Page One: “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)

Screenplay by Nora Ephron and David S. Ward and Jeff Arch, story by Jeff Arch

The movie version of the opening:

One interesting change from script to screen: Instead of cutting to Annie, the focus stays on Sam all the way through him declaring he needs a real change… a move to another city. That choice makes sense as it rounds out Sam’s introduction:

Beginning: His wife’s funeral
Middle: Coping with her death
Ending: Decision to move

You may download the screenplay here.

FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!

Page One is a daily Go Into The Story series featuring the first page of notable movie scripts from the classic era to contemporary times. Comparing them is an excellent way to study a variety of writing styles and see how professional writers start a story.

For more Page One posts, go here.

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