1776

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1776

G

1972

2h 21m

Holiday

Musical

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

The nation's fathers harmonize their way through the founding of America in this musical adapted from a popular Broadway show. Colonial representatives gather in Philadelphia with the aim of establishing a set of governmental rules for the burgeoning United States. Benjamin Franklin (Howard da Silva) and John Adams (William Daniels) charge Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) with the work of writing a statement announcing the new country's emancipation from British rule.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

09/28/2023

What could be more soul-curdling than a Broadway folk operetta featuring the founding fathers, and double-entendres, and national tragedy? The movie version.

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Matthew Rozsa

Salon.com

08/03/2017

4/4

With "1776," political struggles that took place nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago feel as fresh and immediate as the political struggles of today.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

08/26/2010

5/5

Every American should watch this once a year.

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Peter Canavese

Celluloid Dreams

06/30/2022

3.5/4

Great screenplay based on the Broadway musical. Fantastic musical in an amazing 3-disc 4K/blu-ray set from Sony,

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

06/01/2022

4/5

Da Silva is a standout amongst a talented cast which may be because he has some of the best lines of the whole film and he delivers them with incredible, comedic timing.

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

05/31/2022

4/5

1776 is the rare musical to tackle American Independence with memorable tunes and does so in almost three hours.

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Francesca T

@JellyFishieee Apr 19

I love how silly it is but serious at the same time 4.5 though because Jefferson was greatly sugar coated, but at least the song "Molasses and Rum" made up for the sugar coating.

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Minh's D

@RT78618961 Jul 8

This was so GOOD! The beginning was kinda confusing like I dont know what was going on for a sec but once we got in that room?? it was BANGERS AFTER BANGERS! LOVED IT. The songs go so hard and the cast IS perfect. I love all of them so much… especially the 3….you know who 😌 and except John Dickinson. idc, shame on him.😭 Lowkey obsessed with this musical! ❤️🎵

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Bronco B

@BroncoBilly Jul 8

1776 is the perfect blend of history and entertainment. The songs are catchy, the dialogue is sharp, and the film doesn’t shy away from the real debates and compromises behind America’s founding. It’s a smart, witty way to learn about the Revolution, and I watch it every Independence Day. A true classic that still resonates.

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john r

@RT63308967 Jul 6

The music is completely unmemorable but I think the dramatic parts wear pretty well. A mixed bag but maybe worth a look around the 4th of july.

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Carter B

@RT77906192 08/21/2024

This movie is just awful. It has bad songs and nothing interesting happening. It is a boring movie.

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Philswif P

@RT45220437 08/10/2024

1776 is Hamilton, but better. Not only does it have excellent music, stellar performances and a very interesting story, but it also perfectly captures being a member of congress during the American revolution.

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Peter H. Hunt

Director

William Daniels

John Adams

Howard Da Silva

Benjamin Franklin

Ken Howard

Thomas Jefferson

Donald Madden

John Dickinson

Blythe Danner

Martha Jefferson

1776: Official Clip - Sit Down, John!

1:42

1776: Official Clip - The Egg (Wtf, Ben Franklin)

3:33

1776: Official Clip - But Mr. Adams

3:01

1776: Official Clip - Mama Look Sharp

2:58

1776: Official Clip - Yours, Yours, Yours (Reprise)

1:03

1776: Official Clip - Molasses to Rum

4:40

1776: Official Clip - He Plays the Violin

4:33

1776: Official Clip - Yours, Yours, Yours

2:13

1776: Official Clip - Cool, Cool Considerate Men

6:02

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Synopsis

The nation's fathers harmonize their way through the founding of America in this musical adapted from a popular Broadway show. Colonial representatives gather in Philadelphia with the aim of establishing a set of governmental rules for the burgeoning United States. Benjamin Franklin (Howard da Silva) and John Adams (William Daniels) charge Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard) with the work of writing a statement announcing the new country's emancipation from British rule.

Director: Peter H. Hunt
Producer: Jack L. Warner
Screenwriter: Peter Stone
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: G
Genre: Holiday, Musical, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 1972, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 2h 21m
Sound Mix: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)