Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Schell slides the portfolio in front of Benson at a crowded workingmen's lunchroom.

Scene 29 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 45 min into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 29

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 26
Latham names Giles Stuart as the next prospective convert.
Scene 27
Bilbo and Schell stage a collision at the Treasury to put the patronage portfolio into Stuart's hands.
Scene 28
Latham and Schell approach Merrick amid the Patent Office displays.
Scene 29
This scene

29INT. A WORKINGMENS' LUNCHROOM, WASHINGTON - DAY

A hall packed with working men, soaped-up windows. A GYPSY FIDDLER saws away. Homer Benson, incongruous in a suit, slurps. As he lifts his spoon to his mouth, the folio is placed in front of him. He looks over, puzzled, as Schell smiles and extends a hand.

Benson takes the folio. Schell slides his chair closer.