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The Third Man script analysis

The Third Man script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Third Man follows American writer Martins as he investigates the apparent death and shocking reappearance of his friend Harry Lime in postwar Vienna. With Major Calloway’s help, Martins pieces together Lime’s criminal activities while forming a bond with Anna Schmidt. When Lime surfaces alive, Martins must choose between loyalty and justice, leading to a tense sewer chase and a bittersweet goodbye.

75 Save the Cat fit score 68% analysis confidence / 19 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

62%

Martins and Calloway leave Harry Lime’s funeral in a war-torn Vienna, setting the elegiac tone and world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

Calloway asks Martins, “You a friend of Lime’s?”, foreshadowing the film’s exploration of friendship versus morality.

You a friend of Lime's?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

60%

Martins and Calloway discuss Lime’s life and death across bar and hotel scenes, establishing characters and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 12% target

70%

Martins unexpectedly meets Lime alive on the Ferris wheel, shattering assumptions about his death.

If I offered you £20,000 for every dot that stopped - would you really, old man, tell me...
5

Debate

Scene 14 / Page 8 / 20% target

66%

Martins plays decoy to trap Lime in the café but hesitates as the plan unravels and Lime escapes.

Harry, get away! The police are outside.
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 25% target

64%

Lime is cornered by police in the café basement and flees into the sewers, launching the second act’s pursuit.

7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 4 / 30% target

65%

Martins’ relationship with Anna Schmidt deepens during her interrogation, introducing the emotional subplot.

Right. Sit down Miss Schmidt, we will send your letters and things back to you.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 3-4 / 40% target

60%

Martins follows clues with Baron Kurtz through cafés and the murder site, showcasing investigative intrigue.

9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Page 6 / 50% target

62%

Calloway reveals evidence of Lime’s lethal profiteering from tainted penicillin, raising the stakes to a new level.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 10 / Page 5 / 65% target

63%

Martins grows suspicious of Lime’s associates at the bar, realizing they’re complicit in his crimes.

So, you have found out my little secret. A man must live.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 75% target

64%

Cornered again by police, Lime’s escape downhill into the sewers feels like Martins’ failure to bring him to justice.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 17 / Page 10 / 80% target

66%

In the claustrophobic sewer, Martins confronts his grief and sense of betrayal during the tense chase.

You're through, Harry!
13

Break into Three

Scene 18 / Page 11 / 85% target

61%

At Lime’s funeral, Martins resolves to let go of vengeance, preparing for the final act emotionally.

14

Finale

Scene 17 / Page 10 / 95% target

64%

Martins corners Lime in the sewers, forcing a moral reckoning and delivering the climactic confrontation.

15

Final Image

Scene 19 / Page 12 / 99% target

65%

Martins drives away from Vienna alone, echoing the opening image but now marked by loss and change.

Calloway, can't you do something about Anna?