Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Bilbo and Schell stage a collision at the Treasury to put the patronage portfolio into Stuart's hands.

Scene 27 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 44 min into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 27

In the final winter of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln risks a fragile coalition and the chance of an early peace to force an amendment abolishing slavery through a divided House of Representatives.

Scenes 1–7
The reelected president balances military command, popular affection and a household wounded by grief.
Scenes 8–13
Lincoln needs a durable constitutional abolition measure and commits to passing it before the term ends.
Scenes 14–16
Radical allies and discreet patronage operatives join the campaign as the amendment enters House debate.
Scene 17
Robert returns, bringing the family's private struggle over his enlistment into Lincoln's public campaign.
Just before
Scene 24
Latham begins naming the more promising Democrats the operatives are pursuing.
Scene 25
Latham separates Hanson from his colleagues and introduces the patronage portfolio.
Scene 26
Latham names Giles Stuart as the next prospective convert.
Scene 27
This scene

27INT. THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT - DAY

In the grand lobby there are Federal bank windows. Schell is in line at one of these behind Giles Stuart, who completes a transaction and leaves, counting money. Bilbo, barrelling the other way, intentionally slams into Stuart, causing him to drop his money. Bilbo and Schell both kneel to help.

Schell places the open folio in Stuart's hands. As the men pile his recovered money into the folio, Stuart's puzzled, then intrigued. Schell gives him a meaningful look.

CLOSE ON A SMALL WOODEN FILE BOX

A folded prospectus, now with the name "Stuart" scrawled on it, is added to a growing file.