The Birth of the Star Spangled Banner (1914)
It was just one hundred years ago that the national anthem of the United States came into existence. In this film we have attempted to present the dramatic events which led to its creation, in a realistic and accurate manner. When the combined military and naval forces of the British were threatening Washington during the fall of 1814, President Madison, fearing for the safety of the Declaration of Independence, sent it, in the care of Captain Potter, his aide, to the commandant of Fort McHenry at Baltimore. On his way to Baltimore, Potter stopped at the house of Dr. Beanes. While they were at dinner, a British reconnoitering party, consisting of General Ross and his aides, invested the house. Potter and Helen Beanes took refuge behind a secret panel in the dining room. From this position, Potter heard General Ross say that Baltimore would be attacked by land and sea within two days. To save Dr. Beanes from torture when the Captain's hat was discovered. Potter jumped from his hiding place, and, after holding the British officers at the point of his pistol, escaped. Dr. Beanes was taken aboard the British cartel ship, while Potter delivered his mission and warning of the British attack to the commandant of Fort McHenry. Helen Beanes appealed to President Madison to help her father, and the President sent one of his aides, and a certain Francis Scott Key to interview Admiral Cockburn. Admiral Cockburn agreed to release the doctor, but insisted that both Americans should remain aboard the cartel ship "Minden" until the forthcoming battle was over. So Key was forced to watch the long bombardment of Fort McHenry throughout the long night. "The rockets' red glare; The bombs bursting in air; Gave proof through the night; That our flag was still there." But towards morning, the fire of the fort slackened, and Key feared it had surrendered. His feelings, when the first rays of the sun fell on the fluttering flag are embodied in the great song he wrote for his country.
All Releases
Domestic
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International
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Worldwide
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| George Lessey | Director |
| J.W. Blake | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Augustus Phillips | |
| Ben F. Wilson | |
| Charles Sutton | |
| Mrs. William Bechtel |
