Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > 1776 (1972)
1776
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Photos (see all 6 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
7.0/10   3,700 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 6% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Peter H. Hunt
Writers:
Sherman Edwards (play)
Peter Stone (play)
more
Contact:
View company contact information for 1776 on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
17 November 1972 (USA) more
Plot:
The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776... more | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
'Charade' Writer Dead
 (From WENN. 30 April 2003)

User Comments:
Reviewer Revels in 1776 more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated PG for language. (edited version)
Runtime:
142 min | 168 min (director's cut) | 180 min (Laserdisc version)
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Colour:
Colour (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono
Certification:
USA:G | USA:PG (longer video version) | Singapore:PG

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The final scene shows the members of Congress being called individually to come forward in order to sign the Declaration of Independence while the camera trucks back, or zooms out. The characters' final positions are an approximation of John Trumbull's famous painting, The Declaration of Independence. The actual painting shows the congressional chamber from the front behind Hancock's desk while the scene in the movie is from the rear of the chamber, and therefore the characters appear reversed with the five members of Congress who were assigned to the committee to write the Declaration on the right of the desk as opposed to the left. Far fewer of the actual number of delegates, who were in Congress, are represented in the movie, but the resemblance to the painting is unmistakable including the delegate sitting with one leg crossed over another. more
Goofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Richard Henry Lee mounts his horse he is speaking, yet his mouth is clearly closed. more
Quotes:
Thomson: If any be opposed to the resolution on independence as proposed by the Colony of Virginia signify by saying...
John Adams: Mr. President?
Thomson: Oh, for heaven's sake, let me get through it once.
more
Movie Connections:
Featured in Playing Columbine (2008) more
Soundtrack:
Till Then more

FAQ

What was the "Necessity of Taking up Arms?"
Was Hopkins really a drunk?
Were Witherspoon and the New Jersey delegates really late because Franklin's son was arrested?
more
26 out of 30 people found the following comment useful:-
Reviewer Revels in 1776, 12 December 2002
10/10
Author: Grafton81 (Grafton81@aol.com) from Charlotte, NC

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.





Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for 1776 (1972)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
It's almost that time of year again... BKRudy-1
What's factual and what isn't in the movie. BKRudy-1
Nixon offended by 'Cool, Considerate Men' psybok
Movie Soundtrack?? peacefulwalks
Which 1776 song is your favorite? tigerprincess2024
Paper Mill Playhouse... klorentz
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Amazing Grace National Treasure Funny Girl Across the Universe The Sound of Music
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.