Save the Cat rankings

WILD WILD WEST script analysis

WILD WILD WEST script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Captain Jim West and Artemus Gordon are summoned by President Grant to stop the villainous Dr. Loveless, who wields a deadly mechanical disc and kidnaps top scientists. The duo infiltrates high-society parties and battles Loveless’s forces across train cars, swamps, and canyons. After their partnership is strained and they face near-defeat against Loveless’s giant tarantula machine, West and Gordon rally for a final showdown. Ultimately, they save the day and ride into the sunset, setting up America’s first Secret Service.

75 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 71 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

72%

The story opens with Thaddeus Morton hunted and killed by a lethal disc, establishing the threat.

Madman... Hideous spider... Run... Run! Warn the President...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 5% target

68%

President Grant muses on recent death threats and the need for protection, hinting at the cost of security.

Been a lot of death threats lately ... Cabinet made me hire some damn detectives.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 2-7 / 10% target

75%

We meet West, Gordon, and McGrath; learn of the kidnapped scientists and Loveless’s menace; Gordon’s disguise skills are introduced.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 12% target

80%

Grant briefs West and Gordon on ten missing scientists taken by General McGrath, propelling them into action.

Ten of our country's best scientists... all kidnapped in the last year. By General McGrath, it now seems.
5

Debate

Scenes 9-12 / Pages 9-12 / 20% target

70%

West and Gordon clash over tactics aboard the train and question their partnership as clues emerge.

6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 25% target

74%

An argument over disguises signals their commitment to infiltrate Loveless’s ball and take the fight to him.

Now, squeeze this. This is what a breast should feel like.
7

B Story

Scene 21 / Page 21 / 30% target

67%

Artemus meets Amazonia, setting up a secondary romantic/spy subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 14-23 / Pages 14-23 / 40% target

76%

Infiltration of the Loveless mansion, disguises, seductions, and action as the agents spy and fight inside.

9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / Page 29 / 50% target

77%

They discover a dying McGrath, marking a false victory that deepens the stakes.

What's the matter, West? Thought you'd be happy to find me... like this.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 32-40 / Pages 32-40 / 65% target

73%

Loveless’s forces unleash sleeping-gas and deadly discs, trapping West and Gordon repeatedly.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 49 / Page 49 / 75% target

75%

Dr. Loveless unveils his giant mechanical tarantula, presenting an insurmountable enemy.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 46 / Page 46 / 80% target

70%

West and Gordon camp in the desert, revealing personal backstories and doubts about their mission.

I'm an actor. Or was. I gave it up. I went by the name of Arthur Gordon. Ever...
13

Break into Three

Scene 56 / Page 56 / 85% target

78%

Gordon, disguised as Grant, directly confronts Loveless, crystallizing their final plan to stop him.

In matters of war, the person to talk to would be me.
14

Finale

Scenes 62-68 / Pages 62-68 / 95% target

79%

Aerial attack in the Desert Wasp, assault on the Tarantula, hand-to-hand combat below deck, culminating in Loveless’s defeat.

15

Final Image

Scene 71 / Page 71 / 99% target

71%

West and Gordon ride into the sunset as the tarantula looms, signaling both victory and ongoing adventure.

Maybe Rita's right...