What's your favorite Fourth of July movie?
If your long weekend includes any movie-watching that isn't in the theaters (or Will Smith), will it be something that you love to watch every Fourth of July? Either something that takes place on the 4th, or just seems so American that it's perfect for hot-dog-and-fireworks season? I've listed some possibilities below. --David
1776 (watch below): This is usually the first movie I think of. It's history (the signing of the Declaration of Independence), it's a musical, and it's more entertaining (and more involving) than you'd expect. No doubt that more people will be interested in the main character, John Adams (played by William Daniels), following the new HBO series.
The Music Man: Along with 1776, this used to be on network TV on the Fourth of July every year, and I'd try to watch one or both. Not only is the music pure Americana (band music, barbershop, etc.), but the main action takes place on July 4.
John Adams: The aforementioned new HBO series, which I haven't seen yet.
The Patriot: Mel Gibson's Revolutionary War epic, which I did see once and haven't felt the need to watch again.
Johnny Tremain: 1957 Disney movie about the Revolution. I still remember one of the songs: "Yes, we are the Sons, yes, we are the Sons, the Sons of Liberty."
Liberty's Kids: animated series about kids who live in the 1700s--pretty good, as I recall.
Anthony Wrifford on July 03, 2008 at 06:50 PM
In these days of evil and the fall of the "empire" that we once knew as a Republic, one might think of "Birth of a Nation" as an appropriate film for a country in decline.
But in any ending, comes promise of the new. In this vain, "Grapes of Wrath" would be a beautiful tribute to the spirit of our country.
Barbara on July 03, 2008 at 08:47 PM
You forgot my favorite: Yankee Doodle Dandy with Jimmy Cagney!
David Horiuchi on July 03, 2008 at 10:18 PM
You're right! I was going to include Yankee Doodle Dandy but forgot!
Jeff Dowder on July 04, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Independence Day isn't listed? Greatest July 4 movie of all time!
ddh on July 04, 2008 at 12:31 PM
"Drums along the Mohawk" with Henry Fonda, Claudette Colbert, and John Carradine depicts the Revolutionary War on the frontier of upstate New York.
Kevin Murphy on July 04, 2008 at 12:33 PM
See John Adams, particularly the episode that concludes with the Declaration.
Chuck Pelto on July 04, 2008 at 12:56 PM
TO: All
RE: Fav's on the Fourth
The Patriot
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Independence Day
How the West Was Won
Closely related due to Americana and Independence Day in them:
McClintock
The Music Man
Regards,
Chuck(le)
fred lapides on July 04, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I make a point of watching Yankee Doodle Dandy every 4th of July.
The music is grand. Cagney is very "masculine" in his dancing, the shows reeks of sentiment and sentimentality,and like all shows about great song writers you get the narrative of lowly beginning, stardom, retirement, and then return for a short while. We ignore, or do not know, that the idea of a yankee doodle dandy was used by the British "occupiers" as a term of derision for our leather-bedecked (oh, the cost today!) outfits.
Chuck Pelto on July 04, 2008 at 01:05 PM
TO: All
RE: I'm Reminded...
...by fred_lapides' comment about musicals....
The Glenn Miller Story. PURE, unadulterated Americana.
Regards,
Chuck(le)
Jay on July 04, 2008 at 01:07 PM
I alternate between "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and a highlights DVD I edited, from the TV miniseries "Gettysburg," which focuses on Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the 20th Maine defending the left flank of the Union Army at Little Round Top; the action that turned the tide of battle in the battle that turned the tide of war in the war that saved the United States of America.
Trish on July 04, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I also go with Independence Day with Will Smith .. it's a Will Smith weekend!
Anga2010 on July 04, 2008 at 01:18 PM
The "Killer Angels" movie about the Civil War Gettysburg battle.
Mark on July 04, 2008 at 01:25 PM
The Sandlot.
It's not about the holiday, but it's a very American feeling movie and it features a great Independence Day scene.
Mike V. on July 04, 2008 at 01:33 PM
The Patriot. The scene in the church when Heath Ledger come in looking for volunteers, the girl makes the impassioned speech and one by one the men stand up.
Bob on July 04, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I am going with 'Big Trouble in Little China': "Here is to the Army and the Navy and the battles they have won/ here is to the red, white and blue may their colors never run". Pure porcessed American cheese thank you very much.
Chuck Pelto on July 04, 2008 at 02:02 PM
TO: Bob
RE: Pure Processed American Cheese?
""Here is to the Army and the Navy and the battles they have won/ here is to the red, white and blue may their colors never run". Pure porcessed American cheese thank you very much." -- Bob
How about the following:
The Gallant Hours; James Cagney as Admiral Halsey reflecting on the Guadalcanal campaign. The choral work will bring tears to your eyes
They Were Expendable; John Wayne as a PT boat commander in the PIs at the start of WWII
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon; John Wayne as a cavalry troop commander during the Indian Wars after the Custer disaster
Pork Chop Hill; Gregory Peck as an infantry company commander in Korea. The soliloquy about WHY we're there is stunning.
These are the epitome of the 'fighting spirit' of the American warrior; air, land and/or sea.
I am reminded of how it was reported, years ago, regardin when combat soldiers entered a foreign town/village/hamlet. If they were Germans, Japanese, Russian, everyone was terrified.
If they were American, everyone was grateful.
I think there is something significant in that.
Regards,
Chuck(le)
[Our Independence Day is probably the greatest secular holiday on the face of planet Earth.]
And that is not pure, unadulterated jingoism. Especially if the report I cited is accurate.
As Dicken's Tiny Tim would put it....
....God bless US, every one.
Watch Television on July 04, 2008 at 02:13 PM
An American in Paris
bob on July 04, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Perhaps, I did not make my meaning clear. I was not attempting to belittle our nation's grand birthday, but, for me at least, the 4th is more of a party and the solemnity required to celebrate properly our current and past soliders belongs to (Yankee and Confederate) Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
I consider it a major part of American exceptionalism that our nation's birthday is not a nationalistic display of martial prowess, as May Day was for the Soviets or Bastille day is for the French. We take pride in the little things, such as our extended family, the local town parade, how extremely awful the middle school band is and the local fire brigade. It reveals a comfort with the present and a quiet confidence in the future; in short, an optimism that is uniquely American. Our wars were fought to preserve this fragile social equilibrium, not displace it.
Bill Peschel on July 04, 2008 at 02:28 PM
And we should also take into account our sense of humor and our ability to laugh at ourselves, even if it is tinged with pride. That's why I liked "Independence Day." And this quote from Bill Murray in "Stripes":
"We're not Watusi, we're not Spartans, we're Americans. With a capital "A", huh? And you know what that means? Do you? That means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world. We are the wretched refuse. We're the underdog. We're mutts."
Chuck Pelto on July 04, 2008 at 02:31 PM
TO: bob
RE: Point Taken
"I consider it a major part of American exceptionalism that our nation's birthday is not a nationalistic display of martial prowess, as May Day was for the Soviets or Bastille day is for the French. We take pride in the little things, such as our extended family, the local town parade, how extremely awful the middle school band is and the local fire brigade." -- bob
True. All of it. It's probably my background [27 years in the infantry] howing through that brought all those items up after your comment.
You've a valid point. Hence my earlier comments about cinematic greats such as McClintock and The Music Man. Indeed. Any such film, including Guys and Dolls would bring out what you were addressing.
Regards,
Chuck(le)
Chuck Pelto on July 04, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Oops...
...that should read "...SHOWING through..."
Chuck Pelto on July 04, 2008 at 02:34 PM
TO: Bill Peschel
RE: Mutts R US
"And you know what that means? Do you? That means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world. We are the wretched refuse. We're the underdog. We're mutts."" -- Bill Peschel, citing Bill Murray's soliloquy from Stripes
Ever hear of a concept called 'hybrid vigor'?
Regards,
Chuck(le)
Fredex on July 04, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Any movie by Jimmy Stewart.
Any movie by John Wayne.
Any movie by Charlton Heston.
Any movie by Clark Gable.
Any movie by Ronald Reagan.
Allen on July 04, 2008 at 04:32 PM
I see that no one has mentioned "The Transformers" movie. It's relatively new but the American spirit and bravery shown in that movie is inspiring and certainly worthy of a showing on Independence Day! Besides, it may be the best movie displaying Air Force power ever made! Okay, I admit it...I am an old Air Force pilot...my bias is showing!
shakespeare101 on July 04, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Ok, I agree with all of the above selections, but I would like to add a brand spanking new one for kids. Just came from Kit Kitridge - American Girl. I was dragged along by my 9 year old daughter. It openned in theaters today I believe. If your kids are showing interest in seeing it, take them. It is about a family struggling together through the tough times of the great depression in Cincinnati in 1934. It details the trials the family goes through from the perspective of the 10 year old daughter as they fall on hard times, but ends very well. I think my 9 year old may have learned a little slice of Americana this morning...of course I will be renting Independence Day tonight.