Back To Index 1776
 Barnes & Noble When 1776 debuted in 1972, the filmgoing publics thirst for musicals appeared to be slackening. Still, with songs and staging polished in 1776s successful Broadway run, and the countrys bicentennial on the horizon, director Peter H. Hunts screen adaptation performed moderately well at the box office. Years have added luster to this musical celebration of the Founding Fathers, and the restored directors cut now available on DVD is a truly delightful experience. Adapted from the Sherman Edwards/Peter Stone Broadway show, 1776 recounts events in Congress during the hot and stormy Philadelphia month leading up to the July 4th signing of the Declaration of Independence. A versatile cast -- led by William Daniels as the fiery John Adams and Howard Da Silva as the cagey Ben Franklin -- breathes life and humanity into the nations defining moment. The film deftly mingles a variety of tones. The spellbinding political debates over the Declarations text, for instance, remain mostly true to the historical record while benefiting from sharpened dialogue and dollops of wit. There is also whimsy and even romance, as the yearning, long-distance romance between John and Abigail Adams (Virginia Vestoff) is dramatized in split screens, as they act out their daily letters back and forth. Interspersed into the narrative are rousing refrains such as "But, Mr. Adams" and "The Egg," and tender tunes like "Till Then." For fans of the original film, or anyone interested in a playful interpretation of American history, this DVD release marks the triumphant return of a true musical classic. Interested in the song lyrics? - Check out themostlyrics.com! Looking For A DVD? - Check out dvd-a-rama.com! |
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