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.

This is one film I can never see too often! I love the film, particularly Howard De Silva as Ben Franklin (another actor-Ray Everhart, I believe, was in the cast on stage, but was replaced) and he very nearly steals the film from William Daniels. My one quibble with casting is Martha . Blythe Danner is quite good, but Betty Buckley should have made the transition from stage to screen. I suppose the fact that she was married to Ken Howard made it to great a temptation for the powers to be to resist casting them as Tom and Martha Jefferson. I first read the book and lyrics for this in 1973 in my 7th grade Speech class and got hooked then. I saw the film a few years later and heard the Broadway cast recording in college 20+ years ago. I have got to upgrade to CD and DVD some day! A joy to watch. Recommended.

The NYC Broadway Musical was a great experience for me to have seen. However for some reason I did not see the film version until it was shown in Arcola, Illinois on a 4th of July celebration! William Daniels (John Adams)"Her Alibi",'89, gave a great performance along with Howard Da Silva(Dr. Benjamin Franklin),"The Great Gatsby",'74 who looked exactly like the many pictures of Ben Franklin. Ken Howard,(Thomas Jefferson),"At First Sight",'99, gave all his fellow Planner's of the Declaration of Independence a very hard time, playing a violin and enjoying the pleasures of romance with his wife. It is a wonder the Declaration was ever accomplished! The music and singing was very comical among the politicians. This is a great outstanding American FILM which all Americans can enjoy seeing every 4th of July for many generations!

Musicals are often looked at as foreign movies. Since most younger generations are not familiar with the musical genres of the 1930's and the 1970's, they don't understand the art form and style of communication / entertainment that the musical is. To screen this movie to a group of 7th graders, it will be a challenge to get them to enjoy let alone get "it". The entire cast is perfect. Each actor is their character. Although actors William Daniels and Howard Da Silva are known for other roles, here they are Adams and Franklin. 30 years since its premiere in cinemas, many of the actors are long gone. Many have been dead for a good ten years. Still, their performances live on for modern audiences to enjoy. More then that, it remains one of the better musicals made in a movie. Especially for a post 2001 audience, there are moments interesting to watch. The issues of protection, fear and terrorism are made clear, even for 1776. This remains a great film even though its audience is small.

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.

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.