1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
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Movie Reviews of 1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
Movie Review: An American Celebration
Summary: 5 Stars
The purchase of this DVD was made to replace a botched VHS tape (which was scan/pan and undoubtedly the edited version prepared for TV). The show is/was/will always be absolutely outstanding, with great performances from cast members, most of whom appeared in the Broadway musical presentation. Not only is it great entertainment, but it perhaps captures some of the actual emotions and turbulence of the period. In our house, it has served to entertain and amuse several foreign high school exchange students, making a "living" connection to their otherwise rather dry exposure to U.S. history. Highest recommendation for the restored director's cut.Movie Review: 1776-for American History
Summary: 5 Stars
I find that this is one of the greatest moments in American history-The actors are so real that you feel as though you were actually there.
I really love the actors & the people that they portray-especially William Daniels as John Adams, Howard DaSilva as Ben Franklin & Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson.
A truly great movie!!!
Movie Review: Musical nostalgia and historic story telling...
Summary: 4 Stars
When I was in seventh grade back in 1973, my class took a field trip to see this movie. It was only a few years before the bi-centennial, but already people in the US were becoming more and more patriotic minded.
I viewed this movie with the idea that it was a musical first, then a historical perspective about the signing of the declaration of independence. "1776" delivers very well on both counts.
The opening number - "Sit down, John" sets the stage for what is already well known - John Adams is highly opinionated when it comes to "independency". However, he is in a fluctuating minority and is in desperate need of support. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams companion and fellow supporter, enlists the assistance of Richard Henry Lee of Virginia as a supporting voice from outside New England. The musical number "The Lees of Old Virginia" is a catchy tune that sees Henry accept the challenge of getting the colony of Virginia to back a motion for independence for all colonies. Henry's statement "a short stop to refresh the Missus and then off to the matter" is both comical and to the point. All of the men who participate in the Continental Congress balance their work as representatives with a large portion of self sacrifice for their home life and business.
From here we see the day to day operation of the Continental Congress - the formal and informal, the serious and not so serious. The missing representatives from New Jersey arrive just in time to vote on the initial motion to declare independence from England when John Dickenson submits that this vote must be unanimous. The split decision is broken by the John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, in surprise support for unanimity. While John Adams fumes "the man is from Massachusetts" Hancock eloquently explains how the new independent colonies cannot carry on it "the mark of Cain." This is a very powerful statement and provides the catalyst for the need of a "Declaration of Independence". While John Adams attempts to explain the use of such a document, Thomas Jefferson declares "To place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent." With this statement, the declaration committee is formed and Thomas Jefferson, much to his dismay, is asked to write the document. (The decision on who will write the declaration is set nicely to the song "But, Mr. Adams")
We are treated to one of the most serious musical numbers in the movie when the courier from the Continental Army describes the scene of the battle of Lexington and Concord in the song "Mama Look Sharp". This solemn solo reminds us that there is a price for liberty and freedom. A price that is already being paid by many members of the rag tag Continental Army.
At this point we see the both the writing of the declaration begin, and the lobbying of the remainder of the Continental Congress on why independence is necessary. These efforts come back together when the declaration is presented to the Continental Congress. While the delegates are getting their first taste of the declaration, Jefferson, Adams and Franklin muse on the birth of the new nation in the song "The Egg." Thank goodness Franklin relents to having the symbol of the United States be an Eagle instead of a Turkey.
The South voices its concern over the declaration and in particular to its attempts to eliminate slavery. In the song "Molasses to Rum" John Cullum provides a passionate performance, and expresses the difficult political situation slavery represents. However, I am afraid that it is a difficult argument to understand in the context of 2007.
This solemn tone is continued on the eve of the vote for independence. John Adams summarizes the anguish of having a vision for a new nation and independence while some around him seem blind to the need for either. The song "Is Anybody There" serves as the final plea for these ideals amidst 13 colonies who have yet to become a United States.
I enjoyed this movie a great deal. It is the type of movie that needs to be on the shelf, ready for viewing by young and old alike on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and any other patriotic holiday where the questions of how this nation got its start are asked. While it is a bit long, the musical numbers help pass the time and tell the story. The historical facts are mostly accurate and should not be discounted.
After viewing this movie for the first time in over 30 years I did have to pause and consider how lucky we are as a nation. The vision held by our nation's fathers and promoted through the political process was remarkable.
I also had an uncontrollable urge to drink rum.
Movie Review: 1776 - Awesome!
Summary: 5 Stars
The most entertaining musical I've ever seen. The directors cut provides you with scenes cut from the original, providing a fully more delightful story.Movie Review: Better with age
Summary: 5 Stars
First,a note about closed captioning-an important feature in this household. The DVD has yellow English subtitles which do not interfere with the widescreen viewing and the CC(which we prefer) on our set converts the words wonderfully. Interesting that a recent showing of this film on Turner Movie Classics still does not have the CC available(they are usually very good about broadcasting CC,while boneheaded AMC could care less)-a main reason why we spent the money for the DVD.
Much of both the negative and positive criticisms contain truths. It is a bit stilted. Watching historical figures break into song and dance a la Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly takes some getting used to. Comparing this kind of movie musical to the then-current "Cabaret" is a bit unfair. On its own terms and with repeated viewings,this show takes on a life of is own. The idea of keeping many ties to the Broadway version(including director Peter Hunt, choreographer Onna White and Orchestrator Eddie Sauter,ands casting many of the stage actors instead of film stars was probably one reason why the film version sank at the box office but why it glows today. Most of the players here were not overexposed in other projects. Blythe Danner is probably the closest who became a movie star(filmed here while pregnant and carrying future movie star Gwyneth Paltrow),while Daniels,Cullum and Howard achieved success on TV. Da Silva,out of film work for years during the Hollywood Communist blacklisting,steals many a scene as Franklin. And I bet there are few patriots who aren't moved by Daniel's look into the future, "Is Anybody There?",-the sentiments expressed in the song are still true today.
A tad too long,yes,but there really isn't anything here that should be left out,especially since Executive Producer Jack Warner tried this and did the wrong thing.
People following Daniels career will see lots of inside references to his work in "1776" in future TV projects,"St. Elsewhere" and "Boy Meets World",besides other roles Daniels has taken on portraying members of the real Adams family(I wonder if there are any references in "Knight Rider"?).