Avaliações de usuários

I promised my mother that I would once again put this wonderful movie on the video player this week end. There is a wonderful comment in the book "Lets put on a musical" about the fact that half way through the story you wonder if you really do know how it is going to end!

William Daniels,is of course spectacular as John Adams,the linchpin of the show. Howard DaSilva and Franklin is just jaded enough(read dirty old man), and Ken Howard is delightful as Jeffrson. One person who was not in the stage production but is a definite asset to the movie is John Cullum as Rutledge.especially in his big solo number,Molasses to Rum.

A real treat for eyes and ears ,and a history lesson to boot.

As a person who has gained a college degree in History, I first fell in love with this movie when I saw it as the stage play with the Broadway cast in my junior year in high school, in 1976. The movie is surprisingly accurate with direct quotations from key congressional members, such as Adams, Franklin and Jefferson as borne out in David McCullough's "John Adams." Yes, there were a few licenses taken with history such as the dramatic scene with Wilson,Dickinson, and Franklin when Wilson is forced to decide the entire question of independence on his vote. But it is these few licenses that bring out the true seriousness of the founding of our nation. One particular scene that I am glad was restored from Jack L. Warner's shameful caving in to Richard Nixon is the piece "Cool, Cool, Considerate Men." That piece clearly fleshed out the Conservative's viewpoint in Congress. William Daniels is perfect for the part of John Adams. His Boston twang (even though he was born in New York) is excellent. One cast change that I am glad they made is putting Blythe Danner in the role of Martha Jefferson in the movie version, in place of Betty Buckley. No offense to Ms. Buckley, I love her as an actress in her roles, but her voice comes across too nasal and strident in her singing of Tom's qualities. (I own the stage play LP to make this comparison) The rest of the cast is perfect. Donald Madden was excellent as John Dickinson, even if you can forgive his singing voice in "Cool, Considerate Men." I will always think of Howard Da Silva and Ken Howard as Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, respectively. All in all, it is a movie that should be seen by everyone in their High School History or Civics class.

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.

Well, most comments here have already mentioned the great things about this movie (its music, acting, accuracy), so I just want to put in a word for something I *haven't* seen mentioned yet: the dialogue of the film. Nearly all the dialogue is directly taken from letters/speeches by the actual Founding Fathers, and whatever isn't direct quotes (such as the songs) is paraphrased. This is especially true for John Adams' dream sequences with his wife Abigail (one of the greatest love stories in history) The writers wanted to present Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and the others as truthfully as possible -- and they succeeded!

A side comment: the film isn't just made for Americans. I recommended it to some of my friends in India, and they loved it. You don't even need to know anything about American history or the Declaration of Independence to "get" the movie -- it stands on its own!

Another amazing thing about this movie is its drama. You know from the beginning what's going to happen, but you're still caught up in the drama of the film.

Sherman Edwards was a modest teacher of history when he got the idea of creating a musical telling of the tale of the birth of the United States. As it turned out, even though the story of the Declaration of Independence was one most every American schoolchild knew, there was a lot more to it than the signing of a paper and the ringing of a bell.

The Broadway version of "1776" became a sensation with audiences and went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical of 1969.

During this era of film-making, the musical was still considered to be a draw for audiences, so it was natural to take this show and bring it to the big screen. And best of all, John Warner brought the bulk of the cast from the show to the film. William Daniels IS John Adams to a lot of people, and his portrayal of the feisty proponent for independence is one of the great performances of any "real life" character. Daniels is equaled by his fellow Congressional cohorts, Ken Howard as the author of the document, Thomas Jefferson, and the amazing Howard Da Silva as the good doctor, Benjamin Franklin.

To me, the most remarkable element is the facts of the story are pretty much accurate, the timing of the events, measured with a wall calendar, keeps the tension going as we count down to that particular date... July 1st, 2nd, 3rd...

But it's more than just the story of the founding of the country, it's a love story, or really two, with the Jeffersons Martha, played by Blythe Danner and the Adams pair, with the incredible Virginia Vestoff as John's Abigail who interacts with her husband only in his mind.

For a musical, it is something of a "warts and all" examination of the process, as the south refuses to sign a declaration that freed their slaves, as Jefferson had intended in the original draft. John Cullum brilliantly voices this discussion as the genteel South Carolinian, Edward Rutledge, in the hypnotic and haunting "Molasses to Rum." In fact, every song in the score is well thought out, clever, truthful and very entertaining!

Maybe this isn't *exactly* how the USA began, but, at least once a year, let's say it is.

One of the challenges in studying history is being able to identify with it. When reading a history book, you are presented with a sanitized version, a catalog of events that clinically detail the moments. But people respond to personal stories. That is why documentaries and memoir reading will always resonate with us far more. They attempt to help us get to know the people in history, why they did what they did. 1776 is a very good film despite its average and somewhat unmemorable music. It wisely plays the drama at center stage and relegates the musical numbers to the fringes. At its centerpiece are the debates over independence, debate over slavery, and especially the final vote and signing. You feel like you are in the presence of great and flawed men, understanding their minds in the midst of this tense period of history. That our founding fathers are also portrayed as tired and horny men pining to get back to make love to their wives who they haven't seen in months, just adds to the humor and I dare say realism. I could soooo see them behaving that way, guffawing and rowdy. And yet despite their carnal nature, their brilliance and cleverness shines through, particularly in Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin, who steal the show. If this could have been a straight up drama without the musical numbers, it could only have made a better film. Some of the songs are so unmemorable that they kill the film's pacing in parts. A real pity. That's why this gets a 7 instead of a higher rating.

1776 is a masterful representation of the emotion, logic and debate, leading to the critical creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence. It captures, beautifully and subtly, the moment the colonies crossed the line, one by one, to leave England's rule.

The writing is superb, and the direction is perfection itself. The music and lyrics add a bold exclamation point, for they range from funny to serious, simple to complex, in the richness of sound and appropriateness of placement.

Leading the charge is the cantankerous character of John Adams (William Daniels). It is nothing less than a remarkable and brilliant portrayal, probably one of the most difficult, and yet one of the best ever played. Daniels walks a very fine line, depicting the essence of a man who grates on his friends and foes, yet quickly pulls the audience to his side. You can't help but feel the desperation, frustration and passion of Adams, as he tries to persuade and pull reluctant and loyalist colonial representatives to his cause.

Frank Da Silva's Ben Franklin is equal to the challenge of the quality performance given by Daniels. Franklin is certainly the more popular figure among the characters, but nevertheless has many complexities, expertly brought out by the quality writing and Da Silva's fine skill as an actor of high caliber.

It is hard to write a review of such a fine film, without mentioning all the magnificent performances by a remarkably talented cast. It is far easier, and much more pleasurable, to simply view the film. Pay attention to the lighting and choreography. Watch the meeting room transform from a rather plain space, to one of intensity, as the room goes from static and flat, to lively and dramatic. It follows the mood of the film, as the issue of independence is moved from a side issue, to weave its way to the forefront. The oversized calendar reminds one of the ticking of a clock, as the days move inevitably to July 4th. And while we know the outcome of the events, it is too easy to be drawn into the process, and become captured by the suspense of those last six weeks leading to the formation of a new nation. The tally board, which records the votes of the colonies, also looms large on the wall. The movement from left to right, for and against independence, also adds to the suspense and drama of the film.

There are lighthearted moments, and witty banter, among the characters, as one would expect. But there are surprises too. And the viewer gets to see an amazing transformation of the irritable Adams to a much softer person, when he corresponds with Abigail. Please add 1776, with confidence, to your list of must-see movies. I think it is as fresh today as it was 30-years ago. It is time for a film re-release, or at least a revival on Broadway, but since such things rarely happen, do yourself a favor and rent or buy the movie. Personally, I think it was the finest of its kind. Can one rate it higher than a ten? Would that I could, for it deserves it. Kudos to the writer, director, and amazing cast. It was, for many, their very best performances, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

Great costumes, pretty good acting and a good way to attach personalities to the founding fathers when reading history. After the first viewing, I would recommend fast forwarding through the musical numbers. Adams was chubbier and balder in life, but that is just nitpicking. The movie makes a point of showing that the signing of the Declaration of Independence was just the beginning of a long struggle. It also shows just how fragile the relationships between the colonies were at that time. Definitely worth watching if you are into American history.

Probably even before the musical 1776 finished its run on Broadway of 1217 performances from 1969 to 1972 this film was getting ready for release. The musical won a Tony Award for being the best in that category for Broadway and a pity it wasn't similarly honored by the Academy. All it received was a nomination for cinematography.

None of the score, excellent though it is by Sherman Edwards, was calculated to make the hit parade. The songs don't really stand alone, but they are part and parcel of the telling of the tale of the American Declaration of Independence. But what 1776 does is tell just how difficult it was to achieve a consensus for American independence even after we had been fighting the might of the British armies in the northern colonies for over a year.

Two of the men at the Second Continental Congress John Adams (William Daniels) and Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) became American presidents. Others there are more or less widely known, depending how deeply one has read into American history or paid good attention in class during school. I think most people would have more than a nodding acquaintance with Benjamin Franklin (Howard DaSilva). All three of these players came over from the original Broadway cast as did most of the film's players.

All of these people as Franklin said are the cream of their colony's society even if that society was built on human slavery. That the South's peculiar institution as they liked to phrase it came from the mother country is sometimes conveniently forgotten by critics of the USA. But slavery's existence was the biggest stumbling block towards building that consensus as 1776 graphically shows.

The founding fathers as we Americans call these guys are shown to be flesh and blood. Franklin who was the wisest one in the bunch deprecated in the film and in real life the demigod status that would attach to them. One founding father however does get a raw deal from 1776. James Wilson was not in the indecisive ninny who only craved obscurity. Emory Bass who also came over from Broadway played him that way because he was written that way. In fact Wilson who should have had the Scottish burr in his speech that was given to Ray Middleton's Thomas McKean, was a man of great distinction and learning. If he didn't shine at the 2nd Continental Congress, he more than made up for it at the Constitutional Convention. A lot of what is in the Constitution is there because of him. He was also one of the original members of the Supreme Court that George Washington appointed. Not at all like the fellow you see in 1776.

The ladies aren't ignored, Martha Wayles Jefferson appears in the flesh to give Tom Jefferson some relief from some tension he was having and is played by Blythe Danner. Virginia Vestoff plays Abigail Adams who only appears in William Daniel's imagination. It's fascinating to see Adams yearning for the wife, but still tending to business. When he became our second president, Abigail stayed in Braintree, Massachusetts which was their home and John spent as much time as he could with her and not really staying on top of things in Philadelphia and later in the new capital of Washington, DC. That's another subject for another film.

In fact watching these gentlemen reach the consensus for American independence is watching them reach said consensus, but also knowing how they all became some really bitter enemies later on after the nation's freedom was secured. I hope some who read this review and see 1776 will take the time and trouble to see just what happened with the rest of these people.

And if the film stirs your curiosity about how America was founded, than 1776 will be well worth watching.

This product of a late 1960s sensibility (it came out in '72) has as its major joke that the Founding Fathers were as human as we are -- they ate gluttonously, drank to excess, went to the outhouse at inconvenient times, told dirty jokes, mocked and lost their tempers with one another, and had trouble making up their minds. It has as its secondary joke that Thomas Jefferson couldn't get his mind on writing the Declaration of Independence after six month of abstinence until it was arranged that he could have sex with his wife. It has several tuneful numbers, well sung by musical comedy pros. While Franklin (Howard daSilva), Adams (William Daniels) and Jefferson (Ken Howard) are the central figures, all of the supporting characters are vivid and strongly drawn. As Edmund Rutledge of South Carolina, John Cullum (best known for Northern Exposure) has a standout number, "The Triangular Trade," that denounces Northern hypocrisy about slavery and the slave trade. There are some minor anachronisms,but it is substantially true to the historical record. A pleasant two hours on the afternoon of a locked down 4th of July.

My review here is based upon a second viewing, July 2, 2020. Based upon the 1969 play of the same name. I first saw this film as a child when released back in 1972. "1776' received mixed critical reviews when first released, in contrast to the praise and success of the stage musical on which it is based. Many criticized the light tone of the film, considering the importance of the historical subject matter and historical inaccuracies. This is a drama and a musical film, with an overall light tone, about an important historical subject, not a documentary film. Notably the film takes a brief dark turn when the subject of slavery is discussed in the continental Congress and southern colony delegates walk out. The creative cinematography of the film duplicates some of the lighting techniques common to stage productions. Scholars will disagree over historical inaccuracies, of the film, however, there is the fact of dramatic license, which allows creative expression when consensus of agreement about historical facts is uncertain. For example, the actual number of delegates portrayed in the film is less than the actual number present. Also, liberties are taken regarding the personalities of key figures such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The declaration of independence wasn't fully signed by all delegates until August 1776. I believe this film serves still well in the education of youth, to introduce a subject of historical importance. "1776" the movie, serves as a starting point, not the final say on the subject of the American declaration of independence.

I guess you have to give some points for the sheer courage of writing a musical around a history lesson but how about some decent music?

Is the cartoonish acting of Howard DeSilva meant to pique the interest of otherwise jaded children?

Is William Daniels' campy contemporary (for the time) acting style meant to appeal to a 1960s/70s demographic?

Do we need all the "in-jokes" about NY & NJ? (I can hear the blue-haired Broadway audience guffawing on cue.)

Sorry, I find the whole piece dated, boring & the acting far too strident for the screen

I don't usually like musicals but I absolutely loved this. The songs were entertaining, the dialogue very witty and the acting was of an extremely high calibre - a cut above most films in my opinion. I'm a big history buff and I studied early US history in college last year so I found the storyline, particularly the debates over the Declaration of Independence, fascinating.

William Daniels as John Adams stole the show. He was the best actor in a very strong cast and I was captivated from the very first scene. He has such a cool voice. (But no matter what he's done in his career, he's always be Mr. Feeny to me!) I've always admired the real John Adams to boot so he made an engaging protagonist. Howard de Silva as Benjamin Franklin was another definite highlight acting wise.

In 1776 Philadelphia, thirteen colonies from the future United States of America consider declaring independence from Great Britain. Leading the charge in Congress are founding fathers William Daniels (as John Adams) and Howard Da Silva (as Benjamin Franklin). Deciding a "Declaration of Independence" is needed, they employ reluctant Ken Howard (as Thomas Jefferson) to pen the document. He has writers' cramp due to sexual inactivity, until beautiful blonde wife Blythe Danner (as Martha Wayles Jefferson) visits. Southern royalist Donald Madden (as John Dickinson) leads the opposition...

"1776" was a big hit on Broadway, running from 1969-1972. No doubt this was helped by thousands and thousands of classrooms making the play a field trip. Not only did it beat a day in the classroom, kids could also relate to a cast of long-haired revolutionaries who were blatantly depicted enjoying sex, drugs, and contemporary music; and, teachers could use the story as a tool. Most of the original's appeal is lacking in this motion picture adaptation, brought to the screen by veteran producer Jack L. Warner. Reportedly, he relented to then President Richard M. Nixon's editing suggestions...

The film is too long. President Nixon's trimming did not help...

The real problem was trying to enhance the stage version by over-producing. This is most obvious in the segments involving Mr. Daniels and first lady of the film Virginia Vestoff (as Abigail Smith Adams). However, Ms. Vestoff's Tony-nominated performance manages to shine through the fuzzy lens and sprawling field. Vestoff is one of four from the supernatural serial "Dark Shadows" in the cast; the others are fly-swatting David Ford (as John Hancock), shy Emory Bass (as Wilson) and Daniel Keyes (as Bartlett). The film's greatest strength is that it does preserve many of the stage performances.

****** 1776 (11/9/72) Peter H. Hunt ~ William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, Ken Howard, Virginia Vestoff

I first saw this movie in the eighth grade back in 1976. The movie, based on the Broadway play, was made in 1972, with an all-star cast, including William Daniels as John Adams and Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson. The movie, like the play, is about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed between July 4, 1776, and January 1781. The summary of this review, (see above, ^) is Abigail Adams' reply to a letter from her husband, John, who was in Philadelphia, attending the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams were the committee formed to write it. In the end, it was Jefferson who wrote it, and it was voted on by the full Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

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.

Even though the film is a bit tedious, two instances remain memorable. Ron Holgate's rendition of "The Lees of old Virginia" stands as a charming, funny and enthusiastic celebration of naïveté and optimism so contagious that becomes impossible to forget and joyful to hum. But without a doubt, "Molasses to run to slaves", delivered almost satanically by John Cullum, reveals the sinister backbone of a compromise that has haunted an enlightened creation for centuries. It's amazing and admirable how composer Sherman Edwards captured the essence of the experience of 1776 so brilliantly.

I can't believe that I have not seen this film until tonite! I am glad that I had no other plans on this July 4th and watched this on AMC. I love that so much of the script is based on actual writings, etc. How wonderful to see the personalities and events that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I sure don't remember those types of details being taught when I was in grade school (over 35 years ago). I think that kids would appreciate July 4th so much more if they were aware of how intense and personal the struggles were to reach this day. I agree with others who say that this film should be shown in all schools - although, unfortunately, without special effects and computer graphics, it may not be of interest to kids of today. Nevertheless, this film made me better appreciate what July 4th means and it's not about BBQ parties and fireworks - it's about independence and our forefathers who laid the groundwork for the great country that we live in today. I hope to make viewing this film an annual event on July 4th.

In school we were presented with a stodgy version of history, so 1776 was immediately appealing simply for turning our American saints into human beings.

Some of the songs are absolutely delightful, such as The Lees of Old Virginia, and the fairly perfect But, Mr. Adams. The story is involving and the characters well defined. William Daniels has his best role as John Adams, and Howard Da Silva is so perfect as Benjamin Franklin that it's hard to accept anyone else in the role.

On the other hand, a lot of the songs are fairly forgettable, and some, like He Plays the Violin, are extraneous, which is a particular issue if your movie is overlong. While the second half is fun, the more serious second half sometimes drags, for all its admirable good intentions in showing the dark side of revolution. And to me, the letter exchanges between Adams and his wife seemed only mildly interesting.

Watching the movie, I couldn't help thinking that it parts of it (like Adams and his wife) would probably work better on stage, although that's only a guess.

This is well worth watching, but I wouldn't call it a truly great musical.

At the end of "1776," I was restless, extremely bored, and stunned into disbelief. What shocked me was not the way some of the most important men and events in American history were presented in this film, but what had happened the joyfully self-parodying part-comedy that I had been enjoying so boundlessly just an hour and a half before. At the beginning "1776," I was giggling, slapping my knee, and even humming along to some admittedly campy but delightful songs. It did not bother me that John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, among others were being represented as clowning windbags. I was having a good time. And I kept on laughing for about an hour and twenty minutes. Then the film changed gears, the songs lost all their punch, and Director Peter H. Hunt completely abandoned his sense of pacing.

"1776" is based on the phenomenally successful stage musical that ran on Broadway for three years. It was directed by the same man and features most of the same cast. Two of the actors--Ralston Hill and Charles Rule--made their only film appearances in this movie. Being a musical, the stage production--and film--was part-comedy, so the dialogue pokes fun at the Founding Fathers of the United States. John Adams, as played by William Daniels, is an unctuous and arrogant little man with a dream of independence. Howard Da Silva plays Ben Franklin as a big-hearted, enigmatic old man. Thomas Jefferson is presented by Ken Koward as a dreamy-eyed writer who would rather rush home to his wife in Virginia than stay and write the Declaration of Independence. There's even Roy Poole, played exuberantly by Stephen Hopkins, who needs to have the rum hidden from him during all congressional meetings. These caricature performances unquestionably will, and have, angered some. But that did not irk me. I didn't even have any qualms with the movie's implication that Thomas Jefferson overcame writer's block by kicking John Adams and Ben Franklin out of his house while he had sex with his wife. There's a classic moment where he gives Adams a letter saying that he'll write the Declaration after he "takes his wife back to bed, so please go away." All Adams can say with a dry voice is: "Incredible!" Franklin, meantime, chuckles under his breath.

In fact, the caricatures were part of what made me enjoy the first half of the movie so much. These actors are clearly have the time of their lives poking fun at American figures. In particular, Mr. Daniels is very entertaining as John Adams. The way he struts around like a proud peacock, his cane always thrusting at his side, and never changes his expression once be he angry, excited, or even remorseful. It is a shame that this very-good actor is basically unknown in the world of film outside of this film and "The Graduate." The banter that Mr. Daniels and Mr. Da Silva have is giddily funny, as the latter's laid-back personality counteracts the former's sternness...even if it is hard to believe that a man this lazy and care-free could have had the patience to invent the lightning conductor.

I was also getting a kick out of the cheesy songs. There is one sung by Ron Holgate (as Richard Henry Lee) in which he quips his surname to adjectives, such as "certain-Lee!" and "absolute-Lee!" Sure, it's goofy, but it's consciously goofy. The opening number, "Sit Down, John!" is also good. And although I could not quote the lyrics, the resurfacing number that plays when John Adams and his wife (Virginia Westoff) has a very soothing and uplifting musical score in the background which I found intoxicating to listen to over and over again. In fact, I found myself pretending there was no singing, just the music.

So there's some joyous acting, giddy songs, and big laughs. The only problem is that that only lasts for the first part of the picture. After that point, when Congress goes into a heated, several-reel debate about independence, does the movie lose its head. There are some great moments, such as when Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin stand up against those who wish to remove the clause absolving slavery. A bold move on the filmmakers' part is not placing an African American anywhere in sight, but talking about them and the issue. However, the rest of the sequence is just dry with what looks like static rehearsal shots filmed from too far away where some close-ups would heighten a sense of claustrophobia.

Furthermore, and for the worse, the songs go sour and double their numbers. Characters with little purpose take unneeded possession of center stage. The key example is an unbearably dull song featuring the secretary McNair (William Duell) and a recurring Army scout. The drab lyrics, coupled with over-emphasized candle lighting, drag the scene out without mercy. Equally boring is a midway number where opposition to the Declaration step out into the streets and enunciates instantly forgettable lines. The subject matter? I can't remember, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. That is the mark of a bad song, when you cannot even recall the subject. Whereas I can instantly tell you that "Rum and Molasses" was about the slavery issue and "The Egg" was about getting Congress to approve the Declaration.

The second half of the movie, shot in excessive wide-angles, peters out and destroys all of the momentum, energy, and zest that infused the first part. Even the final scene, composed of nothing but the Congressmen writing their names, goes on forever. "1776" is one of those films that I really wish I could say I liked, because I did for quite a while. And it stunned me that the second half could be so bad when the first half was so good.