2009
In 1931, veterinary student Jacob Jankowski's life is upended when his parents die in a car crash, leaving him an orphan with no money or home. He impulsively jumps onto a passing train, discovering it belongs to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, where he is hired as a laborer and eventually becomes the circus veterinarian. Jacob falls in love with Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star and wife of the charismatic but cruel ringmaster, August, who abuses both Marlena and the animals, especially the newly acquired elephant, Rosie. Jacob discovers Rosie understands Polish and secretly trains her, leading to a successful act that revitalizes the struggling circus and deepens his bond with Marlena.
Save the Cat beat sheet
An elderly Jacob Jankowski returns to a closing circus and recounts his dramatic coming-of-age journey in 1931, from tragedy and uncertainty through love and loss to redemption.
Open full beat sheetJacob Jankowski is listed as Protagonist / Veterinarian. Starts as a 23-year-old veterinary student, later a 93-year-old man reflecting on his past. In the parsed data, Jacob Jankowski is connected to 82 scenes, 89 dialogue lines, 90 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
82 scenes / 89 dialogue linesMarlena Rosenbluth is listed as Star Attraction / August's Wife. Beautiful circus performer who works with horses and elephants. In the parsed data, Marlena Rosenbluth is connected to 28 scenes, 16 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 29.
28 scenes / 16 dialogue linesAugust Rosenbluth is listed as Antagonist / Ringmaster. Charismatic, intelligent, and cruel leader of the Benzini Brothers circus. In the parsed data, August Rosenbluth is connected to 26 scenes, 49 dialogue lines, 49 text mentions, first appearing around scene 22.
26 scenes / 49 dialogue linesWalter is listed as Clown / Jacob's Roommate. A dwarf clown who initially resents Jacob but becomes a friend. In the parsed data, Walter is connected to 15 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 35.
15 scenes / 13 dialogue linesGreg is listed as Ring Stock Man. A Polish-speaking circus worker who assists Jacob. In the parsed data, Greg is connected to 7 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 56.
7 scenes / 11 dialogue linesCamel is listed as Circus Worker. An older, alcoholic circus worker who helps Jacob. In the parsed data, Camel is connected to 7 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
7 scenes / 3 dialogue linesEarl is listed as August's Enforcer. A large, muscular man who follows August's orders. In the parsed data, Earl is connected to 7 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 36.
7 scenes / 1 dialogue linesCharlie O'Brien is listed as Circus Manager. Modern-day circus manager who befriends the elderly Jacob. In the parsed data, Charlie O'Brien is connected to 4 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
4 scenes / 4 dialogue linesBlackie is listed as Circus Enforcer. A large, violent man responsible for 'red-lighting' unwanted people. In the parsed data, Blackie is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 12.
4 scenes / 0 dialogue linesAn elderly Jacob Jankowski stands alone in a circus parking lot as the circus is dismantled.
Jacob JankowskiCharlie and Russ approach Jacob, who is confused and lost.
Jacob Jankowski, Charlie O'Brien, EarlCharlie and Jacob share a drink and discuss Jacob's past with the Benzini Brothers circus.
Jacob Jankowski, Charlie O'BrienFlashback to 1931: Jacob prepares for his final exams.
Jacob JankowskiJacob eats breakfast with his parents before leaving for his exam.
Jacob JankowskiJacob runs to his exam.
Jacob JankowskiJacob takes his final exam, but is interrupted by the Dean.
Jacob JankowskiJacob identifies his parents' bodies.
Jacob JankowskiJacob learns his parents were in debt and he has lost everything.
Jacob JankowskiJacob's house is being cleared out.
Jacob JankowskiJacob wanders and finds a train track.
Jacob JankowskiJacob is confronted by Blackie and meets Camel.
Jacob Jankowski, Camel, BlackieThe train arrives and the circus is set up.
Jacob JankowskiJacob interacts with the animals.
Jacob JankowskiJacob starts working as a circus laborer.
Jacob JankowskiJacob works as a guard for the sideshow.
Jacob JankowskiJacob meets Marlena.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthThe circus performance begins.
Jacob JankowskiJacob eats and prepares to meet August.
Jacob Jankowski, CamelJacob asks Camel about Marlena and receives a warning; Camel advises Jacob to leave the circus if he has a life to return to.
Jacob Jankowski, CamelCamel introduces Jacob to Earl, who then throws Jacob into August's private car.
Jacob Jankowski, Camel, EarlJacob is interrogated by August and the other men; he reveals his veterinary background.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, EarlAugust and Jacob climb to the roof of the moving train.
Jacob Jankowski, August RosenbluthAugust forces Kinko to share his room with Jacob.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, WalterJacob washes up and is summoned by August.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, CamelAugust arranges for Jacob to get new clothes and supplies.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, WalterJacob examines the sick horse, Silver Star, and informs August it must be put down.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthAugust forces Jacob to feed the lions, resulting in Jacob being bitten.
Jacob Jankowski, August RosenbluthJacob and Marlena discuss the horse's condition; Jacob decides to put it down.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob shoots the horse.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthAugust confronts Jacob about the horse but ultimately accepts his value to the circus.
Jacob Jankowski, August RosenbluthAugust explains to Jacob that he solved the food problem for the cats by getting rid of Silver Star.
Jacob Jankowski, August RosenbluthJacob reflects on Marlena and the circus moving to Goshen.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterThe train arrives at the abandoned Fox Bros circus grounds.
Jacob and Kinko discuss the Fox Bros circus and August's plans.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterJacob tries to speak to Marlena but is interrupted by Earl.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena Rosenbluth, EarlAugust celebrates the acquisition of a new elephant, Rosie.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena Rosenbluth, EarlThe group inspects Rosie the elephant.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena Rosenbluth, GregJacob and Marlena share a moment alone with Rosie.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob receives an invitation to dinner with August and Marlena.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterJacob witnesses August's brutality toward a worker.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Walter, Blackie, EarlJacob dines with August and Marlena.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthJacob and Marlena talk after August falls asleep.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob is pranked by Kinko and the performers.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterJacob wakes up in a trunk, painted as a clown.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterJacob cleans up and confronts Kinko.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterJacob and Kinko discuss the previous night and Queenie's strange behavior.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterAugust informs the crew about Lucinda's death and demands a replacement.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, GregJacob leads Rosie out of her car.
Jacob JankowskiJacob attempts to train Rosie, but she is uncooperative.
Jacob Jankowski, August RosenbluthJacob treats Rosie's wounds and discovers her intelligence.
Jacob JankowskiJacob reflects on the circus's financial troubles and August's plan.
Jacob JankowskiThe circus holds a parade to introduce Rosie.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena Rosenbluth, WalterRosie's debut performance goes poorly, but Marlena saves the act.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthMarlena is injured, and August takes her away.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthJacob finds Rosie eating in a garden and meets Greg.
Jacob Jankowski, GregAugust intends to punish Rosie, and Jacob tries to stop him.
Jacob Jankowski, August RosenbluthAugust beats Rosie, and Jacob is forced to leave.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthJacob tends to Rosie's wounds.
Jacob Jankowski, GregJacob confronts August, who reveals his vulnerability.
Jacob Jankowski, August RosenbluthJacob realizes Rosie understands Polish.
Jacob Jankowski, GregJacob and August successfully train Rosie using Polish.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, GregThe group celebrates at a speakeasy, but tension remains.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthJacob and Marlena escape the raid.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob and Marlena escape the crowd and run through the streets.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob and Marlena catch their breath and decide to visit the Empire State Building.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob and Marlena share an emotional moment in the rain and confess their feelings.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob and Marlena return to the circus area.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob drops Marlena off at a cab.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthJacob sleeps with Rosie.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterJacob examines an ailing Camel.
Jacob Jankowski, Camel, WalterJacob and Walter argue about hiding Camel.
Jacob Jankowski, WalterJacob and Marlena have an awkward breakfast.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthAugust confronts Jacob and Marlena.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena RosenbluthJacob and August fight outside the tent; Earl and his men intervene to pull August off Jacob.
Jacob Jankowski, August Rosenbluth, Marlena Rosenbluth, Blackie, EarlWalter and Camel tend to a beaten Jacob; Marlena arrives to seek refuge.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena Rosenbluth, Camel, WalterJacob and Marlena discuss their future and the baby.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthThe Nesci Bros. circus arrives at the ruins of the Benzini Bros. circus; Jacob discovers Blackie's body.
Jacob Jankowski, BlackieJacob and Dick Nesci argue over the ownership of the circus animals, specifically Rosie.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena Rosenbluth, GregJacob reunites with Marlena amidst the wind and dust as the big top falls.
Jacob Jankowski, Marlena RosenbluthAugust loves his sideshow freaks. There's a guy with this outfit who has a parasitic twin growing out of his chest. He dresses it in a tiny tuxedo and black patent leather shoes. No talent but a real money-maker with the rubes. Calls himself the Man and a Half. Goddamn August'll pay him double what he pays me just for the irony.
I convinced my dean to let me take my finals. Marlena was right. With my degree, our animals and Marlena's acts, Ringling got a sweet deal. Our son was born our first season. We named him Walter. He spent the first seven years of his life with Ringling. That's why I...I just can't understand how he forgot to show up today.
Ah, it's all my fault, I know it is. I've spent too much money on that bull. I can't pay the workmen. Our debts are piling. We're losing attendance at every show. I have no Star Attraction. I don't know what's going to happen to us if Rosie doesn't sell tickets. If I lose this circus, I'll lose Marlena - I know it.
You know how many star acts we've had? How much money we've made and lost and made...? Silver Star paid for our new stateroom and look what happened to him. Everything August touches gets fed to the cats one way or another. He'll never change.
Now stop right there. That's Marlena. She don't talk to nobody and you don't talk to her. And don't mention her to August. Ain't no right way to talk about somebody's wife and make it sound like a compliment.
I don't know what happens to me, Jacob. When I saw that bull running wild with Marlena, I...I lost my mind. But it's because I love her. Why can't she understand that? Isn't there anyone who understands?
We should have just enough food for them to get us to the next show, thanks to you. Of course Marlena won't speak to me for a day or two but she'll come around...So, I was right. You are a valuable man.
A parade like you never saw, a funeral and a celebration, saying goodbye to one star, introducing a new one...playing those rubes dying to get a peek like he was rolling a coin over his finger tips...
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