Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Lincoln sits awake at an open window, weighing Grant's telegram against law books and the ticking of his watch.

Scene 53 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:12 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 53

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 50
Grant leaves the commissioners and urges Lincoln by telegram to hear their sincere appeal for peace and union.
Scene 51
Seward presents Lincoln with the choice of an immediate peace or delaying the delegates to preserve the amendment vote.
Scene 52
Lincoln walks alone through the White House after hearing Seward's alternatives.
Scene 53
This scene

53INT. LINCOLN'S OFFICE, WHITE HOUSE - LATE NIGHT

Lincoln sits before an open window. He's dishevelled, in shirtsleeves an unbuttoned vest, next to an inkwell, papers and books of law scattered about, and a lit candle in a candlestick, guttering. Grant's telegraph is in one hand, and in the other hand, his spectacles and, dangling from a chain, his open pocket watch. His bare left foot keeps time with the watch's loud ticking. He stares out into the cold night.