Nov 09,1972
Hollywood Movies | Drama | Comedy | History | Music
| nudity | There are several 18th century-type references to desires for sexual activity and reactions to these references and an implied sexual encounter (off-screen) between a married couple. Also some wink-wink, nudge-nudge among the delegates regarding the above. As best I recall, the closest thing to nudity was Martha Jefferson's decolletage. References to "whores" and "the French Disease" may raise some eyebrows. It should be noted that in 2003 the Fairfax County VA school board banned 1776 over Jefferson's declaration of his yearning for his wife. If this is a point of concern for you, view the movie before showing it to your children. |
| violence | At one point two of the characters start "fencing" with their walking sticks. One of the songs, _Momma, Look Sharp_, describes -- but does not show -- the death of a soldier on the battlefield. The Revolutionary War is otherwise off-screen. Cesar Rodney suffers from cancer and wears a Marley-type bandage around his chin; no real detail is seen. |
| profanity | 1776 is really problematic with profanity, especially for a 40-year-old production. Several invocations of the Deity, including one time in direct address to the same (now that's cheek!). Several desires for several parties to be exiled to perdition. A few desires for John Adams to meet premature judgement. . |
| alcohol | Stephen Hopkins of RI is constantly bellowing for rum, although to a degree this is culturally correct in a time and place where water was not safe. I seem to recall that some members are shown smoking tobacco, but not as a major plot point. |
| frightening | Rutledge's solo _Molasses to Rum to Slaves_ gets very emotional as Rutledge evokes the atmosphere of the African slave markets. However, the very little children would probably long since have lost interest. |
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