Save the Cat rankings

TOMBSTONE script analysis

TOMBSTONE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Tombstone follows Wyatt Earp’s journey from reluctant lawman to avenging brother, introducing his outlaw adversaries and the moral cost of frontier justice. Relationships—particularly with Doc Holliday and Josephine—underscore themes of loyalty and fate. The midpoint turning point occurs with the O.K. Corral shootout, after which personal loss propels Wyatt into a vendetta. The finale resolves the conflict at Iron Springs and frames the final image of a changed man.

50 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 110 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

A squad hunts fugitives in the Sonora Desert, establishing the film’s harsh tone and lawlessness.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Pages 5-6 / 5% target

20%

Doc Holliday’s violent confrontation in the saloon hints at loyalty and honor amid chaos.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-5 / Pages 3-5 / 10% target

20%

Wyatt reunites with family, refuses the Marshal job, and settles with his brothers in Tombstone, setting stakes and character dynamics.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Pages 7-8 / 12% target

20%

Arrival in Tombstone introduces Sheriff Behan and Cowboy power, triggering Wyatt’s entry into local conflict.

5

Debate

Scenes 13-15 / Pages 10-12 / 20% target

20%

Wyatt debates fighting in the saloon and tensions escalate, questioning his willingness to enforce law.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 16-17 / Pages 12-13 / 25% target

20%

Josephine arrives, deepening Wyatt’s personal stakes and marking his full commitment to Tombstone’s affairs.

7

B Story

Scenes 31-32 / Pages 20-21 / 30% target

20%

Wyatt’s interactions with McMasters and the desert camp develop his relationship theme of trust and camaraderie.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 34-41 / Pages 22-26 / 40% target

20%

Scenes in the Oriental Saloon and early skirmishes showcase Wyatt’s lawman skills and cowboy antagonists for audience enjoyment.

9

Midpoint

Scene 52 / Page 32 / 50% target

20%

The O.K. Corral shootout is a classic point of no return, shifting the film from tension-building to irreversible consequences.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 55-62 / Pages 33-37 / 65% target

20%

Cowboys rally under Curly Bill’s leadership, intensifying threats against the Earp family.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 71 / Page 40 / 75% target

20%

Morgan is fatally shot in the saloon, the darkest moment for Wyatt and his family.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 72-73 / Pages 41-42 / 80% target

20%

Wyatt mourns Morgan’s death and rejects Josephine, questioning his vendetta’s cost and purpose.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 74-76 / Pages 43-44 / 85% target

20%

Wyatt forms a federal posse with Doc, resolving to hunt the Cowboys, marking renewed purpose.

14

Finale

Scene 83 / Page 47 / 95% target

20%

At Iron Springs, Wyatt decisively confronts and kills Curly Bill, achieving vengeance and law enforcement.

15

Final Image

Scene 85 / Page 48 / 99% target

20%

Wyatt prepares to leave, handing in badges and reflecting a changed man looking toward a new life.