Independence (1976 film)

Independence is a 1976 American historical short film directed by John Huston. Commissioned by the National Park Service for the U.S. Bicentennial, the film dramatizes the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776. It focuses on the key figures involved, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, and their debates and struggles to reach a consensus. The film was screened daily at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and offered a historical context to the events and locations of the park. It sought to educate and engage visitors with the story of American independence, highlighting the complex process and diverse viewpoints that shaped the nation's founding. The cast included well-known actors depicting the historical figures, and John Huston provided narration. The film was generally well-received as an educational tool and a contribution to the Bicentennial celebrations.