The 1903 Silent Film by Edwin Porter.
The final shot of a gun being fired toward the camera had a profound effect on audiences. As cinema was in its infancy, many people who saw the film thought that they were actually about to be shot.
Scene 1 — Interior of railroad telegraph office. Two masked robbers enter and compel the operator to set the `signal block’ to stop the approaching train, also making him write an order to the engineer to take water at this station…
Scene 2 — At the railroad water tank. The bandit band are seen hiding behind the tank as a train stops to take water (according to false order). Just before she pulls out they stealthily board the train between the express car and the tender.
Scene 3 — Interior of express car… the two robbers have succeeded in effecting an entrance. They enter cautiously. The messenger opens fire on them. 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 searches the messenger for the key. Not finding it, he blows the safe up with dynamite…. [end of part 1]
Scene 4 — The fight on the tender. This thrilling scene was taken from the mail car showing the tender and interior of locomotive cab, while the train is running forty miles an hour…
Scene 5 — The train uncoupled…
Scene 6 — Exterior of passenger coaches. The bandits compel the passengers to leave coaches with hands aloft, and line up along the tracks. One of the robbers covers them with large pistols in either hand, while the others ransack travelers’ pockets. A passenger makes an attempt to escape, but is instantly shot down…
Scene 7 — The escape. The desperadoes board the locomotive with their booty, command the engineer to start his machine, and disappear in the distance.
Scene 8 — Off to the mountains. The robbers bring the engine to a stop several miles from the scene of the `Hold Up,’ and take to the mountains. [end of part 2]
Scene 9 — A beautiful scene in a valley. The bandits come down the side of a hill on a run and cross a narrow stream. Mounting their horses, which were tied to nearby trees, they vanish into the wilderness.
Scene10-Interior of telegraph office. The operator lies bound and gagged on the floor. After a desperate struggle, he succeeds in standing up. Leaning on the table, he telegraphs for assistance by manipulating the key with his chin, and then faints from exhaustion. His little daughter enters, cuts the ropes, and, throwing a glass of water in his face, restores him to consciousness. Arising in a bewildered manner, he suddenly recalls his thrilling experience, and rushes forth to summon assistance.
Scene 11 — Interior of a dance hall… typical Western dance house scene… Suddenly the door opens and the half dead telegraph operator staggers in. The crowd gathers around him, while he relates what has happened… The men secure their guns and hastily leave in pursuit of the outlaws.
Scene 12 — The posse in pursuit. Shows the robbers dashing down a rugged mountain at a terrible pace, followed closely by a large posse, both parties firing as they proceed. One of the desperadoes is shot…
Scene 13 — The remaining three bandits, thinking they had eluded their pursuers, have dismounted from their horses… and begin to examine the contents of the mail bags… The pursuers, having left their horses, steal noiselessly down upon them until they are completely surrounded. A desperate battle then takes place. After a brave stand, all of the robbers and several of the posse bite the dust.
Scene 14 — Realism. Full frame of Barnes, leader of the outlaw band, taking aim and firing point blank at the audience.