Margaret's assistant, from Sitka, Alaska, comes from a wealthy family. In the parsed data, RICHARD PAXTON is connected to 67 scenes, 172 dialogue lines, 172 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
67 scenes / 172 dialogue linesDEBBIE is listed as Richard's Mother. 60, sweet, loves her son. In the parsed data, DEBBIE is connected to 19 scenes, 17 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 32.
19 scenes / 17 dialogue linesGEOFFREY is listed as Richard's Father. 60, wealthy, runs Paxton Seafoods. In the parsed data, GEOFFREY is connected to 18 scenes, 38 dialogue lines, 42 text mentions, first appearing around scene 46.
18 scenes / 38 dialogue linesGRANDMA ANNIE is listed as Richard's Grandmother. 89, sharp, wants to see Richard married. In the parsed data, GRANDMA ANNIE is connected to 16 scenes, 34 dialogue lines, 34 text mentions, first appearing around scene 33.
16 scenes / 34 dialogue linesMR. GILBERTSON is listed as INS Agent. 48, intense, investigating Margaret's immigration status. In the parsed data, MR. GILBERTSON is connected to 10 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
10 scenes / 20 dialogue linesGERTRUDE THURMAN is listed as Teacher. 26, Richard's high school sweetheart. In the parsed data, GERTRUDE THURMAN is connected to 9 scenes, 35 dialogue lines, 35 text mentions, first appearing around scene 47.
9 scenes / 35 dialogue linesHANDSOME MAN is listed as Passenger / Air Marshall. Travels for work, turns out to be an Air Marshall. In the parsed data, HANDSOME MAN is connected to 8 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 28.
8 scenes / 7 dialogue linesRAMONE is listed as Dancer / Shop Teacher. Middle-aged, male dancer, Richard's former shop teacher. In the parsed data, RAMONE is connected to 6 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 56.
6 scenes / 11 dialogue linesMRS. WHITING is listed as Principal. Principal at Baranoff Elementary. In the parsed data, MRS. WHITING is connected to 2 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 59.
2 scenes / 5 dialogue linesSIMONE is listed as Model. A model Richard was dating. In the parsed data, SIMONE is connected to 2 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
2 scenes / 4 dialogue linesBOB is listed as Editor. 42, wears a bow tie, fired by Margaret. In the parsed data, BOB is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
2 scenes / 2 dialogue linesJILLIAN is listed as Barista. A lovely barista at Starbucks. In the parsed data, JILLIAN is connected to 1 scene, 2 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
1 scenes / 2 dialogue linesCO-WORKER #1 is listed as Co-worker. Frustrated employee at Royce Publishing. In the parsed data, CO-WORKER #1 is connected to 1 scene, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
1 scenes / 2 dialogue linesDOORMAN is listed as Doorman. 60, works at Margaret's apartment building. In the parsed data, DOORMAN is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 7.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesMR. MAGUIRE is listed as Family Friend. 60s, owns an airline. In the parsed data, MR. MAGUIRE is connected to 1 scene, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 45.
1 scenes / 1 dialogue linesRECEPTIONIST is listed as Receptionist. Works at Royce Publishing. In the parsed data, RECEPTIONIST is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 15.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesMargaret exercises on a treadmill while reading a manuscript.
MARGARET MILLSRichard wakes up hungover in Simone's apartment and tries to end their relationship.
RICHARD PAXTON, SIMONEMargaret gets ready for work.
MARGARET MILLSRichard finishes getting dressed and leaves Simone.
RICHARD PAXTON, SIMONEMargaret eats breakfast while reading.
MARGARET MILLSRichard rushes through the street.
RICHARD PAXTONMargaret leaves her apartment building while on a call.
MARGARET MILLS, DOORMANRichard enters the skyscraper.
RICHARD PAXTONRichard gets coffee from Jillian.
RICHARD PAXTON, JILLIANRichard tries to catch an elevator.
RICHARD PAXTON, CO-WORKER #1Margaret walks and talks on the phone.
MARGARET MILLSRichard arrives at work and prepares for Margaret.
RICHARD PAXTONMargaret enters the lobby.
MARGARET MILLSRichard prepares Margaret's office.
RICHARD PAXTONMargaret arrives at the office.
MARGARET MILLS, RECEPTIONISTMargaret walks through the office.
MARGARET MILLSMargaret and Richard discuss the day's schedule.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret confronts Richard about his personal life.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret fires Bob.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, BOBBob reacts to being fired.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, BOBRichard talks to his mother.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret meets with Mr. Gilbertson.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, MR. GILBERTSONRichard quits.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret and Richard negotiate.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONTake off.
Working on the plane.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONChanging planes.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret meets a passenger.
MARGARET MILLS, HANDSOME MANMargaret and Richard sit on a plane; Margaret interacts with a handsome man while Richard tries to maintain their cover.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, HANDSOME MANAerial view of the natural beauty of Sitka, Alaska.
Margaret and the handsome man walk off the plane followed by Richard.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, HANDSOME MANRichard and Margaret are greeted by Richard's family with a wedding banner.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, HANDSOME MAN, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIEThe family reveals plans for a wedding ceremony.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIEThe group travels to the estate.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIEThe group arrives at a dock.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONThe group travels by yacht to the Paxton estate.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONArrival at the Paxton estate and meeting Geoffrey.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, GRANDMA ANNIE, GEOFFREYTouring the estate and meeting the puppy Balzac.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIE, GEOFFREYMargaret and Richard are shown to their room.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIEMargaret and Richard argue about the situation.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONThe engagement party is in full swing.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIE, GEOFFREY, GERTRUDE THURMANMargaret takes a call and deals with an eagle.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONThe group prepares to leave for the bachelorette party.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIEThe bachelorette party at the Pioneer Bar.
MARGARET MILLS, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIE, GERTRUDE THURMAN, RAMONERichard joins his father and Mr. Maguire for golf; they have an awkward conversation about Richard's career.
RICHARD PAXTON, GEOFFREY, MR. MAGUIREGeoffrey confronts Richard about his career and his relationship with Margaret.
RICHARD PAXTON, GEOFFREYMargaret and Gertrude discuss Richard's past and their relationship.
MARGARET MILLS, GERTRUDE THURMANRichard chops wood in a rage while the women return from the yacht.
RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIEThe women confront Geoffrey about Richard's behavior.
MARGARET MILLS, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIE, GEOFFREYMargaret and Richard have a chaotic encounter in the bathroom and bedroom.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONRichard and Margaret prepare to sleep in the same room.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONGeoffrey makes a secret phone call.
GEOFFREYDebbie brings breakfast to Margaret and Richard.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIERichard shows Margaret the family business and they discuss their motivations.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONRichard and Margaret visit the general store.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, RAMONEMargaret and Richard shop for supplies and encounter Ramone.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, RAMONERichard reveals the store is owned by his family.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret tries to get computer access from a pirate-themed clerk.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret uses the school computer while Richard reconnects with his principal.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, MRS. WHITINGRichard sees his former sweetheart, Gertrude.
RICHARD PAXTON, GERTRUDE THURMAN, MRS. WHITINGRichard and Gertrude reminisce and discuss their past.
RICHARD PAXTON, GERTRUDE THURMANMargaret finishes her email and encounters a student.
MARGARET MILLSRichard and Gertrude continue their conversation, interrupted by Margaret.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, GERTRUDE THURMANRichard and Margaret return to the estate.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret encounters Geoffrey performing a shamanic ritual.
MARGARET MILLS, GEOFFREYDebbie and Annie interrupt the ritual.
MARGARET MILLS, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIE, GEOFFREYMargaret tries on the family wedding dress.
MARGARET MILLS, DEBBIE, GRANDMA ANNIEMargaret demands to leave with Richard.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONRichard and Margaret take a boat out to a glacier.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONMargaret falls into an ice crevasse.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONRichard and Margaret discuss their relationship and decide to call off the wedding.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONRichard and Margaret arrive at the estate and are intercepted by Geoffrey.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, GEOFFREYGeoffrey leads Richard and Margaret to the guesthouse where Gilbertson is waiting.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, MR. GILBERTSON, GEOFFREYGilbertson confronts Richard and Margaret in the converted squash court.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, MR. GILBERTSON, GEOFFREYRichard and Margaret walk back to the house; Debbie greets them.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, DEBBIEGrandma Annie visits Margaret as she prepares for the wedding.
MARGARET MILLS, GRANDMA ANNIEThe wedding ceremony takes place.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTON, MR. GILBERTSON, GRANDMA ANNIE, GEOFFREY, GERTRUDE THURMANRichard visits Margaret as she packs to leave.
MARGARET MILLS, RICHARD PAXTONGilbertson takes Margaret to the airport.
MARGARET MILLS, MR. GILBERTSONRichard and Gertrude talk by the shore.
RICHARD PAXTON, GERTRUDE THURMANI'm an early, early riser and go for a run everyday. Well, it was our six month anniversary and I was out for my normal jog in the park, when who do I see in a horse drawn carriage, wearing a tux, and waiting for me halfway through my run? Richard! So I ran up to the carriage and asked him what was going on, and he put his finger to his lips and says, "shhhh." So there I am in my jogging clothes, next to the most handsome mute in the world - have you seen him in a tux? - riding like a sweaty princess and smiling ear to ear. Couple minutes later, we arrive at Tavern on the Green. Best part, we're the only people in the place because Richard got them to open up early. Well, we go to our table, sit down, and just as the sun starts to peek above the trees, this beautiful man gets down on one knee, and says "I didn't want one more sunrise to go by without you knowing that you are the light of my life, and that I would be the luckiest man in the world if you would be my wife. Margaret Mary Mills, will you marry me?"
It's hematite. Alaska diamonds. The blue ones like this are very rare. My great grandfather gave it to my great grandmother when they were married. They were quite a scandal, you know. He was Russian and she was Tlingit. Back then, you had to get approval from every person in the tribe before you got married. It almost broke them up.
You're amazing, Gert. And I've thought about being with you for a long time. A long time. When you said those things at the school? I've dreamed about hearing you say those things. But as crazy as this seems. I know now... that we're just not meant to be.
Sorry everybody, but protocol says we need to get this unruly passenger off the plane ASAP. Sitka's the closest airport, so if it's OK with you, I'm gonna have the captain turn this bird around.
You're so beautiful, and such a great match for my Richard. I know I've just met you, but a mother can tell. When he looks at you, I can tell he's in love. I'm so happy I get to share your day.
I don't want to hear it. It's yours. Grandmothers like to give their stuff away to their grandchildren. Makes us feel like we'll always be a part of your life, even after we're gone. Take it.
We are so lucky to have her. Mr. Megher really left us shorthanded when he ran off in the middle of the school year. He's living out in the forest now with his wolves. Full time.
I'm sorry I lied to you. That was an awful thing to do. But it took this weekend for me to see how funny, and screwed up and perfect Margaret is for me. I think she's... the one.
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