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.