1776 an event to sing about as well as cheer about !
Wow! Toe taping at times and always passionate .A great depiction of the strength of character and weaknesses of the men involved in creating the greatest document out side of the Bible . This will educate as well as entertain your children . The sets and costumes and the portrayal of the arguments for and against grips the eye , your ears and your mind . You wonder that these remarkable men could exist in such a place and time . You will not regret the time you spend watching this strong film .

Party like it's 1776
"1776" is a concept musical--who were the men behind the Declaration of Independence? What were the circumstances that brought us the Bill of Rights? "1776" seems to be timely (it was made in 1972,still during the Vietnam War) It's about freedom,its price,and what it means to be a true patriot. Unfortunately, it works as a concept, but not so much so on screen.

William Daniels is luminous as John Adams, and Blythe Danner is excellent as Martha Jefferson. There's the chilling song "Molasses to Rum to Slaves." There are some standout musical sequences, but it's still campy. The Founding Fathers come across not so much as flawed men but objects of ridicule as they dance around Independence Hall. They look silly breaking out into song&dance. No wonder HBO's "John Adams" is doing better,and viewers are willing to sit through Paul Giamatti/Laura Linney love scenes. Thomas Jefferson is suffering from literary impotence when it comes to writing the Declaration of Independence, so John Adams sends for Martha. After a passionate night of love, Martha joins with Ben Franklin&John Adams in singing the exuberantly tacky "He plays the violin" (one can only wonder what would've happened if Ken Russell directed this) True,there's some racy dialogue-not that there's anything wrong with that, but it doesn't exactly fit.

"1776" is an attempt to pay tribute to the Founding Fathers. Instead,it's a boring,campy mess. The City of Brotherly Love deserved better. It cracks like the Liberty Bell.

1776 - A must to see
My husband and I really enjoyed watching the dvd ordered from Amazon. The musical songs are good and the actors did a fine job. This is one historical musical we will watch many times.

Yea for John Adams!

"1776": A timeless historical muisical
[[ASIN:B000067D1R 1776 (Restored Director's Cut)This historical musical is timeless and has become a July 4th traditon in our family and circle of friends. Perfectly cast and produced, the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence is not the dry, factual episode that our early school history books described. This production brings to life the birth of our naton in muisic, bright dialogue, with humor and emotion. It gives great depth and passion to our nation's story. The major and minor characters are so human and finely portrayed, the humor SO exquisite, the music and songs so perfectly woven into the characters and moments, the viewer is transported to that time and place. John Adams, Benjamimn Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Mrs. Adams, and every signer of the Declaration powerfully come to life. The arguments on the slavery compromise are suspenseful, and are pertinent to our current time and history. The last, dramatic scene gives one a sense of pride and patriotism, and yes, I cry every time those delegates line up to sign our most precious historical document. A must see for all ages.

Siging of Declaration--from Broadway to Fi;m
I fell in love with "1776" many years ago, first with the recording, then I was fortunate enough to see the closing day performance in NYC.
Although the filmed version doesn't have the chemistry of the live play,
I love this show, and I'm glad to see the number COOL CONSIDERATE MEN was
edited back into the film.
John Cullum as RUTLEDGE is awesome, chilling. (MOLLASES TO RM TO SLAVES)
Howard daSilva as FRANKLIN is witty, funny, compassionate.
William Daniels as JOHN ADAMS is obnoxious and disliked but his delivery of IS ANYONE THERE is memorable,and one of the highlights of this show.
If you love Broadway, this is pretty darm close to a stage show.
By the way, check out closely the costumes. Awesome!!!
Teri