Scripts
WAR HORSE poster

1912

WAR HORSE script

Farm boy Albert Narracott forms an unbreakable bond with his horse, Joey, but their peace is shattered when Joey is sold to the British cavalry at the outbreak of World War I. Joey endures the horrors of war, serving both British and German forces, witnessing death and destruction, and eventually escaping into No Man's Land where he becomes entangled in barbed wire. After being freed and brought to a British veterinary hospital, a temporarily blinded Albert, now a soldier, recognizes Joey, leading to an emotional reunion. At a post-war auction, Joey is nearly sold to Emilie's Grandfather, but he ultimately returns Joey to Albert, who brings his beloved horse home to the Narracott farm.

Writer
Lee Hall & Richard Curtis
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt1568911
Script date
1912
56Scenes
14Characters
78Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

WAR HORSE Save the Cat analysis

A young boy, Albert, bonds with a foal named Joey on his family’s farm in pre–World War I England.

Open full beat sheet
75

Key characters

Joey

Joey is listed as Horse. A thoroughbred-cross horse with a distinctive white cross on his forehead. In the parsed data, Joey is connected to 35 scenes, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

35 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Albert Narracott

Albert Narracott is listed as Protagonist. A fifteen-year-old farm boy who trains Joey. In the parsed data, Albert Narracott is connected to 22 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.

22 scenes / 21 dialogue lines

Gunther

Gunther is listed as German Soldier. A young German soldier who deserts with his brother Michael. In the parsed data, Gunther is connected to 12 scenes, 17 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.

12 scenes / 17 dialogue lines

Colin

Colin is listed as British Soldier. A Geordie soldier who helps rescue Joey from No Man's Land. In the parsed data, Colin is connected to 11 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.

11 scenes / 8 dialogue lines

Ted Narracott

Ted Narracott is listed as Albert's Father. A working farmer, worn down by life and alcohol, veteran of the Boer War. In the parsed data, Ted Narracott is connected to 11 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

11 scenes / 4 dialogue lines

Grandfather

Grandfather is listed as Emilie's Grandfather. A jam-maker living in rural France. In the parsed data, Grandfather is connected to 10 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 21 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

10 scenes / 21 dialogue lines

Michael

Michael is listed as German Soldier. Gunther's younger brother. In the parsed data, Michael is connected to 9 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 26.

9 scenes / 14 dialogue lines

Emilie

Emilie is listed as French Girl. A thirteen-year-old girl who hides Joey and Topthorn in a windmill. In the parsed data, Emilie is connected to 8 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 17 text mentions, first appearing around scene 34.

8 scenes / 14 dialogue lines

Captain Nicholls

Captain Nicholls is listed as British Officer. A kind, upper-class officer who buys Joey for the war. In the parsed data, Captain Nicholls is connected to 8 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.

8 scenes / 12 dialogue lines

Rosie Narracott

Rosie Narracott is listed as Albert's Mother. A good-looking, intelligent woman struggling to keep the farm. In the parsed data, Rosie Narracott is connected to 8 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 6.

8 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

char_15

char_15 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_15 is connected to 5 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.

5 scenes / 9 dialogue lines

Peter

Peter is listed as German Soldier. A German soldier who helps rescue Joey from No Man's Land. In the parsed data, Peter is connected to 5 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 50.

5 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

char_14

char_14 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_14 is connected to 5 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 18.

5 scenes / 1 dialogue lines

Lyons

Lyons is listed as Antagonist. The wealthy, arrogant landlord of the Narracott farm. In the parsed data, Lyons is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.

3 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. Devon, England - Summer's Day, 1912

    A foal is born in the Devon countryside while Albert watches.

    Albert Narracott

  2. 2. EXT. Paddock/Field, Devon - Various

    Joey grows up and is eventually captured by farmers to be sold at market.

    Albert Narracott, Joey

  3. 3. EXT. The Market - Market Day

    Joey and his mother are brought to the market auction.

    Joey

  4. 4. EXT. Joey's Pen - Market Day

    Joey is separated from his mother.

    Joey

  5. 5. INT. Main Auction Ring - Market Day

    Ted Narracott bids on and wins Joey despite Si Easton's warnings.

    Ted Narracott, Lyons

  6. 6. EXT. Narracott's Farm - Sunset

    Ted brings Joey home to a furious Rosie and a curious Albert.

    Albert Narracott, Ted Narracott, Rosie Narracott

  7. 7. EXT. Stables - Later

    Albert successfully approaches and names Joey.

    Albert Narracott, Joey

  8. 8. EXT. Paddock - Another Day

    Albert trains Joey to respond to an owl whistle.

    Albert Narracott, Joey

  9. 9. INT. Farm House - Later

    Lyons demands rent and threatens to take the farm if the field isn't plowed.

    Albert Narracott, Ted Narracott, Rosie Narracott, Lyons

  10. 10. EXT. Stables - Moments Later

    Ted attempts to force the harness on Joey, leading to a confrontation.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Ted Narracott, Rosie Narracott

  11. 11. INT/EXT. Stables - Dawn

    Albert successfully harnesses Joey by demonstrating with himself.

    Albert Narracott, Joey

  12. 12. EXT. LOWER FIELD - DAY

    Albert attempts to plow the lower field with Joey while the townspeople and Lyons watch.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Ted Narracott, Rosie Narracott, Lyons, Colin

  13. 13. EXT. LOWER FIELD - EVENING

    Albert and Joey finish plowing; Ted shows respect to the horse.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Ted Narracott, Rosie Narracott, Colin

  14. 14. INT. STABLES - DAY

    Rosie reveals Ted's war medals to Albert.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Rosie Narracott

  15. 15. EXT. VILLAGE - EVENING

    A motorcyclist announces the start of the war.

  16. 16. EXT. MARKET TOWN SQUARE - DAY

    Ted sells Joey to Captain Nicholls; Albert tries to intervene.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Ted Narracott, Captain Nicholls

  17. 17. EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - DAY

    The recruits march off to war; Albert gives Joey a pennant and promises to find him.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Ted Narracott, Captain Nicholls, Colin

  18. 18. INT. ARMY STABLES - DAY

    Joey is introduced to army life and meets Topthorn.

    Joey, Captain Nicholls, Colin, char_13, char_14, char_15

  19. 19. EXT. SALISBURY PLAIN - DAY

    The regiment conducts a practice charge; Joey and Topthorn compete.

    Joey, Captain Nicholls, char_14, char_15

  20. 20. INT. OFFICERS' STUDY - DAY

    Nicholls writes a letter to Albert; Stewart gives orders for deployment.

    Captain Nicholls, char_14, char_15

  21. 21. EXT. WOODLAND ABOVE A PLAIN - DAY

    The officers plan a surprise attack on a German garrison.

    Joey, Captain Nicholls, char_14, char_15, char_16

  22. 22. EXT. OVER GROWN CORN FIELD - DAY

    The cavalry charges the German camp but is met by machine guns.

    Joey, Captain Nicholls, char_14, char_15

  23. 23. EXT. BATTLEFIELD - DAY

    Gunther decides to use the horses for ambulance duty.

    Joey, Gunther, Michael

  24. 24. EXT. NARRACOTT'S FARM - DAY

    Albert receives the sketchbook and learns of Nicholls' death.

    Albert Narracott, Ted Narracott, Rosie Narracott, char_17

  25. 25. EXT. GERMAN BASE CAMP - EVENING

    Michael is ordered to the front; Gunther tries to protect him.

    Joey, Gunther, Michael

  26. 26. EXT. GERMAN CAMP - EVENING

    Gunther and Michael pack their belongings in a tent, discussing their escape plan.

    Gunther, Michael

  27. 27. EXT. GERMAN CAMP / ROAD - EVENING

    Gunther gives Michael a red pennant for luck before the soldiers march out.

    Gunther, Michael, Captain Nicholls

  28. 28. EXT. GERMAN CAMP / ROAD - EVENING

    Gunther rescues Michael from the marching line using the horses.

    Gunther, Michael, Joey

  29. 29. EXT. WOODS - LATER

    The brothers ride toward freedom, scavenging clothes along the way.

    Gunther, Michael, Joey

  30. 30. INT/EXT. WINDMILL - DAWN

    The brothers hide in a dilapidated windmill and discuss their future.

    Gunther, Michael, Joey

  31. 31. EXT. WINDMILL - DUSK

    German soldiers discover and capture the brothers.

    Gunther, Michael, Joey

  32. 32. INT. WINDMILL - NIGHT

    Gunther and Michael are executed.

    Gunther, Michael

  33. 33. INT. WINDMILL - DAY

    Emilie discovers the horses in the windmill.

    Emilie, Joey

  34. 34. INT/EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

    Emilie and her Grandfather discuss the war and the horses.

    Emilie, Grandfather, Joey

  35. 35. EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

    Emilie tries to train Joey to jump.

    Emilie, Grandfather, Joey

  36. 36. EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY

    German soldiers raid the farm for supplies.

    Emilie, Grandfather

  37. 37. INT. FARMHOUSE - NIGHT

    Emilie and her Grandfather talk about her parents and bravery.

    Emilie, Grandfather

  38. 38. INT. FARMHOUSE - MORNING

    Grandfather gives Emilie her mother's saddle.

    Emilie, Grandfather

  39. 39. EXT. HILL NEAR FARMHOUSE - DAY

    Emilie rides Joey and is captured by German soldiers.

    Emilie, Grandfather, Joey

  40. 40. EXT. French Countryside - DAY

    German soldiers seize Joey and Topthorn from Emilie and her Grandfather.

    Emilie, Grandfather

  41. 41. EXT. German Camp - LATER

    Brandt assigns Joey and Topthorn to Friedrich.

    Gunther

  42. 42. EXT. Steep Incline - DAY

    Joey and Topthorn are forced to pull a heavy artillery gun; Topthorn is eventually replaced by Joey.

    Joey, Gunther

  43. 43. EXT. Battlefield - DAY

    The artillery gun is fired repeatedly.

  44. 44. EXT. British Trench - NIGHT

    British soldiers prepare for battle.

    Albert Narracott

  45. 45. EXT. British Trenches - EARLY DAWN

    Albert and his unit prepare to go over the top.

    Albert Narracott

  46. 46. EXT. No Man's Land - DAY

    The British charge into No Man's Land.

    Albert Narracott

  47. 47. EXT. German Trench - DAY

    Albert enters the German trench and reunites with Andrew.

    Albert Narracott

  48. 48. EXT. Edge of Battlefields - DUSK

    Topthorn dies and Joey escapes.

    Joey, Gunther

  49. 49. EXT. British Trench - DAY

    British and German soldiers spot Joey in No Man's Land.

    Colin, Peter

  50. 50. EXT. No Man's Land - DAY

    Joey is trapped in barbed wire in No Man's Land while soldiers from both sides watch.

    Joey, Colin, Peter

  51. 51. EXT. No Man's Land - DAY

    Geordie and Peter work together to cut Joey free from the barbed wire.

    Joey, Colin, Peter

  52. 52. EXT. No Man's Land - DAY

    Geordie and Peter toss a coin to decide who keeps Joey.

    Joey, Colin, Peter

  53. 53. EXT. Hospital Area - DAY

    Albert is reunited with Joey at the hospital.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Grandfather, Colin

  54. 54. EXT. Market Place - DAY

    Joey is auctioned off, and Emilie's Grandfather wins the bid.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Grandfather, Colin

  55. 55. EXT. THE AUCTION - DAY

    Albert and the Geordie confront the Grandfather after he wins the auction for Joey.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Grandfather, Colin

  56. 56. EXT. FIELD. DEVON - DUSK

    Albert and Joey return home to the farm in Devon.

    Albert Narracott, Joey, Ted Narracott, Rosie Narracott

Dialogue examples

That is our target - the German 11th Division - at the moment bivouacked three miles to the east of the Menin Road. We have been watching them and they have pitched tents for the night and lit cooking fires. Knock them out - and we could slide in behind the German lines and come at them from the South at Geluveld.

char_16 / Scene 21

4 a.m. start tomorrow - travelling with the Dragoon Guards and the Royals. Transport detachment - they'll need to be at the docks at 5 am. Check all kit. Battle orders: no polishing - buttons, helmet buckles, stirrup irons - let 'em all go dull. I want nothing to flash in the sun and give us away.

char_15 / Scene 20

Joey - meet Topthorn. Topthorn - this is Joey. Sort out who's in charge between the two of you, you hear? If you want to fight, you get it over with - `cause once we're over there, you're gonna need everything you've got for Fritz!

Colin / Scene 18

I promise you, man to man, that I'll look after him as closely as you've done, I'll respect him and all the care that you've taken with him. And if I can - I'll return him to your care.

Captain Nicholls / Scene 16

Well, you've raised him up a true Narracott, Ted, picture of his father, he is: not a dollop of ordinary sense but that thick stubbornness that'll lead him to insist on the impossible.

Lyons / Scene 12

This isn't the end. This isn't the end, my brother... I, Albert Narracott, solemnly swear we will be together again. Wherever you are, I will find you. And I will bring you home!

Albert Narracott / Scene 17

Of course she did. I just wasn't listening. But you need to listen now! I promised her, I made her a solemn promise, that you would be safe with me. With me, Michael!!

Gunther / Scene 26

When I heard about the miracle horse, I traveled three days because I knew whose horse it was. My granddaughter's. She saved his life! He was everything to her.

Grandfather / Scene 55

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