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Visitors Review

2013-05-14 02:14:42

Cutting incidental music was a mistake

This review is from: 1776 (Restored Director's Cut) (DVD) The restored scenes are wonderful (although Piddle Twiddle was not fully restored--the controversial Grenadiers lyric remains cut), but the decision to cut some of the incidental music was a mistake, and makes the film look too stagey. Examples of lost background musics are Franklin's first scene and the cane fight between Adams and Dickinson.The shot of Jefferson smiling at the little girl outside was also cut, which is odd, considering that it added a lyrical moment to the situation, and why cut that and leave in dross like the Congress chasing down a fire engine?

2013-05-13 18:47:20

Tremendous

If you've never seen this movie you should.If you've seen it, you need to see the directors cut. Much has been added, but it's worth it just to see the rendition of "Cool, considerate men."

kaiserman15 2013-04-21 03:49:14

A fanastic American musical

It took me a while but I finally got around to finishing this amazingmovie. I was first introduced to it in my AP US history class lastyear, and got immediately hooked. Unfortunately I didn't get a chanceto finally finish it until yesterday,and I must say it was better thancould have possibly imagine. To the best of my knowledge there are nobad performances throughout. William Daniels is truly wonderful as theGreat John Adams. His demeanor and voice fit the character so well Ican't imagine anyone else playing that role. Howard Da Silvia playedthe humorous and witty Dr. Franklin, well humorously and wittily! Someof the great stand out performances came from Virginia Vestoff'sAbigail Adams, who stole the screen and my heart with each of her's andAdams duets, Stephen Nathan as the young Minute Man, whose song "Mommalook Sharp" about the experience of death in battle will bring a tearto even the most harden soul in the audience, and John Cullum'sperformance the South Carolinian delegate Edward Rutledge. Hisperformance of "Molasses to Rum" is probably the most haunting songI've heard since "My Friends" from Sweeney Todd. Speaking of music, thesongs are ALL terrific! Normally for me there are always a few song iwould cut out of a musical, but I really can't for this one. Mypersonal favorites would have to be the aforementioned the Adams' duetsand the chilling "Momma Look Sharp", but especially "Molasses to Rum"(you will not get it out of your head). Plus you can never go wrongwith fun songs like "Lees of Virginia" and the opening number "Sitdown, John". If you're a history nut, like myself, you might getbothered by some of the more glaring historical inaccuracies (likeJefferson's position on slavery!) but overall the film does a great jobof conveying the story of our independence in a fun and interestingway. I highly recommend it for anyone with a love of history and ofmusic.

2013-04-20 18:38:09

History brought to life

I am ordering the Director's Cut because the copy I have is VHS. This is my favorite musical and film. I saw the play on Broadway and was thrilled when it was made into a movie, using many of the same actors from Broadway instead of 'movie stars'. The most stunning thing about the story is that this was living history but a history we were never taught when I was in school in the 1950's and 1960's. As can be seen by President Nixon's request to have something removed, people were still not too willing to face the truths about the Founding Fathers; they were human, they disagreed, they had to compromise and, in the end, they came together (almost) in agreement.The music....I know every song by heart. Instead of intruding on the story, the music amazingly carries the story forward. I thought then and I still believe that this should be part of the curriculem of American History classes for elementary students.

2013-04-16 20:05:03

I love it even more now!

I loved the VHS version of 1776, but since I've never seen the play, I had had to rely on the Original Cast Recording soundtrack to even verify that there was a conservative song in the first place. As soon as I heard Paul Hecht, the soundtrack's John Dickinson, sing the number, I became quite angry that it wasn't on the video. Little did I know how badly the entire film had been chopped up. While reading reviews on this website of the VHS, I saw the "this text refers to the DVD version," at the end of one and clicked the hyperlink. It was so good to know that the vital parts of 1776 were restored for those of us who didn't have any other versions than the VHS to draw opinions on. The play is now much more complete, and ceases my wondering about such things as what exactly Martha Jefferson had started when Adams tells her "don't stop, madam." It's like seeing a completely different, much improved movie. The sound is better, the screen tests are pretty interesting, and I love the commentary. And going back to my favorite song, "Cool, Considerate Men," it's even better than I'd hoped and the choreography is quite intriguing. It's a very charming plot aside from having a lot of historical errors. Reading the David McCullough book, John Adams, was a little depressing due to how differently it recorded every event in the movie, such as how Martha Jefferson never came to Philadelphia, how Judge Wilson was a lot more opinionated than had been portrayed, and that Dickinson wasn't even there on the day of the final vote, completely ruining the logic of that scene in the movie. But it certainly is good drama, good comedy, and quite a score. My advice: buy it today!

2013-04-16 05:34:31

Absolutely Fabulous!

1776 follows in the tradition of great musicals where literally every song is great, distinct and memorable so that the audience leaves the theater humming the overture. My Fair Lady was like that; so was Camelot. The greatest musicals have outstanding songs and lyrics and they just sweep you away. Also 1776 broke the mold of musicals as well - it had great music, history, drama, comedy and this combination really worked. Nuff said - it is hands down my favorite musical.

2013-04-09 00:11:01

Revolutionary DVD

When I reviewed the VHS version many moons ago, I said that the film was desperately in need of a DVD. The laserdisc version was outstanding, but in a form that was never going to reach more than a few viewers. Unlike the LD, which was an independent reconstruction without director Peter Hunt's input, the DVD restores the film to a state Hunt considers ideal, using a far cleaner print than that utilized previously. Although some have complained that we don't have "the whole thing," one must bear in mind that giving viewers "the whole thing" was not Hunt's intent. While it is not quite clear why he decided not to restore the middle section of "Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve," those who have seen the Pioneer LD with Hunt's commentary will be aware that he doesn't _like_ how the reprise to the "Lees of Old Virginia" came out on film. (And rightly so: the reprise works only in the context of the theatrical staging, where it plays with the audience's response to what it thinks is the entire number. But because the number simply doesn't generate the same kind of excitement when transferred to film, the reprise falls flat.) The DVD includes both Hunt's commentary, much of which will be recognizable to those who have seen the Pioneer LD, and Peter Stone's. Stone does gab a wee bit overmuch, and musical theater fans will catch him in the occasional error. However, both he and Hunt are, overall, entertaining and informative. The sound quality is outstanding, far exceeding that of the LD--for example, I could hear some percussion rhythms that I'd never been aware of previously--and the picture is bright and crisp. Overall, this is definitely a worthwhile investment.

Mr. Baseball 2013-04-08 20:45:18

Smart, Funny, and Educational

1776 is without a doubt one of the smartest movies I have seen in years. It tell the story of the our nations founders debating the need to declare independence. I have read reviews by people who are nit-picking the accuracy of certain elements in the film. Yes....there may be some historical innacuracies in 1776 but the overall theme of the movie is to tell a story that educates and entertains. I doubt the actual congress members were singing and dancing. Watch 1776 and you will be pleasantly surprised.

2013-04-08 10:53:04

Wonderful!

Saw this on broadway nearly 30 years ago and in the theatre when the movie was new. Viewed the video last night for the first time in years! It is wonderful for the U.S. history buff and could easily turn someone into a history buff! It is delightful and instructional at the same time!

bkoganbing 2013-04-08 05:36:51

"Our Lives, Our Fortunes, And Our Sacred Honor"

Probably even before the musical 1776 finished its run on Broadway of1217 performances from 1969 to 1972 this film was getting ready forrelease. The musical won a Tony Award for being the best in thatcategory for Broadway and a pity it wasn't similarly honored by theAcademy. All it received was a nomination for cinematography.None of the score, excellent though it is by Sherman Edwards, wascalculated 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 AmericanDeclaration of Independence. But what 1776 does is tell just howdifficult it was to achieve a consensus for American independence evenafter we had been fighting the might of the British armies in thenorthern colonies for over a year.Two of the men at the Second Continental Congress John Adams (WilliamDaniels) and Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) became American presidents.Others there are more or less widely known, depending how deeply onehas read into American history or paid good attention in class duringschool. I think most people would have more than a nodding acquaintancewith Benjamin Franklin (Howard DaSilva). All three of these playerscame over from the original Broadway cast as did most of the film'splayers.All of these people as Franklin said are the cream of their colony'ssociety even if that society was built on human slavery. That theSouth's peculiar institution as they liked to phrase it came from themother country is sometimes conveniently forgotten by critics of theUSA. But slavery's existence was the biggest stumbling block towardsbuilding that consensus as 1776 graphically shows.The founding fathers as we Americans call these guys are shown to beflesh and blood. Franklin who was the wisest one in the bunchdeprecated in the film and in real life the demigod status that wouldattach to them. One founding father however does get a raw deal from1776. James Wilson was not in the indecisive ninny who only cravedobscurity. Emory Bass who also came over from Broadway played him thatway because he was written that way. In fact Wilson who should have hadthe Scottish burr in his speech that was given to Ray Middleton'sThomas McKean, was a man of great distinction and learning. If hedidn't shine at the 2nd Continental Congress, he more than made up forit at the Constitutional Convention. A lot of what is in theConstitution is there because of him. He was also one of the originalmembers of the Supreme Court that George Washington appointed. Not atall like the fellow you see in 1776.The ladies aren't ignored, Martha Wayles Jefferson appears in the fleshto give Tom Jefferson some relief from some tension he was having andis played by Blythe Danner. Virginia Vestoff plays Abigail Adams whoonly appears in William Daniel's imagination. It's fascinating to seeAdams yearning for the wife, but still tending to business. When hebecame our second president, Abigail stayed in Braintree, Massachusettswhich was their home and John spent as much time as he could with herand not really staying on top of things in Philadelphia and later inthe new capital of Washington, DC. That's another subject for anotherfilm.In fact watching these gentlemen reach the consensus for Americanindependence is watching them reach said consensus, but also knowinghow they all became some really bitter enemies later on after thenation's freedom was secured. I hope some who read this review and see1776 will take the time and trouble to see just what happened with therest of these people.And if the film stirs your curiosity about how America was founded,than 1776 will be well worth watching.

2013-04-06 00:08:53

Sit Back and Enjoy

I have enjoyed this movie since my youth. It helped spark a love for history that has never left. The DVD was a gift for my birthday. I like the director's cut better than the original version that I saw on television years before. The cast is fantastic. William Daniels will always be John Adams for ever more. Virginia Vestoff is beautiful and has a lovely voice. It is a shame that she is no longer with us, her voice lost for all eternity. The rest of the cast is wonderful. It is a great movie. Take the time to clear three hours out of your day, kick back and enjoy

2013-04-05 04:36:51

The Story of American Independence... with a catchy tune.

This review is from: 1776 (Restored Director's Cut) (DVD) Perhaps the perfect family movie!From Broadway to the home screen, finally a story that inspires child and parents alike. Researched from numerous sources, we are privileged to see the members of the 2nd Continental Congress as they grapple with a world empire, an encroaching war, and each other 'to bring forth a new republic'. A "Who's Who" of then-upcoming talent, it features Ken Howard ("White Shadow", "Dynasty", "Crossing Jordan"), William Daniels ("St. Elsewhere", "Knight Rider", "Boy Meets World"), Blythe Danner ("Meet The Parents") and John Cullum ("Northern Exposure").The more you learn about this movie, the more fascinated you become with American history and its cast of portrayers.American family, meet American history.(p.s.; This is the only movie I have ever bought twice to loan to friends)

CalvinValjean 2013-03-31 09:30:03

Why Is This Great Film Hardly Appreciated?

1776 is one of the great film musicals. That it's hardly appreciatedtoday both makes perfect sense and no sense at all.The audience for musicals is limited to begin with, let alone for onesabout history, and even then it's not a war movie but a political one.The majority of the cast are all male, stuffy, middle-aged politicians,and most of the story takes place in a single room where the politicsof independence is debated.And yet, it's an incredible movie that makes one think about howcountries are formed. It's not so much a patriotic work as athought-provoking work. Much like 12 Angry Men, suspense is createdaround the casting of a vote, and we watch through the film as thevarious parties change their minds.The cast is all great: Blythe Danner is fun in her brief role as MarthaJefferson. Howard Da Silva and Ken Howard are memorable as Ben Franklinand Thomas Jefferson, respectively. But the star of the film is WilliamDaniels as John Adams, who is "obnoxious and disliked" yet manages tomake us care for him and his fight to get the US to declareindependence. Daniels of course is best known as Mr. Feeny on Boy MeetsWorld (where he was the principal of John Adams High, a reference tothis movie). He's had a number of great roles over the years (TheGraduate, St. Elsewhere), but any fan of his should see 1776.The songs are silly but fun. It's really the witty, clever script thatmakes this film a masterpiece. And hats off to its incredible finalsequence.

2013-03-31 05:41:01

John Adams dominated the Continential Congress , and...

Williams Daniels as John Adams dominates this movie version of the musical Broadway hit, 1776, portraying the birthing of the United States. It opens in Philadelphia to a rousing chorus of "Sit Down John". The back story was quite interesting, the process that produced The Declaration of Indpendence, the delegate infighting, nit picking & the historic choice of Adams, Ben Franklin (Howard DaSilva) & Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) to serve on the committee to write the document. Adams & Franklin both knew that Adams was so disliked by the other delegates that anything written by him would be immediately ripped to shreds & rejected. So it falls to Jefferson to actually write most of it. But he was homesick for his beloved Virginia & more importantly, his wife, Martha (Blythe Danner). She arrives and raises his sprits so to speak, & joins Adams & Franklin in an early morning musical romp through the streets of colonial Philadelphia while Jefferson sleeps. Lots of musical highlights such as "The Lees of Virginia". "Molasses & Rum" is performed during the debate on the wording of the Declaration. Isn't the phase, "All men are created equal," rather hypocritical when it does not include African slaves? That & other problems are glossed over for other generations to deal with. The final draft is completed & signed for delivery to that other George in England. John is lonesome too. He sings some romantic duets with Abigail (Virginia Vestoff) who waits for him at their home in Braintree. Interesting & entertaining on several levels.

2013-03-29 23:02:46

Still Great!

This review is from: 1776 (Restored Director's Cut) (DVD) I purchased the video to use in my classroom. The students were studying the events leading up to the Declaration. I saw the movie when it was first released during the Bicentennial and loved it. I thought it was a perfect vehicle for my seventh grade class. They enjoyed the movie and were facsinated with the idea of a musical about history. The quality of the production was first rate and I was pleasently surprised at the additional musical number. I wasn't disappointed.

2013-03-29 06:39:16

Not Just for History Buffs!

I absolutley LOVE this movie! I know all of the songs by heart and I can recite almost all of the lines! But don't be fooled by the title. This movie is a delightful musical comedy that will entertain everyone, not just those who are interested in history. William Daniels does an excellent job as John Adams (he also plays Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World--looks the same, except a little older, and sounds the same too!). I just love when he says, "Oh, shut up Franklin!" and when he sings "Is Anybody There?" The music is superb, with both funny and heart breaking songs (an example of the former, "But Mr. Adams"; an example of the latter, "Momma Look Sharp"). Anyway, see this movie ASAP, and if you want to, watch it on July 4th; it's a great way to celebrate American Independence!

BronwynN 2013-03-29 10:09:53

My route to patriotism

I was in college during the worst time of protest against the VietnamEra. Because of this, I have an ingrown distrust of the government and,often, I feel ashamed of what this country has become.When these feelings get bad, I pull out my copy of 1776. While a fairlyinaccurate version of the writing and signing of the Declaration ofIndependence, for me, it nonetheless captures that essence of thosedays leading up to the "birth" of the United States.Making John Adams, "obnoxious and disliked" as he was, as thecenterpiece of the play, allows one to get to known a hero of theRevolution all too often overlooked because of his short andundistinguished term as President. Yet, here we see him as one thebrilliant linchpins he was. Jefferson, it is true, wrote much of theDeclaration, but Adams pushed and prodded the Continental Congress intosigning it.We are also introduced to the astounding relationship between Adams andhis wife, Abigail. Yes, this is real. If you want to know more aboutit, seek out their letters, which are published on the Web.We also see that the issue of slavery and its repercussions have beenwith us since the beginning of the country. What would it have beenlike if slavery had been banned in 1776 -- if the country began withall people _truly_ equal? The song "Tobacco to Rum" glosses over thecomplex issue, but John Cullom's rendition is thrilling.In all, however, 1776 shows us exactly what it meant when theseordinary men became extraordinary by committing their "lives,{their}fortunes and {their} sacred honor." And, by doing so, itencourages us to do the same.

2013-03-28 23:46:06

Marvelous

Being a historian is not required to love the movie adaptation of 1776. All you have to do is appreciate wit, comedy, and a touch of romance. These things along with the extremely compelling tale of American independence is presented in this superbly crafted film. Every actor and actress presents a portrait of what you'd expect historic Colonial figures to be like. William Daniels is the quintissential John Adams. Da Silva is truly the scene stealer as the fabulous Franklin. Every other character is wonderful and unforgettable. This is a film that will charm anyone and I can't recommend it enough.

2013-03-27 17:06:35

A GREAT MOVIE FOR ALL!

I first saw this movie in my Intro to Goverment class at school, and i have loved it ever since. This is a great movie that the entire family can sit down and watch. Even though the liberal use of the word "damn" is fluent in the movie, it's educational worth shines above it's vulgarity.

Alice Copeland Brown 2013-03-26 18:02:13

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, what a pair!!!!

Forget the music; forget the to and fro between Abigail and John. The linesof the Declaration of Independence signers, as they are provoked and pleadedwith by Adams and Franklin are wonderful. And once more into the breach,Franklin's words are heard today: "He who swaps freedom for securitydeserves neither." (And will lose both).Thomas Jefferson is characterized as a gentle giant, overcome with lust forhis wife, but finally gets out the Declaration. The many, many changes madeare not as impressive as the last one. Without cutting off Jefferson'srepudiation of slavery, the South would not have signed. Led by SouthCarolina, the rest of the delegation did indeed walk out. The guy fromGeorgia however, caught between voting the will of his statespeople and hisown conscience, finally came down on the side of conscience.Show this to your civics classes. Oh, you no longer teach Civics? wellthen, how about showing it to your World History class. That neither istaught? Then, American History, it belongs in. Find out about each ofthese brave, sometimes stubborn men and what lengths Adams had to go to toget them to sign. We were once a great country with people far less corruptthan now. Although the soldiers starving at Valley Forge while these guyscomplained about the heat in Philadelphia and swatted flies was somewhatdiscomfiting.Good movie. Wonder why the story of the Declaration of Independence and howit came to be signed can't be made straight, without the pitiful attempt atmaking it a musical.