Save the Cat rankings

WAR HORSE script analysis

WAR HORSE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A young boy, Albert, bonds with a foal named Joey on his family’s farm in pre–World War I England. Joey is sold to the army, sparking Albert’s promise to find him. Through war’s chaos—Joey’s service, friendships formed, and near loss—the two are ultimately reunited back home.

75 Save the Cat fit score 23% analysis confidence / 56 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces the birth of Joey and Albert’s first connection on the Devon farm.

Come on, easy, girl. Easy, girl. Easy.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 9 / 5% target

40%

Lyons’ threat—“I’ll take the horse on the day he fails”—establishes stakes about perseverance and loyalty.

I'll take the horse on the day he fails.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / 10% target

45%

We meet Albert, Joey, and his family; see Joey’s early training and the market auction which sets the central bond.

4

Catalyst

Scene 16 / 12% target

50%

Joey is sold to Captain Nicholls despite Albert’s protests, launching the quest to reunite.

You can't! You can't, he's mine! I trained him!
5

Debate

Scene 17 / 20% target

45%

Albert struggles with the reality of Joey leaving and vows to find him despite adult objections.

6

Break into Two

Scene 18 / 25% target

50%

Joey enters army service, shifting the story into its wartime second act.

Whoa whoa whoa, Joey! Stop muckin' about, you hear? Yer in the army now, son.
7

B Story

Scene 20 / 30% target

40%

Nicholls writes to Albert, deepening the emotional throughline of their bond.

It's to the boy who owned Joey. I want to show him how wonderful he's looking.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 19 / 40% target

45%

Joey and Topthorn compete in cavalry drills, showing army life and camaraderie.

All right, then, let's see what you two jokers are made of, shall we?
9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / 50% target

50%

Albert learns of Nicholls’ death via the sketchbook, raising personal stakes.

It's a sketchbook... That's Captain Nicholls' sketchbook! See that? That's a picture of Joey!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 42 / 65% target

45%

Joey endures grueling work pulling heavy artillery, increasing his suffering.

He's a good horse, sir. But if you move him up to the heavy gun, he will be...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 48 / 75% target

50%

Topthorn dies in battle and Joey flees alone—his lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 50 / 80% target

50%

Joey is caught in barbed wire in No Man’s Land, all hope seems lost.

He's caught on the wire.
13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / 85% target

45%

Geordie and Peter set aside differences to free Joey, catalyzing final act unity.

I thought perhaps you might need these.
14

Finale

Scene 53 / 95% target

50%

Albert finally reunites with Joey in the hospital, fulfilling his promise.

Joey? Hello, Joey. Hello boy. Where you been then, hey? Where in the world you been?
15

Final Image

Scene 56 / 99% target

45%

Albert and Joey return home to Devon, mirroring the opening peace but changed by war.