1776 (1972)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Peter H. Hunt

Writers:

Sherman Edwards (play)
Peter Stone (play)

Release Date:

17 November 1972 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family | History | Musical

Plot:

The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776...

Plot Keywords:

Thomas Jefferson | George Washington | Declaration Of Independence | John Adams | Benjamin Franklin

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 nomination

Cast

William Daniels	...	John Adams (MA)
Howard Da Silva	...	Dr. Benjamin Franklin (PA)
Ken Howard	...	Thomas Jefferson (VA)
Donald Madden	...	John Dickinson (PA)
John Cullum	...	Edward Rutledge (SC)
Roy Poole	...	Stephen Hopkins (RI)
David Ford	...	Congressional President John Hancock (MA)
Ron Holgate	...	Richard Henry Lee (VA)
Ray Middleton	...	Col. Thomas McKean (DE)
William Hansen	...	Caesar Rodney (DE)
Blythe Danner	...	Martha Jefferson
Virginia Vestoff	...	Abigail Adams
Emory Bass	...	Judge James Wilson (PA)
Ralston Hill	...	Congressional Secretary Charles Thomson
Howard Caine	...	Lewis Morris (NY)

MPAA:

Rated PG for language. (edited version)

Runtime:

142 min | 168 min (director's cut) | 180 min (Laserdisc version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:G | USA:PG (longer video version) | Singapore:PG

Company:

Columbia Pictures Corporation

Trivia:

The final feature film of David Ford, Donald Madden and Ray Middleton.

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Richard Henry Lee mounts his horse he is speaking, yet his mouth is clearly closed.

Quotes:

[speaking of Congress]
John Adams: Fat George has declared us in rebellion! Why in bloody hell can't they?

Movie Connections:

Featured in Playing Columbine (2008)

Soundtrack:

Molasses to Rum

Big laughs, poignant moments, sweetest love songs.

Although at first, it's surprising to see a musical about the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the viewer is soon caught up in the politics and emotions of this important American event. It should be watched more than once, because it can be appreciated on several different levels. There are some of the biggest laughs, some of the most poignant moments, and the sweetest love songs you'll see in movies. Much of the dialog is taken straight from the documented letters and conversations of the principal characters, and we get to see them as real people with real worries and real feelings, rather than as the marble statues seen in the history books. This is definitely a must-see movie (and stage play, if you get the chance), and one you won't forget.