1776

1776

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.

Genre: Drama, Family, History
Production: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
  Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.
 
IMDB:
7.6
Rotten Tomatoes:
69%
G
Year:
1972
141
13,829 Views

Edward Rutledge:
[In the final vote for Independence, Rutledge wants the slavery clause removed from the Declaration, or else he will vote against independence] Well, Mr. Adams?

John Adams:
Well, Mr. Rutledge.

Edward Rutledge:
[stands] Mr. Adams, you must believe that I *will* do what I promised to do.

John Adams:
[stands and approaches him] What is it you want, Rutledge?

Edward Rutledge:
Remove the offending passage from your Declaration.

John Adams:
If we did that, we would be guilty of what we ourselves are rebelling against.

Edward Rutledge:
Nevertheless... remove it, or South Carolina will bury, now and forever, your dream of independence.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
John? I beg you consider what you're doing.

John Adams:
Mark me, Franklin... if we give in on this issue, posterity will never forgive us.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin:
That's probably true, but we won't hear a thing, we'll be long gone. Besides, what would posterity think we were? Demi-gods? We're men, no more no less, trying to get a nation started against greater odds than a more generous God would have allowed. First things first, John. Independence; America. If we don't secure that, what difference will the rest make?

John Adams:
[long pause] Jefferson, say something.

Thomas Jefferson:
What else is there to do?

John Adams:
Well, man, you're the one that wrote it.

Thomas Jefferson:
I *wrote* ALL of it, Mr. Adams. [stands and goes to the Declaration, crosses out the clause]

John Adams:
[snatches the paper from Jefferson and takes it to Rutledge] There you are, Rutlege, you have your slavery; little good may it do you, now VOTE, damn you!

Edward Rutledge:
[takes the paper] Mr. President, the fair colony of South Carolina... [looks at Adams]... says yea.


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