The Birth of the Star Spangled Banner - Production & Contact Info

The Birth of the Star Spangled Banner (1914)
Short | Short, Drama

Primary photo for The Birth of the Star Spangled Banner

The Birth of the Star Spangled Banner (1914)

Short | Short, Drama

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 ...See moreIt 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. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
18 cast members

Name	Known for
Augustus Phillips Francis Scott Key Francis Scott Key See fewer	The Gates of Eden (1916)
Ben F. Wilson Captain Potter Captain Potter See fewer	The Power God (1925)
Charles Sutton President Madison President Madison See fewer	The Cub Reporter (1912)
Mrs. William Bechtel Dolly Madison Dolly Madison See fewer	Abe Gets Even with Father (1911)
Carlton S. King Dr. Beanes (as Carlton King) Dr. Beanes (as Carlton King) See fewer	Just a Song at Twilight (1916)
Gertrude McCoy Helen Beanes Helen Beanes See fewer	Nelson (1926)
Harry Linson General Ross General Ross See fewer	The Gates of Eden (1916)
Richard Tucker Lieutenant Cusack Lieutenant Cusack See fewer	The Jazz Singer (1927)
Joseph W. Girard Major Armistead Major Armistead See fewer	Captain Midnight (1942)
Warren Cook General Strickler General Strickler See fewer	Seven Keys to Baldpate (1917)
Joseph Manning Admiral Cockleith (as Joe Manning) Admiral Cockleith (as Joe Manning) See fewer	The Screaming Shadow (1920)
Saul Harrison Captain Skinner Captain Skinner See fewer	The Customary Two Weeks (1917)
William West The Physician The Physician See fewer	The Rise and Fall of Weary Willie (1911)
Richard Neill Aide to General Ross Aide to General Ross See fewer	The King of the Kongo (1929)
Duncan McRae Aide to General Ross Aide to General Ross See fewer	My Own United States (1918)
Harry Beaumont Aide to General Ross Aide to General Ross See fewer	The Broadway Melody (1929)
Edward Earle Aide to General Ross Aide to General Ross See fewer	The Wind (1928)
Robert Emmett Tansey Actor (as Robert Tansey) Actor (as Robert Tansey) See fewer	Badman's Gold (1951)