Lincoln · written by Tony Kushner · 2012

Bells and cannon announce victory; Lincoln raises the window and rests his hand on Tad's head.

Scene 86 of 102 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act three

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 1:51 into a 2:06 film

The story so farBefore scene 86

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.
Scenes 17–84
Lincoln bargains, delays peace commissioners, confronts family costs and defends the vote against postponement.
Just before
Scene 83
The House roll call continues through a rapid sequence of ayes and nays.
Scene 84
Lincoln and Tad study a book of animal and insect varieties while waiting for the result.
Scene 85
Colfax casts his own aye and announces that the amendment has passed with a two-vote margin.
Scene 86
This scene

86INT. LINCOLN'S OFFICE, THE WHITE HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Lincoln stands, waiting. The only sound is the ticking of the clock. And then the ticking is slowly drowned out as bells begin to peal throughout the city. Lincoln raises the window as Tad rushes to him. The bells are joined by a cannonade. The sound of jubilation fills his office.

Lincoln turns from the window to Tad, who stares out eagerly, seeking out the source of the noise. Lincoln puts his hand on Tad's head. He looks down at his son, silent.