1776 (1972)

William Daniels as John Adams was a part he was meant to play. His intensity throughout the movie was exceptional. It conveyed the true sense of urgency that the colonist had at the time to escape the oppressive British rule. Howard Da Silva was terrific as Benjamin Franklin. He portrayed his wit and wisdom perfectly. I also loved Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson. I'll always know him as "The White Shadow" but he showed his incredible acting range here. As a history and classic movie buff, I had to give this a 10 for the fine performances and great American history.

This may have to do with the fact that I own the director's cut but I feel that the movie is a little too long. I also think the actors speak too softly, so I watch it with subtitles. This movie is a musical about the Deceleration of Independence-which is a good idea. However, there are really only a couple songs I actually love-mainly "Sit Down John" and "The Lees of Old Virginia"- which is probably my favorite song in any musical. I should also mention that few sentences go by with out God;s name in vain, or uses of dam*, h*ll, b*stard, and even w*ore, among other curses. (Would not exceed PG-13, no F words are used). In short, this is worth watching, just too long, too quiet, and for some it may be too offensive.

We regularly watch this film each 4th of July Holiday. While rest of town and neighborhood is off watching a fireworks display, we are having a small dinner party and watching and commenting on the film. Maybe not every year but certainly it is a regular annual event. Everyone has a favorite era of history. Having grown up in the Northeast USA, one cannot help experiencing the overwhelming War of Independence history of the area. It is in the air, the soil and ambiance of life in Northeast USA. California has it's Spanish Missions history which predominates life style. Northeast has SPIRIT OF '76.

1776 is the 1972 film version of the groundbreaking Broadway musical that chronicles the people and events that led to the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. The musical centers on soon to be second President, John Adams, who according to this musical was a tireless but obnoxious advocate for the thirteen colonies independence from Great Britain and it was his zeal for this cause that led him to being central to the creation of the Declaration of Independence. William Daniels brilliantly recreates his Tony-winning Broadway role as John Adams, the restless and ever-vocal spokesperson for Independence who would not be silenced. He receives solid support from Howard da Silva, who does a scene stealing turn as Benjamin Franklin, Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson, John Cullum as Edmund Rutledge, and the lovely Blythe Danner as Martha Jefferson. Virginia Vestoff also recreates her Broadway role as Abigail Adams, John's wife who is presented as communicating with John through letters brought to life. The heart- pumping musical score features highlights such as "Sit Down, John", "He Plays the Violin", "Yours, Yours, Yours", "But Mr. Adams", "The Egg", "The Lees of Old Virginia", and the haunting "Molasses to Rum" (brilliantly performed by Cullum). One number, "Cool Considerate Men" was cut during the film's original release but has been restored to some prints. If you're a musical comedy fan with an open mind willing to experience something a little different, give this treasure a try.