Independence

Running less than 30 minutes, this short documentary type movie has been screened thousands of times in Philadelphia at the town hall / historical state house where the Constitutional Congress was originally held. Whether you agree or disagree with the style the story is told or whether or not you think the founding Fathers felt the way they did, you will agree that this "movie" is too short. Like an appetizer, you are hoping for a larger portion to this history. Ken Howard returns again from his role as Thomas Jefferson in 1776, to portray Thomas Jefferson once again. The tall, red headed English actor is perfect as the writer to the Declaration of Independence. A familiar face to the cast, his addition adds to the movie's uniqueness as well as it its pride.

Independence was made in 1976 for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the United States of America. Actors in period clothes portray famous people from the 1770's in and around Independence Hall, about the making of the Declaration of Independence. Directed by John Huston and made by 20th Century Fox with the cooperation U.S. National Park Service to be watched during the Bicentennial celebration at Independence Hall. The film is still viewed at the new visitor center in Independence Mall not far from Independence Hall. If visit Philadelphia see Independence Hall first then view the film. It would give you a better understanding about the document express in the film.

I had the pleasure of meeting John Huston during the making of "Independence". I was working at the hotel where he stayed during the shoot, & we spoke on a number of occasions. One morning I was walking to work along my normal route, which took me right past Independence Hall. A scene was being shot at the time, & the police were keeping curious onlookers away. Suddenly I was tapped on the shoulder by a policeman, who told me that Mr. Huston wanted to see me. I went up & stood next to him while he completed the scene. I remember seeing Ken Howard, Pat Hingle, Anne Jackson, & Eli Wallach. I hated to leave, but I had to get to work.

Of the many celebrities I met while working at the hotel, John Huston was the nicest (Dom DeLuise was a close second). The worst were Jimmy Walker ("Dyn-O-Mite!") & Bob Hope. Mr. Huston was very kind & friendly to me throughout his stay, & I remember him fondly.

I just saw this film yesterday (May 31, 2010) at the Independence Hall visitors center in Philadelphia. It's still a good short documentary, especially with the part at the end on the transfer of the Presidency from George Washington to John Adams. We take that for granted today. But back then, most successions were a result of heredity following the passing of a monarch, or by a not-so-peaceful coup.

However, it might be worthwhile to remake the film. Several viewers recognized the fact that the director (John Huston) and the narrator (E.G. Marshall) passed away many years ago. Even thought the script itself it still great, viewers might consider the film to be rather dated. In the least, the film needs be restored. It was fuzzy most of the way through.