When John Adams is annoyed that Jefferson hasn't written anything in a week & says to him "God created the world in 7 days!" and then Jefferson turns to Adams & says, "Someday... you must tell me how you did it".
Priceless!
When McNair tells Adams that he must go and vote on an such important matter...
"I can just imagine"...
(on whether the Rhode Island militia should have matching uniforms)...
Oh, good God....
I love Jefferson's line to Adams about the Creation of the World, but I also love "This is a REVOLUTION, DAMMIT: We're going to have to offend SOMEONE!!" when Adams bristles at the language of the Declaration being softened to avoid insulting British people.
share^^ I second that one!
Second favorite said by Franklin: "Softly, John. Your voice is hurting my foot."
Dickinson had a good line:
"...all because of your petty personal grievances: your taxes are too high. Well Sir, so are mine."
It's not clever or funny, but it shows that the choice of Independence was not as clear cut as we modern people think it was.
Franklin eventually answered it:
"We are a new people, we require a new nation."
I love Franklin's reminder to Adams regarding the Southern delegation. "That these men, whatever we think of them, are accomplished men, the cream of their colonies and they'll be part of this new nation you hope to create." That's not verbatim, for I haven't seen the film in a while. It really illustrates the difference between North and South and gives us an insight of what lies ahead, four score and seven years later.
But my very favorite line is Franklin again ~ New nations are born like bastard children ~ half improvised and half compromised. Brilliant. John Dickinson has some wonderful lines, as well. The script is very literate, so it's replete with many marvelous lines and dialogue.
The devil turns away from a closed door.
1776 has been pretty seriously blasted by some people for it's portrayal of the Founding Fathers. To some limited extent I have to agree: it makes great men seem trivial some times.
-But, there is a thread of real quotations that runs through the script that you only really appreciate when you read serious history books and biographies.
John Adams in the film saying "Franklin smote the ground and up sprung George Washington, fully grown and on his horse..." isn't just William Daniels reading what some modern day script writer wrote: the real John Adams wrote that.
He wrote "I see the Pageant and Pomp and Parade, I hear the bells ringing out.." too.
"Wellll, I'll tell ye: In all my days I aint neither seen nor heared nor smelt an issue that was so dangerous it couldn't be TALKED about!".
I personally like the exchanges of insults Dickenson has with Franklin:
Dr. Benjamin Franklin: Please Mr. Dickinson, but must you start banging? How is a man to sleep?
John Dickinson: Forgive me, Dr. Franklin, but must YOU start speaking? How is a man to stay awake? We'll promise to be quiet - I'm sure everyone prefers that you remained asleep.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin: If I'm to hear myself called an Englishman, sir, I assure you I prefer I'd remained asleep.
John Dickinson: What's so terrible about being called an Englishman? The English don't seem to mind.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin: Nor would I, were I given the full rights of an Englishman. But to call me one without those rights is like calling an ox a bull. He's thankful for the honor, but he'd much rather have restored what's rightfully his.
John Dickinson: When did you first notice they were missing, sir? \
--------------------------------------------------------------
And I also enjoy this little bit:
John Adams: Wake up, Franklin, you're going to New Brunswick!
Dr. Benjamin Franklin: [Half asleep] Like hell I am. What for?
Hopkins: The whoring and the drinking!
[Franklin gets up and marches off right behind Adams]
--------------------------------------
It's a tough universe...If you're going to survive, you've really got to know where your towel is.
Arizona, you must have had the film playing as you typed that for that was verbatim dialogue and among the best in the film. Dickinson and Franklin have one of the most interesting dynamics in the film ~ Pennsylvania delegates, but adversaries. Their wooing James Wilson is one of the dramatic highlights of the film.
I missed it on July 4, was certain that I had it on DVD and discovered that I don't and can't wait until Netflix delivers it to me on Monday. I am absolutely drooling to see it.
The devil turns away from a closed door.
I know this post is two years too late, but I thought I'd add my two cents.
Many of you have added some really great lines from the film. One of my favorite lines is not a funny line, but a serious one. I love it when Rutledge explains that southerners want a new nation of sovereign states. It really sends chills up my spine. With the sad state of affairs with current politics, I certainly wished that we had gotten this one the way it was originally intended.
By the way, did you know that Rutledge was not the pro-slave supporter that he was depicted in the play/film. Unlike Jefferson, Rutledge actually did free his slaves. To be fair, Jefferson was not able to free his slaves because of his financial troubles.
I would take umbrage that this film "was pretty seriously blasted for its portrayals of our founding fathers". I have followed the musical, film and book fro 30 years and rarely heard nor read anyone blast it for trivializing these men.
shareI agree: "This is a REVOLUTION, DAMMIT: We're going to have to offend SOMEONE!!"
That always just makes me laugh. It would be a very quiet and uneventful revolution if you had to avoid offending the other party.
Also:
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?
We have always heard so much about the founding fathers that we tend to forget they were "just men." I think that is what I love about this musical the most - it reminds us that they were men with all the lump and and bumps... not the statues that we are used to seeing of them... all noble and resolved. They were actually men who lived... and hated flies!
When Dr. Franklin turns to his Pennsylvanian and neutral opponent voting on the question of Independence from Great Britain, THE swing vote..."What will it be, your honor, every map-maker is the world is waiting on your response".
shareThere are far too many great lines in this film to cite them all. Watch and re-watch the film and glory in the language.
As for making them seem trivial, you have to remember that most of them were just people. The glow of greatness comes from seeing them through the aura if time, doing things that were not seen in as glowing a light then.
Mr. Dickinson, for instance, was not a villain, just a man doing his conscience, as were many of the others, even if he disagreed with John Adams, who WAS obnoxious and dis-liked.
...John Adams, who WAS obnoxious and dis-liked.Oh? I hadn't heard.
I think it's WAY too hard to choose one. They are all so good.
"These are only shadows of the real world..."
"I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace; that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a Congress!"
"But don't forget that most men without property would rather protect the possibility of becoming rich than face the reality of being poor."
That second one is an actual verbatum statement from one of the signers. It may actually have been Rutledge, and not Franklin ... though I've Franklin's bio, but I just can't remember whether he said it or not.
shareMy favorite is John Adams in his opening tirade of the movie, just prior to "Sit Down John" He strides into the chambers and says "I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a Congress...and by God, I have HAD this Congress!"
No truer words today....
Except for the subsequent lines in "Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve":
A second flood, a simple famine
Plagues of locusts everywhere--
Or a cataclysmic earthquake
I'd accept with some despair.
But NO--!
YOU SENT US CONGRESS!!!!
Good God, Sir, was that FAIR??!?
Considering the approval rating of the present Legislative branch, I'd say little has changed!
So true, bellamade, so true! 0 : )
shareThe only time in the film we see Franklin riled:
"How dare you sir! I established the first anti-slavery movement on the North American Continent!"
Franklin's response to Dickerson's affirmation that they were all British subjects: "It's rather like calling an ox a bull...he appreciates the honor but would rather have returned to him what's rightfully his!"
Jefferson's response to the purpose of a Declaration: "To place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent."
Franklin's rationale for capitulating with the South and removing the anti-slavery passage: "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?" Probably the absolute best line in the film as it gave begrudging logic to a deplorable act.
It's not a line; it's a reaction. When they wake up Franklin to tell them that he's going with them to New Brunswick for 'the whoring and the drinking' and, without a word, he silently and purposefully stands up and follows them.
It cracks me up every time I see it.
"What do you want me to do, draw a picture? Spell it out!"
John Dickinson: Are you calling me a coward?
John Adams: Yes... coward!
John Dickinson: Madman!
John Adams: Landlord!
John Dickinson: LAWYER!
While I enjoy many of the lines already cited, I was watching this last night ('tis the season!) and caught myself cracking up the most at another reaction: after New York has abstained, courteously, in the third scene, Hancock is swatting at flies and stops himself just before swatting Morris. I don't know a whole lot about the individual personalities of these people, but I enjoy the portrayal of Hancock in this movie.
shareThompson, trying to read the resolution while Adams and Dickinson go back and forth offering submotions - "Will you let me get thru it ONCE?"
shareI love when Jefferson is trying to write the declaration..
Damn the man.
*looks up*
God damn the man!
Always cracks me up. Just the fact that he looks up when he says it.
Ditto ditto to pretty much everything else that's been posted. I'm not normally a fan of Broadway musicals, but I love this one. It's the acting that puts it over the top, I think. Mr. Daniels did a great job, as did all the others.
Not really a "line," but my favorite moment was during "But Mr. Adams," when the chorus chimes in with "Homicide! Homicide!"
G o t r i d o f t h e c o m p u t e r w i t h t h e f a u l t y s p a c e b a r
In Jefferson's apartment:
Adams: "You've had a whole WEEK! The Earth was created in a WEEK!
Jefferson: "Someday...you must tell me how you did it!
Biggest understatement:
As the resolution on independence is adopted
Adams: "It's done!...it's done."
(Of course the King didn't think so at this point: neither he nor his army or navy. That would take another 8 years)
Best line in any political document, ever:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Jefferson (on writing the declaration): How? [will you make me]?
Adams: "By physical force if necessary." (tapping Jefferson's chest with quill)
John Hancock: "I'm concerned over the continued absence of 1/13th of this Congress. Where is New Jersey? "
Dickinson: "Somewhere between New York and Pennsylvania. "
Cracks me up every time.
And I also love...
Hancock: "Gentlemen, forgive me if I don't join in the merriment, but if we are arrested now, my name is STILL THE ONLY ONE ON THE DAMN THING!"
And...
McNair: "Mr. Hopkins, you'll be pleased to meet Dr. Lyman Hall."
Hopkins: "I don't need a doctor, damn it."
And just about every other line in the movie.
If we're talking about lines in a political document...I always loved this one: "And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
It's that sacred honor part that always gets me.
But it needs the visual, the very tall Jefferson, with Adams looking him right in the ... chest, but still willing to use physical force against the bigger man.
shareOne of my favorite quotes in the film was from Benjamin Franklin, when approached about his son's arrest, and he delightfully replied, "Tell me, why did they arrest the little bastard."
share"The egg may belong to Great Britain, but the Eagle Inside Belongs to USSS!!!"
"I do hope he won't upset Henry..."
John Adams' passionate solo, about seeing the future filled with pagentry, pomp and parade..."I see Americans - ALL Americans - free, forever more!"
Gives me chills every time!
At the end, when Adams says to Jefferson about deleting the slavery clause:
"You wrote it!"
Jefferson says, "I wrote ALL of it!"
Maybe because I'm a writer, but that line always gets me.
I've always loved that line, too, and I'm *not* a writer.
Also one of my favorites (from memory so not verbatim):
Jefferson: But I burn Mr. A.
Adams: So do I Mr. J.
Jefferson: You do?
Frankline: John... you?
Just love the delivery and facial expressions of that exchange!!
My all-time favorite line is spoken by Stephen Hopkins (Rhode Island): "Well, in all my years, I've never seen, heard, nor smelled an issue that was so dangerous it couldn't be talked about. Hell yes, I'm for debatin' anything!"
It always comes to mind whenever I hear or read people trying to shout someone down instead of debating his/her ideas.
I know what you're thinking: "Who cares?"
Well, I loved the whole thing enough to see it multiple times, but my favorite part is Adams' reply to Jefferson:
Mr. Jefferson, dear Mr. Jefferson,
I'm only 41, I still have my virility
And I can romp through Cupid's grove with great agility
But life is more than sexual combustibility!
and the end of the song, "We may see murder yet!"
Lots of great lines in this film. You could almost quote the whole musical verbatim. However, one that stands out for me, is this exchange between Adams and Franklin, in which Adams says that Franklin will be remembered, but he (Adams) won't.
ADAMS: "Franklin did this, and Franklin did that, and Franklin did some other damned fool thing. Franklin smote upon the ground with his lightning rod and up sprang George Washington, fully grown, on his horse. Franklin then electrified them with his lightning rod and then Franklin, Washington -- and the horse -- went on to win the revolution single-handedly.
FRANKLIN: (Pauses for a few moments, thinking about it. And then...) I like it!
Adams then gives him a look that says "Oh get out of here!"
There's also one in the original Broadway production, that sadly was dropped when the film was made. It was when Congressional members were going to New Jersey to investigate army conditions of the area. Franklin, whose eyes are closed, napping (as he often did) in public is told:
"Wake up Franklin, you're going to New Brunswick. To which Franklin replies, "Like hell I am, what for?" "For the whoring and the drinking." At that point Franklin gets up and starts off with the rest of the comittee members. But what he says is the stage version right before he stands is "Well, why didn't you say so!"
It makes me happy to know that so many other people love the language of this show as much as I do. I don't think anybody has mentioned my pick for the single funniest line:
Rev. John Witherspoon (In response to Secretary Thompson's report of the whoring, drinking, the french disease, in New Brunswick): There must be some mistake I have an aunt who lives in New Brunswick. (Laughter)
John Dickinson: You must tell her to keep up the good work. (Louder Laughter)
I also love the exchange between Dickinson and Jefferson regarding the king being a "tyrant".
Dickinson: ...why do you refer to King Louis as a tyrant?
Jefferson: Because he is a tyrant.
Dickinson: I warn you sir that this "tyrant" is still your king.
Jefferson: When a king becomes a tyrant...
I also love Jefferson's line soon thereafter: (Forcefully) Just a moment Mr. Thompson. I do not consent. (To the Congress) The king is a tyrant, whether we say so or not. Might as well say so.
Charles Thompson: But I already scratched it out.
Jefferson: (Forcefully) Then scratch it back in!
John Hancock: Put it back in Mr. Thompson. The king shall remain a tyrant.
I genuinely love this movie. I'm glad so many others do as well.