Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Lincoln continues his solitary walk, declining Hay's offer of company.

Scene 55 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act two

Lincoln

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:14 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 55

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 52
Lincoln walks alone through the White House after hearing Seward's alternatives.
Scene 53
Lincoln sits awake at an open window, weighing Grant's telegram against law books and the ticking of his watch.
Scene 54
Lincoln wakes Hay over a deserter's pardon and asks what use there is in adding more corpses as the war ends.
Scene 55
This scene

55INT. HALLWAY, THE WHITE HOUSE - LATE NIGHT

As before, Lincoln continues his slow and solitary walk.

LINCOLN (V.O.)

Times like this, I'm best alone.