Independence (1976 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Independence |
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Poster
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| Directed by | John Huston |
| Produced by | Joyce Ritter Lloyd Ritter |
| Written by | Thomas McGrath (as Tom McGrath) Joyce Ritter Lloyd Ritter |
| Narrated by | E.G. Marshall |
| Starring | Eli Wallach William Atherton Pat Hingle Anne Jackson |
| Distributed by | National Park Service |
| Release date(s) | 1976 |
| Running time | 28 minutes |
| Language | English |
Independence is a short film from 1976. It was directed by John Huston. The movie stars actors like Eli Wallach, Pat Hingle, and Anne Jackson. E.G. Marshall tells the story as the narrator.
This film is a type of movie called a docudrama. This means it tells a true story using actors and dramatic scenes. Independence was made for the U.S. National Park Service. It celebrated the 200th birthday of the United States in 1976, which is called the Bicentennial.
The movie was shown to visitors at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. It gave them a quick look at important political events that happened there between 1774 and 1800. The film is about 28 minutes long. As of 2022, it is no longer shown at the park's visitor center.
What Is Independence About?
This film brings to life important figures from American history. You'll see Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others. They act out key moments that happened in Philadelphia when the United States was founded.
Historic Moments in the Film
The movie shows several big events:
- The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This document declared that the American colonies were free from British rule.
- The Constitutional Convention in 1787. Here, leaders wrote the U.S. Constitution, which set up the government we have today.
- The inauguration of President John Adams in 1797. This was when John Adams officially became the second president of the United States.
Who Are the Actors in Independence?
Many talented actors played the roles of historical figures in Independence.
- William Atherton played Benjamin Rush, a doctor and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Pat Hingle played John Adams, who later became the second U.S. President.
- Anne Jackson played Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams.
- Patrick O'Neal played George Washington, the first U.S. President.
- Ken Howard played Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence.
- John Randolph played Samuel Adams, a leader in the American Revolution.
- Paul Sparer played John Hancock, known for his large signature on the Declaration.
- Tom Spratley played George Mason, who helped write the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
- James Tolkan played Tom Paine, a writer who inspired many during the Revolution.
- Eli Wallach played Benjamin Franklin, a famous inventor, writer, and statesman.
- E.G. Marshall was the narrator, guiding viewers through the story.
