An Introduction to Film

378 CHAPTER 8EDITING

Shot Description Length Type of

(sec.) Shot*

1 Lincoln’s party as, one by one, they reach the top of the stairs inside 7 MS

the theater and turn off toward the president’s box. Lincoln’s bodyguard

comes up first, Lincoln last.

2 The president’s box, viewed from inside the theater. Members of 4 MS

Lincoln’s party appear inside.

3 President Lincoln, outside his box, giving up his hat to an attendant. 5 MS

4 The president’s box [as in shot 2]. Lincoln appears in the box. 4 MS

5 Elsie Stoneman and Ben Cameron sitting in the auditorium. They look 7 MS

up toward Lincoln’s box, then start clapping and rise from their seats.

6 View from the back of the auditorium toward the stage. The president’s 3 LS

box is to the right. The audience, backs to the camera, are standing in

foreground, clapping and cheering the president.

7 The president’s box [as in shot 4]. Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln bow 3 MS

to the audience.

8 As in shot 6. 3LS

9 The president’s box [as in shot 7]. Lincoln enters the box and sits down. 5 MS

INTERTITLE:Mr. Lincoln’s personal bodyguard takes his post outside the Presidential box.

10 After coming into the passage outside the box and sitting down, the 10 MS

bodyguard starts rubbing his knees impatiently.

11 View from the back of the auditorium toward the stage. The play is in 5 LS

progress, but the audience stands and greets the president.

12 The president’s box [as in shot 9]. Lincoln takes his wife’s hand and 9 MS

acknowledges the audience’s greeting.

13 Standing, the audience waves white handkerchiefs at the president. 4 MLS

TABLE 8.1 The Assassination Sequence from The Birth of a Nation

INTERTITLE: “And then, when the terrible days were over and a healing time of peace was at hand... came the fated

night of 14th April, 1865.”

Two short scenes follow: Benjamin Cameron (Henry B. Walthall) fetches Elsie Stoneman (Lillian Gish) from the Stone-

mans house and they leave together. Next seen in a theater, they are attending a special gala performance at which

President Lincoln is to be present. The performance has already begun.

INTERTITLE:Time: 8:30

The arrival of the President, Mrs. Lincoln, and party.

*CU = close-up; LS = long shot; MLS = medium long shot; MS = medium shot