When we think of ways we celebrate the Fourth of July, we tend to conjure up images of picnics, parades, barbecues, and parades. How about watching a movie that matches the spirit of the holiday, movies like “Patriot,” Mel Gibson or “Mr. Smith Goes Washington,” with James Stewart? Here are 10 other 4th of July movies that are sure to put you in a festive mood. Not only are these films entertaining, but they also celebrate many of the ideals of our founding fathers. With one exception, everything is available on DVD;
1. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942
James Cagney portrays the legendary Broadway writer and actor George M. Cohan in this exciting, stirring classic. This became Cagney’s favorite film role, which shows; She clearly has a blast…singing, dancing and cracking wise. He burns the screen like a biped firecracker and deservedly won the Best Actor Oscar. Toe-Tap’s sixties include the title song, “Harrigan,” “My Answer to Broadway,” “Empire” and “The Old Flag.” Pay special attention to the final scene as Cagney dances down the stairs of the White House after being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. His dancing is completely spontaneous and completely brilliant.
2. 1776 (1972
This version of the movie-musicals Movie Opera Musicals depicts the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence and the founding of our nation. August 4 Ken Howard plays the handsome, majestic Thomas Jefferson, Williams Daniels is the passionate John Adams, and Howard da Silva is the witty, proverbial -fate, Benjamin Franklin Many song lyrics are based on actual period correspondence and include “The Lees of Virginia,” “But Mr. Adams,” “The Violin” and “Molasses to Rum.” American history has never been so entertaining.
3. The Music of Man (1962)
This movie version of the Broadway hit is a nostalgic slice of Americana, circa 1912. Robert Preston stars as Professor Harold Hill, a slick man who sets out to lure good people to River City, Iowa with promises boys’ band, secretly planning to run away with the money for the instruments. Shirley Jones plays her foil, Marion the Librarian, who soon finds herself falling for a nice rogue. Highlights include “Troubles” (by Preston like a Pentecostal preacher looking to convert the masses), “Til It Was You” and the rousing “Seventy-Six Trombones” were celebrated in the movie’s Fourth of July celebration.
4. Johnny Tremain (1957
Disney adapted this movie from Esther Forbe’s classic novel about a boy’s adventure in the days leading up to the war. of freedom Johnny Tremain is known as a banker in Boston, but a tragic accident leaves him without a business. Paul Revere and other sons of Liberty were loved by and other sons of Liberty, and he shares in the Boston and Lexington Tea Party battles. and Concordia. Collect good movies on 4th of July for younger family members.
5. The Eternal Stars and Stripes (1952
Clifton Webb plays journeyman John Philip Sousa in this interesting film that focuses mainly on Sousa’s life and work as a Marine Corps Band. Webb is a typical prankster, and the boy Robert Wagner plays Little Willie, a fugitive Marine band member and inventor of the Sousaphone. Debra Paget reveals that Lily, the girl on the show, wants to marry Willie, but the Sousa rules prohibit marriages from being conducted by the band. The movie it’s an amazing comedy movie, mixed drama, and of course Sousa’s glorious journey, including “The Washington Post March, “El Captain,” “Always Faithful,” and the title song. The film is only available on VHS, but it’s definitely worth seeking out.
6.
The five Sullivan brothers join the navy in W.W.II and end up serving on the same ship with devastating consequences. Movie movie follows the advent of brothers growing up in Iowa as inseparable comrades in arms. It’s a wonderful film of its time, in its sense of the working family, and its themes of loyalty and sacrifice. and the love of country we recall the ideals we worship on the 4th of July.
7. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962
As Atticus Finch, Oscar winner Gregory Peck, the film hero was voted the best man in the American Institute. 2003 and right. Atticus embodies the things that America prides itself on: modesty, fairness, patience, courage, and the conviction to always do what is honorable. As a mall/a> lawyer in the Depression-era South, Atticus defends a black accused of kidnapping a white woman. He challenges the judges to put aside their prejudices and judge the defendant on the main principle of the Declaration of Independence, that “all men are created equal… This is not good for me. It is a living, working thing!” For this powerful and moving scene alone, this amazing movie deserves a spot on your “must-see” 4th of July movie list.
8. The Great Escape (1963)
This is the true story of 250 Allied soldiers who orchestrated a massive escape from German P.O.W. camp in W.W.II The film depicts the fine details of the escape exactly as it happened. The entire cast includes star Steve McQueen (watch him on his famous motorcycle through the German countryside), James Garner. Charles Bronson, and James Coburn. In one festive scene, the only three Americans invite their captives to their camp to celebrate the 4th of July with some homemade moonshine. This exciting film reminds viewers of the importance of human freedom and what anyone will do to achieve it, no matter the cost.
9. All the President’s Men (1976
Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman star as Washington Post reporters, Woodward and Bernstein, whose investigation into the Watergate scandal leads to the fall of President Richard Nixon. It is an inherent mystery that reminds us why the Founding Fathers placed such a high value on the freedom of the press. But more importantly, this movie emphasizes the American principle that no one, not even the leader of the free world, is above the law.
10. Rocky (1975)
Rocky Balboa, a boxer and self-described “bum”, is given the chance of a lifetime; an invitation to fight the claimant of the world, Apollo Symbolus, for a shot at the heavyweight title. Where? City of Philadelphia on the 4th of July. Sylvester Stallone, who also wrote the screenplay, is perfection in the title role as a benevolent old man pursuing the American dream. And because America loves the underdog, this inspirational movie completes the list.
So, in honor of Independence Day, keep the holiday spirit alive by treating yourself and your family to a movie or two from our list above… and have a very happy 4th of July.
