DVD Review: 1776

1776
[DVD 1776]

I may not have caught the premiere of the Hamilton movie on the Disney+ streaming service during the Independence Day weekend this year, but I did enjoy a Broadway musical about the Founding Fathers of the United States. That musical just happens to be 1776, a 1972 film adaptation of the 1969 Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Tony Hunt, with book and music by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards. The hit Broadway show originally ran for over 1200 performances, and many of the original cast recreated their roles for this feature film.

William Daniels (St. Elsewhere, Boy Meets World, and the voice of K.I.T.T. on Knight Rider) is the central role of John Adams, who has been trying to convince his fellow delegates to the Continental Congress in 1776 to declare independence from England. Howard Da Silva was Ben Franklin, Ken Howard (The White Shadow) was Thomas Jefferson. John Cullem, Donald Madden and Blythe Danner all contribute significant supporting performances. The story tells the events of the final few weeks of deliberations that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in July, 1776. Being a Broadway musical, 1776‘s exposition-heavy dialog is frequently interrupted for peppy and memorable songs (and occasionally dances). Most noteworthy of those are: “Sit Down, John”, “The Lees of Old Virginia”, “He Plays the Violin”, “Cool, Considerate Men”, “The Egg”, “Molasses to Rum” and the heartbreaking “Momma, Look Sharp”. Performances across the board are marvelous. The vast majority of the story is set in the chamber where the Congress is convening, but a few other set pieces provide some variety. 1776 provides a terrific look at a significant period in U.S. history. My only two complaints are that there are only two roles for women in the entire production — Abigail Adams and Martha Jefferson. And the pacing is a bit slow at times, leading to a run time of just over 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Still, this musical film is both highly entertaining and educational. I strongly recommend it…whether or not you’ve seen Hamilton! (Note: A 2021 Broadway revival was planned for this musical — it’s uncertain, in light of all the COVID-19-related cancellations, whether it will still happen or not!)

[Also available: Vocal Selections From 1776.]

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official 1776 web site ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library – Public Service

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