Spirit of '72
With the Oscars almost upon us & Presidents' Day just past, wanted to pay quick tribute to my favorite film of 1972, especially in the newer 'director's cut' widescreen DVD. 'spect I'm one of many who's happy to have restored what's rightfully ours. "Momma Look Sharp" is one of the most affecting musical moments in any film, "He Plays the Violin" one of the most joyous. William Daniels (lead) & Howard Da Silva (support) get my Alternative Universe Oscars of '72, but practically everyone in the large cast has their special moment.
1776 may've received a resounding "nay" from the boxoffice public, but history's been kind to the film and lasting value's what matters, not ephemeral appeal. (PORKY'S, you might recall, made a fortune and we're all poorer for it.) 1776 is one of the truest representations of any Broadway show and it's a minor miracle it was filmed at all, given it's rather specialized appeal. One IMHO quibble: it gets off to a lurching start with it's weakest # ("Sit Down, John!") but recovers quickly & never flags. A coupla' friends recall seeing the film on a school field trip, wish I'd been that lucky.
40 years on, 1776's still not a movie for everyone and divides opinion pretty severely, but for those of us who vote 'yea' it's a rare treasure, both visually & verbally.