1776 (1972)

Absolutely the worst movie.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The acting in this movie is really good.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Cool men. Few women. Hot days. Stifling clothes. Knuckleheads and fighters. Cowards and wimps. My observations on this film. More as follows. During filming: post-civil rights era or tail end. During Vietnam War. Poor men's fight. Rich men's game. True in both wars and still true. England was coming back again in 1812. Women lovely gowns. Dog great. Franklin one-liners hilarious. Loved the songs and dances. So many main players have passed away. RIP. Kudos. Great film. A lot really happened. I have a degree in American History. 10/10.

Saw the play on Broadway. Saw the movie. Incredibly moving story of the history of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Every part was perfectly cast.

30 years ago I sat home on a rainy day and discovered my calling. I stumbled upon this great American film and by the time it was over I knew I wanted to be a history teacher. The relationship between Adams and Franklin, the witty song lyrics which actually tell the true story of our quest for independence, and the humorizing of these great men (Yes, I said humorizing!) Throughout the last 28 years of my teaching career, I have often found myself reliving this version of history. William Daniels IS John Adams. Howard De Silva is Ben Franklin. The performances are so right that I hear their voices in my head while I teach. It accomplishes what all great films do. It makes the viewer want to learn more about the subject. I can not recommend this film highly enough.

In 1776 Philadelphia, thirteen colonies from the future United States of America consider declaring independence from Great Britain. Leading the charge in Congress are founding fathers William Daniels (as John Adams) and Howard Da Silva (as Benjamin Franklin). Deciding a "Declaration of Independence" is needed, they employ reluctant Ken Howard (as Thomas Jefferson) to pen the document. He has writers' cramp due to sexual inactivity, until beautiful blonde wife Blythe Danner (as Martha Wayles Jefferson) visits. Southern royalist Donald Madden (as John Dickinson) leads the opposition..."1776" was a big hit on Broadway, running from 1969-1972. No doubt this was helped by thousands and thousands of classrooms making the play a field trip. Not only did it beat a day in the classroom, kids could also relate to a cast of long-haired revolutionaries who were blatantly depicted enjoying sex, drugs, and contemporary music; and, teachers could use the story as a tool. Most of the original's appeal is lacking in this motion picture adaptation, brought to the screen by veteran producer Jack L. Warner. Reportedly, he relented to then President Richard M. Nixon's editing suggestions...The film is too long. President Nixon's trimming did not help...The real problem was trying to enhance the stage version by over-producing. This is most obvious in the segments involving Mr. Daniels and first lady of the film Virginia Vestoff (as Abigail Smith Adams). However, Ms. Vestoff's Tony-nominated performance manages to shine through the fuzzy lens and sprawling field. Vestoff is one of four from the supernatural serial "Dark Shadows" in the cast; the others are fly-swatting David Ford (as John Hancock), shy Emory Bass (as Wilson) and Daniel Keyes (as Bartlett). The film's greatest strength is that it does preserve many of the stage performances.****** 1776 (11/9/72) Peter H. Hunt ~ William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, Ken Howard, Virginia Vestoff