Save the Cat rankings

The Sting script analysis

The Sting script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Hooker, a small-time grifter, loses his partner and his take in a crooked numbers racket, then seeks out master con man Gondorff to pull off an elaborate sting against crime boss Lonnegan. As they assemble their team and set the bait, the stakes escalate and federal agents close in, culminating in a high-risk fakeout that turns the tables on their target. In the aftermath, Hooker and Gondorff walk away victorious, their con perfected.

75 Save the Cat fit score 7% analysis confidence / 32 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

5%

Introduces Hooker alone in the grim slum, setting the tone and world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

6%

Hints at the corrupt nature of the racket and the question of who’s really in control.

8720...Yes, hold on a second. Mr. Granger, Chicago on the line.
3

Set-Up

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 10% target

5%

Establishes key players Combs, Granger, and stakes of the numbers racket.

We had a few problems with the Law this morning.
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 1 / 12% target

5%

Hooker is dispatched to deliver money, triggering the chain of events.

5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / Page 1 / 20% target

5%

Hooker wrestles with crossing the city only to be robbed and cheated at the joint.

The wallet. You gotta go after him. He's got all the money.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 1 / 25% target

6%

Lonnegan orders a hit, moving Hooker into the world of high-stakes cons.

7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 30% target

5%

Snyder confronts Hooker, introducing the threat and mentorship dynamic.

I figure your end of the score was at least 3 gees. I want 2 no matter what...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 40% target

5%

Hooker demonstrates his con skills on the businessman, showcasing the thrills of the grift.

Excuse me, sir. Treasury Dept... I'd like to ask you a few questions.
9

Midpoint

Scene 16 / Page 1 / 50% target

6%

Gondorff is recruited and the plan to con Lonnegan is fully formed at the country club.

We got word from Chicago. They got one of the grifters last night. The nigger.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 21 / Page 1 / 65% target

6%

Hooker and Lonnegan discuss the scheme in the car, tension heightens as the mark gets suspicious.

All you gotta do is place a bet for me at Shaw's place. I'll supply all the money...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 24 / Page 1 / 75% target

5%

The front office is empty and being painted, suggesting the plan’s cover may collapse.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 26 / Page 1 / 80% target

5%

Snyder’s breakfast interrogation underscores the looming federal threat and personal doubt.

13

Break into Three

Scene 28 / Page 1 / 85% target

6%

Polk’s interrogation of Snyder provides the pivot back to action and final gambit.

What is this? I got work to do.
14

Finale

Scene 31 / Page 1 / 95% target

6%

The raid is revealed as a con, and Hooker and Gondorff triumph over Lonnegan and the Feds.

Nice con, Hickey. I thought you were Feds myself, when you first came in.
15

Final Image

Scene 32 / Page 1 / 99% target

5%

Hooker and Gondorff walking away together mirror the solitary start but now triumphant.