Corrected entry: The reenactment of Lincoln's murder is not historically correct. Booth shot the president in the back of the head. One of Lincoln's guests - Major Rathbone - jumped from his seat and tried to prevent Booth from escaping, but Booth stabbed the Major violently in the arm with a knife. Rathbone quickly recovered and grabbed onto Booth's coat as he was preparing to jump from the sill of the box. Booth vaulted over the rail and down to the stage. His foot was caught on the Treasury flag, and Booth came down full-face to the audience, thus breaking his leg.
Vader47000
10th Feb 2008
Correction: This is essentially what is depicted in the film, though for time the sequence had to be abridged and the fight with Rathbone is omitted. Booth's foot is shown catching in the flag, causing him to crash on the stage. The scene even includes the correct line being spoken during the play right before Lincoln is shot. There are other minor details about the scene the film flubs, but the broad sequence isn't one of them.
Vader47000