DVD Review: Founding Fathers

Founding Fathers
[DVD 973.3 Fou Vol.1-4]

Here is a four-part miniseries from the History Channel broadcast in 2000 about the American Revolution, Volume One (one disc) and Volume Two (one disc). There are two episodes on each disc with each episode running approximately 50 minutes.

Narrated by Edward Herrmann this series follows the basic format we’ve come to know – actors reciting quotes along with faces of the subjects, newspapers, maps, and photos. A solid and interesting retelling of the characters and events leading up to the ratification of the US Constitution.

The first episode, “Rebels with a Cause” mostly covered Sam Adams and John Hancock though they are by no means the only topics discussed.

Episode Two, “Taking Liberties” focused on Patrick Henry and Benjamin Franklin.

Episode three, “You Say You Want a Revolution” discussed Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, George Washington, his initial battles, Benjamin Franklin, and France. For Hamilton fans, there’s a short segment on him as well.

The fourth and final episode covered the constitutional convention, the creation of the US Constitution, and Washington’s presidency.

“We were very lucky we had a collection not only of genius and talent, but also of a disposition to use it for the public good and not to use it for the good of the men themselves. They did what they had to do and what they thought was right. And then they set up a system whereby the people would ultimately choose their leaders, and leaders would come and go but the system would remain.”

I enjoyed this series and plan to re-watch it. At 50-minutes per episode this was a quick history lesson. Be sure to get both volumes when checking out.

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this mini-series ]

Recommended by Charlotte M.
Bennett Martin Public Library – Public Services

Have you watched this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide Blog individually over the course of the entire month. Click the tag for the reviewer's name to see more of this reviewer’s recommendations!

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

Have you watched this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide Blog individually over the course of the entire month. Click the tag for the reviewer's name to see more of this reviewer’s recommendations!