Customer Reviews
Even Better 
2008-09-05
1776 is an almost unbelievable musical considering the subject matter upon which it is based. Yet it works and is even better and more informative now that the cuts suggested by President Nixon have been restored. This musical gives a humorous and, at many times, angst producing view of the men who produced one of the great documents of history by showing what they left out of it.
Fun and historical movie 2008-08-16
I think this musical is a great mixture of history, humor and enjoyable music. The characters were well cast. William Daniels as John Adams is superb--okay, not the most melodious singer, but expressive and perfect for the part.
1776 is an excellent choice for viewing on patriotic holidays, especially July 4, of course.
My biggest objection to the movies? Using "Jesus" repeatedly as an exclamation. That is offensive and totally unnecessary.
Director's cut and commentary are brilliant! 2008-08-04
I saw this on Broadway and in the movies when released. The restored director's cut is a vast improvement in picture, sound and continuity. I love the justice that 30 years brought in allowing the director to have the final say. Take that, Jack Warner!
William Daniels is so magnificent,I've been unable to get him out of my head in subsequent Adams works. He IS Adams to me.
July 4th Set to Music 
2008-08-01
Although heavily panned at its original release and the film did not enjoy the same accolades as the Broadway musical, American History students may find 1776 an easy way to enjoy learing about the men and disagreements behind July 4th. I have used this movie for a college level History class. Most students find it an interesting way to see the founding fathers and the events that led to the declaration of American independence.
1776 Movie 2008-08-01
The movie was worth the wait. It is quite accurate and depicts a moment in our history that is the foundation of our country. The acting is believable and takes you to the spot were this all happened.
Worth the money , it should be in your library
Still holds up 2008-07-31
The hit Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards became the basis for this 1972 film about America's first congress and the nation's declaration of independence from Britain. Most of the original cast members are aboard, including William Daniels as John Adams. The film is a little stodgy and moves stiffly from scene to scene--the adaptation to the screen is not a smooth success. But it is nonetheless captivating, considering that so few films have dealt directly with America's birth. Directed by Peter H. Hunt.
--Tom Keogh
What a fantastic movie! 2008-07-29
If you can get past the fact that it's a musical (which I generally don't like but it seems to work here) and have some patience (it's almost 3 hours long), you will be very entertained by this film. I actually recommend watching it several times because there is really a lot of detail and it's hard to truly absorb everything the movie has to offer upon first view.
My favorites here are William Daniels as John Adams (nevermind his short stature; he turns in a big performance!), Ralston Hill as Congressional Secretary Thomson (his facial expressions at times are a riot), Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson, and of course, Howard Da Silva as Benjamin Franklin, although I am very impressed by all the actors in this film.
For those of you who have the DVD with the restored director's cut, make sure you view the extras. I enjoyed watching the film with the commentary by the director and the screenwriter; you get a lot of interesting information about the actors, the filming of the movie, etc from those guys. Also definitely check out the screen tests, which show about five of the actors who appeared in '1776'. It's fun to see how they rehearsed one of their lines/parts. Daniels is great here, of course, but my favorite is that of James Noble, who plays the Reverend John Witherspoon of New Jersey. In his first try, he stumbles, almost swears with sounds of laughter in the background and someone saying in a shocked voice, "Reverend!" I'm a big fan of his anyway (mainly from his role as Governor Gatling on "Benson"), so I was really happy to see him in '1776'.
Bottom line? Check it out, especially if you're a history lover. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
1776 2008-07-28
1776 (Restored Director's Cut)An excellent film and a must see for anyone interested in American history. Though this film is NOT 100% ACCURATE, it does portray an unique perspective to the writing and signing of our (the United States) Declaration of Independence. The musical score is very entertaining as well.
In summary, an excellent film and documentary worthy of inclusion in your film library. A MUST SEE for all Americans, young and old alike!
Absolutely Fabulous! 2008-07-22
1776 follows in the tradition of great musicals where literally every song is great, distinct and memorable so that the audience leaves the theater humming the overture. My Fair Lady was like that; so was Camelot. The greatest musicals have outstanding songs and lyrics and they just sweep you away. Also 1776 broke the mold of musicals as well - it had great music, history, drama, comedy and this combination really worked. Nuff said - it is hands down my favorite musical.
Huzzah! Extraordinary Entertainment. 2008-07-21
Having played John Adams at the old Fort Bragg Playhouse with the inimitable Tom Savini as Benjamin Franklin back in July of 1972, I was in great anticipation of the film release. Comparisons are inevitable, and I do recall being disappointed in the film, not because of any of the performances, which were impeccable, nor of the production values, which were astounding, but because for some unfathomable reason a key song had been cut out of the theatrical release.
Surprising too, because it had been prominently featured in the pre-publicity campaign. I refer, of course, to "Cool, Cool Conservative Men." There has been some speculation as to why it was cut, the least plausible of which is pressure from the Nixon White House, but I am happy to say that in the DVD version the song has been restored. John Dickinson is back in all his acerbic, obstructionist glory. (Historically accurate, no; dramatically necessary, yes.)
This is a DVD that should be purchased by everyone and played every Fourth of July.
We sometimes forget how unlikely an event it was, this founding of a new nation in so extraordinary a manner.
"Think of it,." Franklin opines, "It's never been done before," and indeed it had not. Never in history has a nation been created based upon a set if ideas rather than by conquest and on personality, the pattern of monarchies and dictatorships.
The Roman Republic developed over time as did Greek Democracy, only the United States was created in one fell swoop based upon the principles set down by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence.
The remarkable thing about this treatment of the events leading up to the signing of that document is the way the audience is pulled into in the drama. Even though we know the outcome from history, during the play we are incredibly in a great deal of doubt about it. When the whole enterprise comes down to one vote in Congress, we hang on the uncertainty of it all. This is very good writing.
Performances are crisp, the pacing is effective and, with the restoration of the entire score, the music is stirring.
Five big stars.
