1776 (Restored Director's Cut)

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

The first independent production of former studio mogul Jack Warner, 1776 was adapted from the hit 1969 Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards. William Daniels, Ken Howard, and Howard Da Silva are among the many actors who recreate their Broadway roles. The story is set during the first Continental Congress, when the Declaration of Independence was drafted by such founding fathers as John Adams (Daniels) and Benjamin Franklin (Da Silva). The script attempts to "humanize" these remote historical figures by contemporizing them -- particularly the character of Ben Franklin. Blythe Danner's character of Martha Jefferson is expanded for the film version to allow for an elaborate outdoor production number. After 1776, Warner made only one more film, the 1972 "grunge Western" Dirty Little Billy. On an added note: the picture was originally rated G with its theatrical running time of 141 minutes. It was later expanded to 166 minutes; the added scenes caused the MPAA to re-rate it PG (for language) in 1992. Both versions are available on video. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

DVD FEATURES:

• Region: 1
• Number of Discs: 1
• Subtitle: Fra
• Screen: Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
• Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Cinemascope)
• Features:
  • Director and screenwriter commentary
  • Screen tests
  • Bonus trailers
  • Production notes

AWARDS

• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

•     Nominated Best Cinematography - 1972 (Harry Stradling, Jr.)

• Hollywood Foreign Press Association

•     Nominated Best Picture - Musical or Comedy - 1972

• National Board of Review

•     Nominated Best Picture - 1972

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Cast:

  
       William Daniels - John Adams
       Howard Da Silva - Benjamin Franklin
       Ken Howard - Thomas Jefferson
       David Ford - John Hancock
       Roy Poole - Stephen Hopkins
       Andy Albin - William Paca

• Director:

  Peter H. Hunt

• Producer:

  Jack L. Warner

• Screenwriter:

  Peter Stone

• Play Author:

  Peter Stone

• Cinematographer:

  Harry Stradling, Jr.

• Musical Direction/Supervision:

  Ray Heindorf

• Composer (Music Score):

  Sherman Edwards

• Songwriter:

  Sherman Edwards

• Musical Arrangement:

  Peter Howard

• Editor:

  William H. Ziegler, Florence Williamson

• Art Director:

  George Jenkins

• Set Designer:

  George James Hopkins

• Costume Designer:

  Patricia Zipprodt

• Sound/Sound Designer:

  Arthur Piantadosi, Al Overton, Jr.

• Makeup:

  Allan Snyder

• First Assistant Director:

  Sheldon Schrager

• Choreography:

  Onna White

• Conductor:

  Ray Heindorf

REVIEW:

• The subject of some controversy when produced (many objected to the characterization of the founding fathers, and the Nixon White House is alleged to have pressured the producers into deleting a song critical of conservatives), 1776 had all the ingredients of a wonderful musical film -- except for a skillful director. This is unfortunate, because the screenplay is literate and witty, full of memorable and exciting characters. The one-of-a-kind score is excellent, and the cast -- almost all direct from Broadway -- could not be better. Although director Peter Hunt manages to open up the proceedings, there's still a staginess that could have been avoided. Better yet, Hunt could have used the staginess to create a confined feeling that could have echoed both the stifling atmosphere of the Continental Congress meeting place and the stifling oppression against which John Adams fought. Hunt also showed very little imagination in shooting the musical numbers; the opening cries out for someone who can create the visual equivalent of the music's chaos. The use of the soft-focus lens for the scenes between Adams and his wife is hokey, and the static staging of "Mama, Look Sharp" dilutes that song's impact. When he does try something, the effect is often weak or distracting, as in the lightning cuts of Lee mounting his horse at the start of "The Lees of Old Virginia." As Adams, William Daniels gives a magnificent performance, capturing all of the facets of this complicated and fascinating man, and Howard Da Silva is a delight as Ben Franklin. The entire supporting cast is deserving of praise, but special mention must be made of John Cullum, whose "Molasses to Rum" is a chilling showstopper. Ultimately Hunt's direction damages the film, but its strengths are still significant. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi