The Great Train Robbery (1903)


1	INTERIOR OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPH OFFICE.

	Two masked robbers enter and compel the operator to get the "signal 
	block" to stop the approaching train, and make him write a fictitious 
	order to the engineer to take water at this station, instead of "Red 
	Lodge," the regular watering stop. The train comes to a standstill 
	(seen through window of office); the conductor comes to the window, and 
	the frightened operator delivers the order while the bandits crouch out
 	of sight, at the same time keeping him covered with their revolvers. As 
	soon as the conductor leaves, they fall upon the operator, bind and gag 
	him, and hastily depart to catch the moving train.

 
2 	RAILROAD WATER TOWER. 

	The bandits are hiding behind the tank as the train, under the false 
	order, stops to take water. Just before she pulls out they stealthily 
	board the train between the express car and the tender.


3	INTERIOR OF EXPRESS CAR. 

	Messenger is busily engaged. An unusual sound alarms him. He goes to 
	the door, peeps through the keyhole and discovers two men trying to 
	break in. He starts back bewildered, but, quickly recovering, he 
	hastily locks the strong box containing the valuables and throws the 
	key through the open side door. Drawing his revolver, he crouches 
	behind a desk. In the meantime, the two robbers have succeeded in 
	breaking in the door and enter cautiously. The messenger opens fire, 
	and a desperate pistol duel takes place in which the messenger is 
	killed. One of the robbers stands watch while the other tries to open 
	the treasure box. Finding it locked, he vainly searches the messenger 
	for the key, and blows the safe open with dynamite. Securing the 
	valuables and mail bags they leave the car.
 

4 	This thrilling scene shows THE TENDER AND INTERIOR OF THE LOCOMOTIVE 
	CAB, while the the train is running forty miles an hour. While two of 
	the bandits have been robbing the mail car, two others climb over the 
	tender. One of them holds up the engineer while the other covers the 
	fireman, who seizes a coal shovel and climbs up on the tender, where a 
	desperate fight takes place. They struggle fiercely all over the tank 
	and narrowly escape being hurled over the side of the tender. Finally 
	they fall, with the robber on top. He seizes a lump of coal, and 
	strikes the fireman on the head until he becomes senseless. He then 
	hurls the body from the swiftly moving train. The bandits then compel 
	the engineer to bring the train to a stop.
 

5	Shows THE TRAIN coming to a stop. The engineer leaves the locomotive, 
	uncouples it from the train, and pulls ahead about 100 feet while the 
	robbers hold their pistols to his face.
 

6	EXTERIOR SCENE SHOWING TRAIN. 

	The bandits compel the passengers to leave the coaches, "hands up," and 
	line up along the tracks. One of the robbers covers them with a 
	revolver in each hand, while the others relieve the passengers of 
	their valuables. A passenger attempts to escape, and is instantly shot 
	down. Securing everything of value, the band terrorize the passengers 
	by firing their revolvers in the air, while they make their escape to 
	the locomotive.
 

7 	The desperadoes board the locomotive with this booty, compel the 
	engineer to start, and disappear in the distance.
 

8 	The robbers bring the engine to a stop several miles from the scene of 
	the "hold up," and take to the mountains.
 

9	A beautiful scene in A VALLEY. The bandits come down the side of a 
	hill, across a narrow stream, mounting their horses, and make for the 
	wilderness.
 

10	INTERIOR OF TELEGRAPH OFFICE. 

	The operator lies bound and gagged on the floor. After struggling to 
	his feet, he leans on the table, and telegraphs for assistance by 
	manipulating the key with his chin, and then faints from exhaustion. 
	His little daughter enters with his dinner pail. She cuts the rope, 
	throws a glass of water in his face, restores him to consciousness, 
	and, recalling his thrilling experience, he rushes out to give the 
	alarm.
 

11	INTERIOR OF A TYPICAL WESTERN DANCE HALL. 

	Shows a number of men and women in a lively quadrille. A "tenderfoot" 
	is quickly spotted and pushed to the center of the hall, and compelled 
	to do a jig, while bystanders amuse themselves by shooting dangerously 
	close to his feet. Suddenly the door opens and the half-dead telegraph 
	operator staggers in. The dance breaks up in confusion. The men secure 
	their rifles and hastily leave the room.
 

12	Shows the mounted robbers dashing down A RUGGED HILL at a terrific 
	pace, followed closely by a large posse, both parties firing as they
	ride. One of the desperadoes is shot and plunges headlong from his 
	horse. Staggering to his feet, he fires at the nearest pursuer, only to 
	be shot dead a moment later.
 

13	The three remaining bandits, thinking they have eluded the pursuers, 
	have dismounted from their horses, and after carefully surveying their 
	surroundings, they start to examine the contents of the mail pouches. 
	They are so grossly engaged in their work that they do not realize the 
	approaching danger until too late. The pursuers, having left their 
	horses, steal noiselessly down upon them until they are completely
	surrounded. A desperate battle then takes place, and after a brave 
	stand all the robbers and some of the posse bite the dust.
 

14	A life-size [close-up] picture of Barnes, leader of the outlaw band, 
	taking aim and firing point-blank at the audience. The resulting 
	excitement is great. This scene can be used to begin or end the 
	picture.
 
 


A version of this scenario appears in the Edison Catalogue of 1904.