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1776

Play trailer Poster for 1776 G Released Nov 17, 1972 2h 21m Musical Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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1776

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Every American should watch this once a year. Rated: 5/5 Aug 26, 2010 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Mike P This is the 70s version of Hamilton. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/12/24 Full Review Read all reviews
1776

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Movie Info

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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