1776

What Really Happened in 1776...

I absolutely adore this movie. It is perfectly hilarious. The characters are as unique as they were in real life, but candid and not stuffy and austere as they seem to be when they are read about (John Adams, Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, etc.). Then there are characters that were not preserved for posterity, such as "Andrew McNair, Congressional Custodian." Then there are the dispatches, missing New Jersey, and George Washington forever complaining about the state of his troops. The very first song always makes me laugh - because not only is it funny, it reminds us that they weren't always serious or had their minds glued on independence their whole time in Philadelphia, especially in the summertime. Then there is the noble turkey, the bird Ben Franklin wanted to be the nation's symbol instead of the eagle, who he claimed was "a scavenger, a theif, and a coward." Or Abigail and John arguing about saltpeter and pins. This is a wonderful movie and well worth the time and money.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

One of my absolutely favorite movies!

This movie has always been a favorite of mine since seeing it on television when I was a kid. I have the movie on VHS, and on DVD. It is one of those movies that reminds you of how this country was built, formed and organized by just a few men that were elected or appointed by the states that they represented. Back then, that is when they represented their constituancy without putting their hand out for more money or asking "What's in it for me?".

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A great primer on why we fight.

In a world where we are continually pushed into a left-right political mentality, it is refreshing to see a film where the ideals of liberty are championed so plainly.

William Daniels plays John Adams (actually a combination of historical figures John and Samuel Adams) to script-chomping perfection. Every line crackles from his lips, and you can feel the pathos in every phrase.

I don't know what one customer reviewer is talking about regarding the beautiful widescreen presentation here; no one's heads are cut off. Every frame is a work of art, and the ensemble of actors is never underused. The film was photographed for widescreen, and it's the only way to see this film.

If you're wondering why the Tea Party Patriots are so upset, you couldn't do much worse than to see "1776." We need to get back to our Founding Fathers' principles of limited government and individual liberty. Once you're done viewing this film, read the Declaration of Independence and ponder the significance of what those great men did back then.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

1776

THIS SHOULD BE SHOWN TO ALL STUDENTS IN HIGH SCHOOL. DO NOT CUT ANY SCENES. NOR LANGUAGE. IT GRABS AND HOLDS. EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS. IT'S ABOUT OUR COUNTRY. I'VE PASSED IT TO SO MANY FRIENDS.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

EXCELLENT

This is one of the best musicals you will ever see in your life. It brings all the characters (especially that small, fiery man John Adams) to life and lets you see that they were not as stiff and serene and polite as their portraits and biographies indicate. A must-see.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Best Musical Ever

This musical is a true rarity of strong acting, inspiring song,and patriotic fervor.It is surprisingly accurate as well(though i doubt anyone in the second continetal congress could sing that well). you can't go wrong

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This a really good movie. If you watch it you will live it.

Best movie I've ever seen.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Still love it, but....

I have always loved this play and movie. I have the old VCR tape, and visuallly I prefer it. The widescreen version chops the heads off some of the characters. The plus side of the widescreen is that it has the full version of it. I had forgotten that some of the scenes were deleted in the tape version. It's nice to have them back. It does add to the content. If you can get passed the visuals then it is worth watching.

This has always been a July 4 tradition. It will continue to be. I never get tired of it. It's funny, educational and well done. One of my favorite musicals of all times. I remember as a kid watching it in the movies theatre during the bicentennial. I have seen the broadway play too. Nice to have those memories. The nieces love it and it's a great way to introduce them to the history of our country. I do wish they could redo the widescreen version so that the characters heads aren't cut off. That would be a plus. Get it anyways. You won't be disappointed.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great Show, but Wide Screen Ruins the DVD

I'm sorry. I love this show, and looked forward to the added portions and better DVD screening with great anticipation. But the wide screen, with it's tight black- edged framing destroys the beauty of the picture. Try watching John Adams with the top of his head cut off. You'll want to cry. Back to my good old VHS version, where I can truly sit back and enjoy the whole show.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful rendition of history

A truly inspired work that mostly flows easily in its retelling of the discussions and choices surrounding the attempt to declare independence from England. William Daniels' portrayal of John Adams was magnetic.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

History to Music!

Originally, I watched this many years ago in school, and then saw the on stage version. For the younger veiwer it is a fantastic way to make a historically significant event come alive and be ''memorable''. The performances are top notch. And the facts close enough for most. A great family movie for all.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I LOVE THIS RESTORED VERSION!!!!

"1776" is required watching every 4th of July in my house. Of course, I'm prejudiced because the idea of the USA is practically a religion with me and I grew up during the musicals of the 1950's and '60's, so I find the combination irresistible. This film was instrumental in developing my own son's love of this country and he, too, loves this version. If you think you know everything about how this country started, watch this anyway--it's fairly accurate historically, too.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

outstanding

This film is not only entertaining, it's as historically accurate as a musical can be.

A great movie

I love this movie! I ve seen it so many times I can quote it and not just the funny parts ether. i love willam danels he plays a great John adams. and mr.jefferson is aways cute. My favroite songs are He plays the violn, sit down jhon, But mr.adams and may more. I hope you enjoy this movie as much as I did. ANd for those who are turned off by history stuff don't worry it's a comdey after all.

Awesome Movie

This is one of the best musicals I have ever seen!! I had to watch it in american history a few years back, and I loved it so much I just wanted to watch it again and again. It is very historically accurate, too. P.S.-William Daniels IS John Adams!!!!

He Plays the Violin!

This is the one movie you would want to watch over and over again. Ken Howard, who plays Jefferson is really amazing and William Danailes is and always will be Mr.John Adams. This is a great movie to watch on fourth of july. I love ths movie so much. I've watched it 14 times. I've seen the show a long time ago it was amazing. Richard Henry Lee is pretty funny a bit scary in some parts. This is a great way to find out who signed the delcaration. I love it alot you will too.

Let me talk you into this one...

When people ask me my favorite musical and I come out with "1776" they tend to look at me funny. What? Not Rent? Not Phantom? No. Try explaining how a musical based on the writing of the Declaration of Independence could be at all entertaining or relevant. You'll just have to trust me that this one works. Think it of it as more of a jumping off point than a factual time line of the events. Franklin puts it best in this show: "Who will history think we were? Demi-gods? We're men. No more, no less." I'm still moved by the themes today, even though I've watched and listened a humdred times.

A must see for every American

This movie is INCREDIBLY funny and very historically accurate. A must see for every American. I have seen it over 50 times and I never get tired of it. Each time I grow deeper in love with our Founding Fathers and their courage during that time period.

Make it an Independence Day tradition!

We've made this part of our 4th of July tradition. Although I'm sure our founding fathers were not all fabulous singers and dancers, it is a fun way to get the kids to understand that Independence Day is about more than fireworks and hotdogs on the grill. Ignore the historical inaccuracies and tell the kids (and adults) that it's based on events that changed the world.

Watch-able many times over

First of all, having seen the original Broadway production back in 1969, be aware that the film actually trims some content (probably more due to the political content of that material, and the temper of the times), particularly notably the tune COOL CONSIDERATE MEN. This does not diminish this excellent film musical, but realize that if 1776 turns up at a stage near you, it is very much worth the trip and will have a few extra treats. One of the things I particularly appreciated about the way this tale is told is how we are made to at least understand (if not empathize with) those parties that were reticent about coming on board with the Declaration of Independence. You'll have a new-found appreciation of the significance of our Declaration of Independence. Plus the songs are tuneful and varied - there's the humous (THE EGG), the emotive (MAMA LOOK SHARP), and the passionate (MOLASSES TO RUM), and my favorite, HE PLAYS THE VIOLIN. Sure it's stagey, but I think that is what has served this film well over the years, allowing it to have a rather unique distinct quality.