Save the Cat rankings

THE THINGS MY FATHER NEVER TAUGHT ME script analysis

THE THINGS MY FATHER NEVER TAUGHT ME script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A father, Melvin, reflects on his own upbringing and sets out to teach his son Mike the art of courting. Through a series of missteps—tailor visits, playground coaching, and gift misdeliveries—they navigate early romantic lessons, culminating in a moment of genuine connection and self-reflection.

60 Save the Cat fit score 25% analysis confidence / 13 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces Melvin feeding young Mike and contrasts Melvin’s father’s silence on romance.

I loved my father and he taught me many useful things. But he didn't teach me anything at...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

Melvin notes his father taught him many things but not romance, hinting at the theme of learning love.

One look at my mother and I had conclusive proof.
3

Set-Up

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

30%

Melvin declares he will teach Mike everything about courting, establishing characters and their goal.

Here's what I'm going to do, son. I'll give it to you straight. I'm not going to fill...
4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / Page 2 / 12% target

20%

First practical lesson at the tailor—upgrading wardrobe signals the story’s adventure begins.

Clothes maketh or unmaketh the man. What were you thinking when you put that on this morning? That...
5

Debate

Scene 4 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

20%

Melvin struggles to coach Mike on demeanor, questioning if these lessons will work.

Of course, it's not all about clothes. It's the way you carry yourself too. You've gotta make a...
6

Break into Two

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 25% target

25%

They enter the preschool playground, moving fully into the ‘courtship training’ world.

Now meeting the right person is really all about spending enough time in the right places. So we're...
7

B Story

Scenes 10-11 / Pages 5-6 / 30% target

20%

Introduction of Mary and group lunch suggests emerging romantic subplot for Melvin alongside Mike’s journey.

I'm trying to do the right thing by you and you mess everything up! You're as incompetent as...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 3-9 / Pages 2-5 / 40% target

30%

Montage of lessons: suit fitting, posture coaching, playground pick-ups and flower mishaps.

9

Midpoint

Scene 9 / Page 5 / 50% target

25%

Mike gives flowers to the wrong girl, a false victory and comedic ‘win’ that changes the game.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 65% target

20%

Melvin’s own flirting backfires with Mary, increasing personal stakes and tension.

They seem to like each other.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 75% target

25%

Mary leaves after Melvin’s clumsy advance, marking the bottoming out moment.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 80% target

20%

Melvin feels defeated at the bus stop, reflecting on whether his lessons failed everyone.

13

Break into Three

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 85% target

25%

Encouraged by Mike’s gesture, Melvin finds renewed hope and a new plan.

It's better to get shot down than wonder "What if?"?
14

Finale

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 95% target

20%

Melvin embraces vulnerability, using honest advice learned to connect genuinely.

15

Final Image

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 99% target

30%

Melvin’s concluding line underscores embracing risk in love, mirroring the opening image’s theme.

It's better to get shot down than wonder "What if?"?