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Summary: A Frighteningly Realistic Look At Our Founding Fathers
Review: In the three years between this musical's debut on Broadway and its debut on the silver screen,"1776" managed to retain its orginal Broadway cast almost completely-a remarkable feat.
It is possible that I first saw this musical during the Bicentennial. But I definitely saw it during a college history course at an age when I could fully appreciate its occassionally bawdy humor.
As John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, and Ken Howard lead a lively cast through a movie with the distinctly sharp look of many early 70s musicals, which all the while shows the very human side of those involved in the struggle for independance from Britain.
It begins with Daniels' crude and cantankerous Adams haranguing with other members of the Continental Congress. The distinct personalities of the Founding Fathers are given great emphasis, as are the volatile conflicts that could have prevented the Declaration of Independance from being adopted.
Franklin's character as a dignified womanizer is noted, and Jefferson's struggle to write the Declaration and lonliness for his wife leads to one of the brightest and most joyous moments in the production when Philadelphia native Blythe Danner's Martha Jefferson(to whom Heaven would call within six year's time) arrives from Virginia to join her husband, and leads his colleagues, Adams and Franklin in a joyous dance in a garden the next day.
Adams' own relationship with his wife, Abigail, one of the great romances in American history, is also explored. The late Virginia Vestoff is a strong and supportive wife as she consoles her spouse from a distance, belting out a tuneful and triumphant melody or two along the way.
Ron Holgate's operatic training was well-used in his role as Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee. Jonathan Moore, who later starred in another 18th Century epic, "Amadeus", returns to join the besieged but determined Adams at a low but critical point in the struggle; Howard Cline's New York delegate, Lewis Morris reveals a truth about New York manners that hasn't changed in 200 years. John Cullum purrs in a Southern drawl as South Carolina delegate Edward Rutledge who forces the removal of the anti-slavery clause from the Declaration. James Noble is amaible as New Jersey delagate Witherspoon.
As was typical of Vietnam Era films, there was an anti-war message in the song, "Mama, Look Sharp". A very folksy William Duell as Custodian Andrew McNair dutifully assists the delagates while witnessing the proceedings.
David Ford is a solemn John Hancock who gives the impression that the only thing flamboyant about Hancock was his signature.
Emory Bass' Judge Wilson of Pennsylavania captures the befuddlement of a lone man faced with changing the course of history.
While George Washington isn't in the cast, his letters figure heavily in the story as they are read by Hancock.
But despite the bloody struggle that remains offscreen and at a distance, all ends powerfully well as the motley delegation sign an incendiary document, reminding all humanity that the pen is mightier than the sword.
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Summary: Video review
Review: GOOD, GOOD GOOD!!! I LOVE this musical. The casting was superb, the songs actually fit the movie, and, miracle of micracles, when I read biographies of John Adams, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jeffferson, I realized he had used the ACTUAL words they had written in their letters!! Almost every word in the movie was truthful and accurate. It's my favorite musical, and almost my favorite movie!! SO good! Everyone should see it, if just for the casting.I've seen it at LEAST 20 times, and every time is like new.
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Summary: The Best
Review: This is the best musical period. I fell in love with it from the first time I saw it in my American History class. William Daniels is brilliant as John Adams. If you haven't seen this movie see it now, it is well worth your time.
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Summary: Greatest Historical Movie Ever!
Review: The songs are amazing, acting great, and the relizim of the time is un belivable. NOw, yes it does have some bad words, but it isn't that bad. I love the movie, and the songs. Anyone who likes historical fiction, or a good musical, should get this. My friend(an adult) and her sons hated history. Then, they saw this movie, and they bought it for themselves! They sing the songs, and the youngest son in 1st grade remember facts from the movie for school! A must have.
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Summary: Remove This Review
Review: Remove This Review
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Summary: A Fun Historical Movie With Too Much Bubblegum
Review: I was not too sure if I should give this movie 3 or 4 stars... 1776 is the tale of the Declaration Of Independence as seen through the eyes of John Adams (second president of the USA) or someone who is very much like him. It is a fun and at times silly presentation done in the "old musical" style. I first saw 1776 when I was in Junior High School and was immediately taken by the amount of effort put into making a collection of 13 colonies into a nation. The efforts of men such as Ben Franklin and John Adams can not be understated. This movie is fun and indeed is (mostly) historically correct. The frivolity of a musical was detracting for me and some of the score was not so hot, some songs were good, but dated sounding. Still all in all a very good movie and one I enjoyed for what it is. If working with kids it might be good to start off with this movie and then buy the three tape Liberty series from PBS to fill in the blanks with more depth and true history.
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Summary: It's a masterpiece I say
Review: Easily one of the top ten musicals of all time. In addition to that, it's a darn good play. The authors might tweak the facts a bit here and there, but it's still one of the best historical movies I've ever seen. If only Ken Burns could be this entertaining... I'm not even going to try to describe it. Rent it yourself next July and live the adventure.
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Summary: totally recomended!
Review: wow! one of the best musicals i've seen! it puts comedy with history and you really learn facts! entertaining and great songs with the weaving of history to make it historical but yet fun!
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Summary: Ladened with Bibles and Slaves
Review: "1776" is a solid, fun musical. The history lesson contained in its story is worthy, and something all Americans should be familiar with. The songs are catchy, and the historical personages are brought to life admirably. While it is no "Les Miserables," it is always worth catching a professional performance. For me, the film version is a little lacking. Part of it is casting. William Daniels (John Adams) does an admirable job of the acting, but his singing and dancing is less than stellar. Virginia Vestoff is a little too pretty and poised as Abigail Adams. I like her a little more feisty. Howard Da Silva does good justice to Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The rest of the cast is able, but not outstanding. Part of it is the rather dated style of the film. The costumes, cinematography and lighting are all unfortunately old fashioned, rather than charmingly so as in the case of "Singing in the Rain." However, it is good enough. The story is strong enough to carry the talent. I always enjoy it every time I watch it. I am glad to have this DVD version, as "Cool, Considerate Men" is one of the best songs. A good time to be had, and an important lesson to be learned.
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Summary: American History Musical
Review: I was thriled to learn that this was out on DVD and even more happy that they put in the extra futtege.The characters in the movie are charming and witty.Even Adams sence of humor grows on you.It's a great way to learn about history and fun to watch.
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