Save the Cat rankings

The Rescuers Down Under script analysis

The Rescuers Down Under script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Young Cody awakens and sneaks out to set free a majestic golden eagle, Marahute, only to be captured by poacher McLeach. Meanwhile, at RAS headquarters, Bernard and Bianca accept a mission to rescue Cody and the eagle, recruiting pilot Wilbur. The adventure leads to escapes, infiltrations, and a daring final showdown at Crocodile Falls. Ultimately, teamwork and bravery restore freedom to both Cody and Marahute.

70 Save the Cat fit score 23% analysis confidence / 26 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

21%

Cody wakes up in his ordinary world and prepares to leave, establishing the story’s peaceful start.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

18%

Faloo’s question to Cody (“Who's caught this time?”) hints at the theme of freedom versus captivity.

Who's caught this time?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

22%

We see Cody’s home life—sneaking past his mother and heading to the forest—establishing characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

19%

Cody encounters Marahute, the golden eagle, marking the inciting incident that propels him into conflict.

You don't know her, Cody, her name is Marahute, the great golden eagle.
5

Debate

Scenes 6-8 / 20% target

20%

Cody’s attempt to help a trapped mouse leads to his own capture by McLeach, raising doubts about his ability to succeed.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

25%

The RAS receives the distress call and the rescue mission officially begins, transitioning into Act II.

7

B Story

Scene 10 / 30% target

24%

Bernard and Bianca are contacted about the mission, introducing their personal subplot and emotional stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-15 / 40% target

22%

Recruiting Wilbur, escape antics in the animal prison, and riding lightning bugs provide the story’s promise of the premise.

Kidnapped? Aw... that... that's awful. Lockin' up a little kid. A kid should be free.
9

Midpoint

Scene 15 / 50% target

20%

The triumphant ride on lightning bugs marks a high point before the stakes deepen—this victory is false and temporary.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 18 / 65% target

23%

McLeach realizes Cody’s bond to Marahute and plans to exploit the eagle’s eggs, tightening his grip.

Everyone's got his price... all I gotta do is offer him whatever he wants... and then not give...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 23 / 75% target

21%

McLeach captures Marahute at the nest, representing the lowest point of apparent defeat.

Marahute?! It can't be!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 24 / 80% target

22%

As captives are transported away, the heroes question their chances and face emotional despair.

You can't do this!! You're gonna get in big trouble!! I'll tell the rangers where you are!!
13

Break into Three

Scene 25 / 85% target

24%

The final confrontation at Crocodile Falls reunites all characters for a climactic rescue plan.

Are ya ready boy? It's time you learned how to fish for crocs! They like it when you...
14

Finale

Scenes 25-26 / 95% target

23%

Cody and the rescuers outsmart McLeach and free Marahute; Wilbur’s own escape underpins the collective victory.

15

Final Image

Scene 26 / 99% target

20%

Wilbur is left alone at the nest, echoing the opening image’s solitude but with newfound freedom and friendship.

Help!!! Anybody!! Bernard!! Bianca!! Where are you?!? O.k., that's it, I'm outta here, this is ridiculous. You can't...