Blythe Danner, Donald Madden, Howard Da Silva

The hit Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards became the basis for this 1972 film about America's first congress and the nation's declaration of independence from Britain. Most of the or...( read more  read more... )iginal cast members are aboard, including William Daniels as John Adams. The film is a little stodgy and moves stiffly from scene to scene--the adaptation to the screen is not a smooth success. But it is nonetheless captivating, considering that so few films have dealt directly with America's birth. Directed by Peter H. Hunt. --Tom Keogh

Flixster Users

82% liked it

7,411 ratings

Critics

54% liked it

13 critics

PG, 166 min.

Directed by: Peter H. Hunt, Peter Hunt

Release Date: November 17, 1972

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DVD Release Date: July 2, 2002

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Stats: 545 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (545)


  • November 23, 2009
    A great history movie. Makes you feel good too. Good songs and plot. Fun to watch. I got two quotes for my facebook page from it. I'd recommend it to anyone.
  • November 10, 2009
    You'll either love this movie or hate. I am of the love it variety. It's such a nerdy fun good time. Yeah, it's your middle school textbook version of what happeend and it doesn't delve into too much complexity of the historical times but it's pretty good at getting the facts dow...( read more)n and I think William Daniels is GREAT at pulling off the passionate but unlikeable John Adams and the songs are flat out amazing. Mama, Look Sharp is one of the most haunting songs about the horror of war that I've ever heard and the duets between John and Abigail are really sweet and highlight what an absolutely interesting and fascinating relationship of intellectual equals the two really had.
  • July 3, 2009
    Not strictly historically accurate, but fun, with good music, good acting, and plenty of humor. One of my very favorite musicals.
  • June 27, 2009
    Watch it... if seeing a set of walking, talking, singing caricatures lead our nation to independence sounds just like your cup of tea.

    Avoid it... If you would be appalled to see some of the greatest men in American history be pigeonholed into the domain of eccentric curiosities.
  • April 11, 2009
    William Daniels was great, and Howard Da Silva steals the show as Ben Franklin.
  • February 8, 2009
    Yes, this movie is as stupid as it sounds. (A musical revolving around america's first congress.)
  • October 22, 2008
    This film really changed my life by getting me interested in learning. Also, one of the funniest films ever, if you have a nerdy sense of humor...
  • October 15, 2008
    nominated for best picture by NBR and at the golden globes
  • May 9, 2008
    ery few names are well known from this seventies musical, but I have found it to be one of my favorites. William Daniels portrayal of zealous John Adams is quite fun to see especially when everyone else is exclaiming for him to sit down when he gets too uppity. Each song furthers...( read more) the story so well and each performer does it so well it is a joy to watch. The song with Blythe Danner who is portraying Martha Jefferson is quite touching and fun, ?She Plays the Violin.? This playful film about our founding fathers is one those underrated films that I like to give some credit to.

Critic Reviews


Comments


  • sleddog323
    March 8, 2007
    " he plays the violin!" *screams* not that song again!
  • NobleKnight
    December 5, 2006
    Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see, what I see?
  • secretpoet
    June 19, 2006
    "In the middle of the afternoon?!"

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1776 Trivia


  • What musical released in 1972 recounts the true story of John Adam's struggle to sway the Continental Congress into voting for American Independence?  Answer »
  • In "Trading Places," according to the sign at the front door, when was the Heritage Club founded?  Answer »
  • From what movie does this quote come: "Good God consider yourselves fortunate that you have John Adams to abuse, for no sane man would tolerate it."  Answer »
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