Scripts
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS poster

1991

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS script

FBI trainee Clarice Starling is tasked with interviewing the incarcerated cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter to gain insight into catching another serial killer, Buffalo Bill, who skins his female victims. Lecter provides cryptic clues in exchange for details about Clarice's traumatic past, while Buffalo Bill kidnaps a senator's daughter, escalating the hunt. After Lecter violently escapes during a transfer, Clarice uses his final clues to trace Buffalo Bill to his lair, where she confronts and kills him, rescuing his latest victim. Clarice graduates from the FBI Academy and receives a call from the now-free Lecter, who is preparing to pursue his former captor, Dr. Chilton.

Writer
Ted Tally
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0102926
Script date
1991
90Scenes
10Characters
98Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Save the Cat analysis

FBI trainee Clarice Starling is recruited to consult with incarcerated cannibal Dr.

Open full beat sheet
62

Key characters

Clarice Starling

Clarice Starling is listed as Protagonist. FBI trainee, mid-20's, trim, intelligent, determined. In the parsed data, Clarice Starling is connected to 68 scenes, 168 dialogue lines, 172 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

68 scenes / 168 dialogue lines

Jack Crawford

Jack Crawford is listed as Mentor. Special Agent, Behavioral Science Unit, 53, strongly built. In the parsed data, Jack Crawford is connected to 24 scenes, 51 dialogue lines, 59 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.

24 scenes / 51 dialogue lines

Hannibal Lecter

Hannibal Lecter is listed as Antagonist. Brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. In the parsed data, Hannibal Lecter is connected to 20 scenes, 93 dialogue lines, 97 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.

20 scenes / 93 dialogue lines

Ardelia Mapp

Ardelia Mapp is listed as Supporting. Clarice's roommate at the FBI Academy. In the parsed data, Ardelia Mapp is connected to 12 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

12 scenes / 22 dialogue lines

Jame Gumb

Jame Gumb is listed as Antagonist. Serial killer who skins his victims. In the parsed data, Jame Gumb is connected to 8 scenes, 15 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.

8 scenes / 15 dialogue lines

Frederick Chilton

Frederick Chilton is listed as Antagonist. Administrator of the Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. In the parsed data, Frederick Chilton is connected to 7 scenes, 19 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.

7 scenes / 19 dialogue lines

Catherine Martin

Catherine Martin is listed as Supporting. Senator Ruth Martin's daughter, kidnapped by Buffalo Bill. In the parsed data, Catherine Martin is connected to 7 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.

7 scenes / 10 dialogue lines

John Brigham

John Brigham is listed as Supporting. FBI Firearms Instructor, ex-Marine. In the parsed data, John Brigham is connected to 5 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

5 scenes / 13 dialogue lines

Paul Krendler

Paul Krendler is listed as Supporting. Deputy Attorney General. In the parsed data, Paul Krendler is connected to 4 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 39.

4 scenes / 6 dialogue lines

Ruth Martin

Ruth Martin is listed as Supporting. U.S. Senator from Tennessee. In the parsed data, Ruth Martin is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 45.

2 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. INT. Grubby Hotel Corridor - DAY

    Clarice Starling performs a tactical training exercise in a mock hotel corridor.

    Clarice Starling
  2. 2. INT. Hotel Room - DAY

    Clarice engages in a simulated shootout with a hostage and a suspect.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp, John Brigham
  3. 3. EXT. FBI Academy Grounds - DAY

    Crawford recruits Clarice for an interview with Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  4. 4. INT. Chilton's Office - DAY

    Clarice meets Dr. Chilton at the asylum.

    Clarice Starling, Frederick Chilton
  5. 5. INT. Asylum Corridor - DAY

    Chilton briefs Clarice on the dangers of Lecter.

    Clarice Starling, Frederick Chilton
  6. 6. INT. Dr. Lecter's Corridor - DAY

    Clarice interviews Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

    Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter
  7. 7. EXT. Asylum Parking Lot - DAY

    Clarice experiences a traumatic flashback after leaving the asylum.

    Clarice Starling
  8. 8. INT. FBI Academy Firing Range - DAY

    Clarice practices shooting.

    Clarice Starling
  9. 9. INT. FBI Academy Library - NIGHT

    Clarice researches Lecter and receives a call from Crawford.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp
  10. 10. INT. FBI Academy Library - DAY

    Ardelia informs Clarice that Jack Crawford is calling her. Clarice takes the call.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp
  11. 11. INT. Crawford's House - Study - NIGHT

    Crawford questions Clarice about her meeting with Lecter and informs her of Miggs' death.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  12. 12. INT. Crawford's Bedroom - NIGHT

    Crawford visits his comatose wife, Bella.

    Jack Crawford
  13. 13. EXT. Split City Mini-Storage - DUSK

    Clarice investigates the storage unit and discovers a severed head.

    Clarice Starling
  14. 14. INT. Dr. Lecter's Cell - NIGHT

    Clarice confronts Lecter about the head and the identity of Buffalo Bill.

    Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter
  15. 15. INT. Catherine Martin's Apartment - NIGHT

    Catherine Martin is kidnapped by Buffalo Bill.

    Jame Gumb, Catherine Martin
  16. 16. INT. FBI Academy Classroom - DAY

    Clarice learns about fiber analysis and is summoned for a field assignment.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp, John Brigham
  17. 17. INT. Hallway / Jeep - DAY

    Brigham prepares Clarice for her first field assignment and gives her his gun.

    Clarice Starling, John Brigham
  18. 18. INT. BEECHCRAFT PLANE - DAY

    Crawford briefs Clarice on the Buffalo Bill case while flying to a crime scene.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  19. 19. INT. RENTAL CAR - DAY

    Crawford and Clarice discuss the profile of the killer and their professional relationship.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  20. 20. EXT. SIDEWALK OF THE FUNERAL HOME - DAY

    Clarice arrives at the funeral home and experiences a traumatic flashback.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  21. 21. INT. FUNERAL HOME - BACK CORRIDOR - DAY

    Crawford and Clarice meet the local Sheriff.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  22. 22. INT. EMBALMING ROOM - DAY

    Clarice and Crawford examine the victim's body.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  23. 23. EXT. BACK STEPS OF THE FUNERAL HOME - DAY

    Clarice and Crawford discuss the case and the cocoon discovery.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  24. 24. INT. MR. GUMB'S CELLAR - DAY

    Buffalo Bill torments Catherine Martin in the pit.

    Jame Gumb, Catherine Martin
  25. 25. INT. FBI ACADEMY - DORM ROOM / REC ROOM - DAWN

    Clarice learns of Catherine Martin's kidnapping via news reports.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp
  26. 26. EXT. SMITHSONIAN - MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - DAY

    Clarice meets with Crawford outside the museum to discuss the investigation and the discovery of a bug in Raspail's head.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  27. 27. INT. MUSEUM CORRIDOR - DAY

    Clarice walks through the museum with a guard while hearing Crawford's voiceover about the investigation.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  28. 28. INT. MUSEUM OFFICE - DAY

    Clarice visits two entomologists, Roden and Pilcher, to identify a specimen.

    Clarice Starling
  29. 29. INT. ENTOMOLOGY CORRIDOR - DAY

    Clarice and the entomologists walk to the lab while discussing the specimen.

    Clarice Starling
  30. 30. INT. LABORATORY - DAY

    The entomologists identify the moth as a Death's-head Moth, leading Clarice to suspect Dr. Lecter.

    Clarice Starling
  31. 31. INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN - DAY

    Clarice and Crawford discuss the strategy for dealing with Dr. Lecter.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  32. 32. INT. BALTIMORE STATE HOSPITAL - DAY

    Chilton confronts Clarice about her secret interviews with Lecter.

    Clarice Starling, Frederick Chilton
  33. 33. INT. DR. LECTER'S CELL - DAY

    Clarice interviews Dr. Lecter, offering a deal in exchange for information on Buffalo Bill.

    Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter
  34. 34. INT. MR. GUMB'S CELLAR - DAY

    A glimpse into Buffalo Bill's lair where he keeps his moths and his captive, Catherine.

    Jame Gumb, Catherine Martin
  35. 35. INT. DR. LECTER'S CELL - DAY

    Chilton attempts to manipulate Lecter by revealing the deal was a lie and offering his own.

    Hannibal Lecter, Frederick Chilton
  36. 36. INT. COURTHOUSE HOLDING CELL - DAY

    Chilton attempts to negotiate with Dr. Lecter for information on Buffalo Bill in exchange for better prison conditions.

    Hannibal Lecter, Frederick Chilton
  37. 37. INT. JOHNS HOPKINS - GENDER IDENTITY CLINIC - DAY

    Crawford pressures Dr. Danielson to release confidential records of rejected applicants to find Buffalo Bill.

    Jack Crawford
  38. 38. INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN - DAY

    Crawford learns Lecter has been transferred.

    Jack Crawford
  39. 39. INT. FBI BUILDING - OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR - DAY

    Director Burke and Krendler discuss the fallout of the Lecter transfer.

    Paul Krendler
  40. 40. INT. SURVEILLANCE VAN - DAY

    Crawford decides to let the transfer proceed.

    Jack Crawford
  41. 41. INT. CLARICE'S DORM ROOM - DAY

    Clarice expresses her frustration to Crawford about the transfer.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  42. 42. EXT. FBI ACADEMY GROUNDS - DAY

    Crawford and Clarice discuss her future and the case.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  43. 43. INT. AIR NATIONAL GUARD HANGER - MEMPHIS - DAY

    Lecter arrives in Memphis and meets Senator Martin.

    Hannibal Lecter, Frederick Chilton, Ruth Martin, Paul Krendler
  44. 44. INT. MR. GUMB'S BASEMENT - DAY

    Catherine attempts to escape the pit using a bucket.

    Catherine Martin
  45. 45. INT. CATHERINE MARTIN'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Clarice searches Catherine's apartment for clues.

    Clarice Starling, Ruth Martin, Paul Krendler
  46. 46. EXT. SHELBY COUNTY COURTHOUSE - DAY

    Clarice arrives at the courthouse to see Lecter.

    Clarice Starling
  47. 47. INT. COURTHOUSE - GROUND FLOOR - DAY

    Clarice checks in with security.

    Clarice Starling
  48. 48. INT. ELEVATOR - DAY

    Clarice rides the elevator to the 5th floor.

    Clarice Starling
  49. 49. INT. HISTORICAL SOCIETY ROOM - DAY

    Clarice meets with Lecter in his cage.

    Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter
  50. 50. INT. Baltimore State Hospital for the Criminally Insane - DAY

    Clarice visits Dr. Lecter to discuss the Buffalo Bill case; Lecter probes Clarice's childhood trauma regarding the screaming lambs.

    Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter
  51. 51. INT. Garment Sweatshop - DAY

    Jame Gumb delivers leather garments to a foreman.

    Jame Gumb
  52. 52. INT. Memphis International Airport - DUSK

    Clarice is escorted to her flight by police.

    Clarice Starling
  53. 53. INT. Shelby Co. Courthouse - NIGHT

    Dr. Lecter executes a violent escape from his cell.

    Hannibal Lecter
  54. 54. INT. Courthouse Lobby / Stairwell - NIGHT

    Police discover the escape and begin a manhunt.

  55. 55. INT. Elevator Shaft - NIGHT

    SWAT team tracks Lecter to the top of the elevator.

    Hannibal Lecter
  56. 56. INT. GROUND FLOOR LOBBY - NIGHT

    SWAT team prepares to enter the elevator to retrieve Pembry's body.

    Jack Crawford, John Brigham
  57. 57. INT. EMS AMBULANCE - MOVING

    Lecter kills the EMS attendant and escapes.

    Hannibal Lecter
  58. 58. EXT. SIX-LANE FREEWAY - NIGHT

    The ambulance drives erratically before heading toward the airport.

    Hannibal Lecter
  59. 59. EXT. MONTANA PLAIN - DUSK

    Flashback of young Clarice with her lamb.

    Clarice Starling
  60. 60. EXT. COUNTRY DIRT ROAD - NIGHT

    Clarice approaches a sheriff's car with her lamb.

    Clarice Starling
  61. 61. EXT. RANCH BARNYARD - NEAR DAWN

    Clarice arrives at the ranch and the lamb is taken from her.

    Clarice Starling
  62. 62. EXT. BARN - NIGHT

    Clarice discovers Lecter is the one killing the lamb.

    Clarice Starling, Hannibal Lecter
  63. 63. INT. FBI DORM - NIGHT

    Adult Clarice reacts to the memory.

    Clarice Starling
  64. 64. INT. SHOWER STALL - NIGHT

    Clarice tries to wash away her distress.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp
  65. 65. INT. CLARICE'S DORM ROOM - NIGHT

    Clarice and Ardelia discuss the escape and the case.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp
  66. 66. INT. LAUNDRY ROOM - NIGHT

    Clarice and Ardelia analyze the case file and find a pattern.

    Clarice Starling, Ardelia Mapp
  67. 67. INT. FBI BUILDING - DAY

    Clarice and Crawford are suspended after a heated argument.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford, Paul Krendler
  68. 68. EXT. SIDEWALK OUTSIDE FBI BUILDING - DAY

    Crawford gives Clarice money and a code to continue the investigation.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  69. 69. INT. MR. GUMB'S CELLAR - DAY

    Gumb interacts with Catherine in the pit.

    Jame Gumb, Catherine Martin
  70. 70. EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - DAY

    Clarice arrives at the Bimmel house.

    Clarice Starling
  71. 71. EXT. BIMMEL HOUSE BACK YARD - DAY

    Clarice meets Mr. Bimmel.

    Clarice Starling
  72. 72. INT. BIMMEL HOUSE STAIRCASE - DAY

    Mr. Bimmel shows Clarice to Fredrica's room.

    Clarice Starling
  73. 73. INT. FREDRICA'S BEDROOM - DAY

    Clarice searches the room and realizes the killer is a tailor.

    Clarice Starling
  74. 74. INT. BIMMEL PARLOR - DAY

    Clarice calls Crawford with her discovery.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  75. 75. INT. FBI TURBOJET - DAY

    Crawford informs Clarice they have identified Gumb.

    Clarice Starling, Jack Crawford
  76. 76. EXT. BIMMEL BACK YARD - DAY

    Clarice questions Mr. Bimmel about Gumb.

    Clarice Starling
  77. 77. EXT. MR. BIMMEL'S COOP - DAY

    Clarice questions Mr. Bimmel about Fredrica's acquaintances.

    Clarice Starling
  78. 78. INT. SAVING & LOAN - BELVEDERE - DAY

    Clarice interviews Stacy Hubka about Fredrica.

    Clarice Starling
  79. 79. INT. MR. GUMB'S FRONT DOOR - DAY

    Clarice arrives at Gumb's house and speaks with him.

    Clarice Starling, Jame Gumb
  80. 80. INT. MR. GUMB'S PARLOR - DAY

    Clarice enters the house and realizes Gumb is the killer.

    Clarice Starling, Jame Gumb

Dialogue examples

You're sooo ambitious, aren't you...? You know what you look like to me, with your good bag and your cheap shoes? You look like a rube. A well-scrubbed, hustling rube with a little, taste... Good nutrition has given you some length of bone, but you're not more than one generation from poor white trash, are you Officer Starling...? That accent you're trying so desperately to shed - pure West Virginia. What was your father, dear? Was he a coal miner? Did he stink of the lamp...? And oh, how quickly the boys found you! All those tedious, sticky fumblings, in the back seats of cars, while you could only dream of getting out. Getting anywhere - yes? Getting all the way - to the F...B...I.

Hannibal Lecter / Scene 6

I don't expect him to talk to you, but I have to be able to say we tried... Lecter was a brilliant psychiatrist, and he knows all the dodges. Dossier on him, copy of our questionnaire, special ID for you... If he won't talk, then I want straight reporting. How's he look, how's his cell look, what's he writing? The Director himself will see your report, over your own signature - if I decide it's good enough. I want that by 0800 Wednesday, and keep this to yourself.

Jack Crawford / Scene 3

I spent all evening on the mainframe. Lecter altered or destroyed most of his patient histories, prior to capture. No record of anyone named Mofet. But 'Split City' sounded like it might have have something to do with divorce. I tracked it down in the library's catalogue of national yellow pages. It's a mini-storage facility outside Baltimore, where Lecter had his practice.

Clarice Starling / Scene 11

Miss Starling, you may know the Deputy Attorney General, Mr. Krendler. Paul, this is the trainee that Jack Crawford sent to Lecter... She lied to him, pretending to have my authority, and thus jeopardized this entire investigation. Now she has the further gall to invade my daughter's privacy, again without permission.

Ruth Martin / Scene 45

There never was a deal with Senator Martin - but there is now. I've been on the phone for hours, Hannibal, on your behalf. Here's what you get: if you identify Buffalo Bill, and the girl is found in time, Senator Martin will have you transferred to Brushy Mountain State Prison, in Tennessee...

Frederick Chilton / Scene 35

You don't have to feel any way about it. Lecter did it to amuse himself. Why not, what can they do? Take away his books for awhile, and no jello... I know it got ugly today. But this is your report, Starling - take it as far as you can. On your own time, outside of class. Now carry on.

Jack Crawford / Scene 11

Take a bow. Customs had some paper on his alias. They stopped a carton two years ago at LAX - live caterpillars from Surinam. The addressee was "John Grant." Calumet Power & Light's given us two possible residences under that alias. We're hitting one, Chicago SWAT's taking the other.

Jack Crawford / Scene 75

Buffalo Bill's real name is William Rubin. I met him just once. He was referred to me in April or May, 1980, by my patient Benjamin Raspail. They were lovers, but Raspail had become very frightened. Apparently Rubin had murdered a transient, and - done things with the skin.

Hannibal Lecter / Scene 43

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