1776 (1972): Screen Version of Stone and Sherman Edwards’ Broadway Musical, Starring William Daniels, Ken Howard, Howard Da Silva, Blythe Danner

The musical 1776 received much publicity in 1972, as it was the first independent production of former studio mogul Jack Warner.

Adapted from the hit 1969 Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards, the film chronicles America’s last dependent days as a melody of political arguments, debates, causes, and pleas.

It stars William Daniels, Ken Howard, and Howard Da Silva, who recreate their Broadway roles.

Set during the first Continental Congress, when the Declaration of Independence was drafted by founding fathers John Adams (Daniels) and Benjamin Franklin (Da Silva), the tale tries to my dry history more accessible by humanizing these iconic figures.

The strategy calls for contemporizing them — particularly the character of Ben Franklin.

Blythe Danner’s character of Martha Jefferson is expanded for the film version in order to allow for an outdoor production number.

Notable songs include “Sit Down, John,” a call for John Adams to stop preaching; “But, Mr. Adams,” the plea for Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration; and “Molasses to Rum,” a Southern rep’s ode to slavery.

After “1776,” Warner made only one more film, the 1972 grunge Western “Dirty Little Billy,” which made clearly the fact that he was out of touch with the zeitgeist, after decades in the business.

The picture was originally rated G with its theatrical running time of 141 minutes. It was later expanded to 166 minutes, causing the MPAA to re-rate it into PG (for language) in 1992.

MPAA: G.
Running time: 141 Minutes.
Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics
Directed by Peter H. Hunt
Written by Peter Stone
DVD: July 2, 2002

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