Posted by Bill R on July 08, 2001 at 14:11:18:
In Reply to: Re: Rich bought up the Movie posted by Rich on July 08, 2001 at 13:38:43:
A great movie! Funny, and completely captivating seeing an intrepretation of the behind the scenes
bargaining, maneuvering etc. as well as seeing the intepretation of the different personalities and regional concerns.
I was lucky enough to see it live in theater in 1976 with the cast who did the movie. Shoot me for a dog, but I enjoyed the play but like the movie better.
Bill R
: Well said, John!!! The interaction between the members of the Continental Congress was what made the show! It was really like looking at the proceedings through a crack in the wall. Very realistic portrayal, yet it never took itself too seriously ... the film, that is.
: : The movie is an absolute treasure. Our family watches it whenever we can get together on the 4th. We saw if in theater at Yokota AFB Japan in 1776 by a troop of ameteur airmen, sailors and soldiers and that hooked us.
: : The music is very good, The dark and forboding "Mollases to Slaves to Rum" (sung by that guy from Northern Exposure) was spellbinding. "Mother" about the death of ordinary soldiers/boys puts a tear in your eye. "Is Anybody There?" is inspirational. The song where Adams, Jefferson and Livingston are arquing about who will write a Declaration is hillarious. "He plays the Violin" is beautiful. my favorite is "The Lees of old Virginia", rousing and downright fun.
: : But the true wonder is the story and characters. I've never seen or read a story about the signing of the declaration and the strife and angst of considering revolution, that comes close to this. The banter, from witty to near blows, the compremises, the respect the men had for each other..no matter how much they disagreed. "Obnoxious and disliked"-John Adams's drive and commitment was contageous and the letters/dreams/musicical-visits between him and Abigail were wonderful. Ben Franklin's rapier wit, enabling pragmatism and hedonistic flair - John Dickenson's heroic objections to Adams and a revolution that he believes will be a mistake - Ceasar Rodney's last gasp of breath - the stubborn deep south and the refusal of the story to sugar coat the ambiguities of "all men are created equal" with the "pecular institution" of slavery - New York which always obstains from the vote...courtiously -Hancock's frustration - Jefferson's vision - Steven Hopkin's rowdy bar-room delegating - The desperate dispatches from the never-seen Washington. (especially moving is when New York (name eludes me) is informed that his estate is occupied, his wife and younger children fled and his older boys have enlisted... all these men risked so much) - The whoring and the drinking - the heat and the flies - "Sit down John."
: : It captures the spirit better than any show, song or movie I've ever heard of.
: : Your Obidient...........