1776

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1776

G

Released Nov 17, 1972

2h 21m

Musical

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

68%

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19 Reviews

84%

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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

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

Sep 28, 2023

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Matthew Rozsa

Salon.com

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.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 3, 2017

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Every American should watch this once a year.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 26, 2010

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Peter Canavese

Celluloid Dreams

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

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 30, 2022

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Allison Rose

FlickDirect

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.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 1, 2022

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Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

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

Rated: 4/5

May 31, 2022

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Minh's D

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! ❤️🎵

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

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Bronco B

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

Full Review

john r

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.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/06/25

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Carter B

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

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/21/24

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Audience Member

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.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/10/24

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Mike P

This is the 70s version of Hamilton.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/12/24

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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

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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: Musical, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 1972, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 2h 21m
Sound Mix: Stereo

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