The Spirit of '76 (1990)

Future Americans decide to time travel to 1776 to ask the founding fathers for the solutions to their problems. A glitch in the time machine changes their destination to 1976. Still ... See full summary »

Director:

Lucas Reiner

Writers:

Roman Coppola (story), Lucas Reiner (story),

Stars:

Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald V. Casale, Carl Reiner

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mark Mothersbaugh	...	Chevron-17 (as Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo)
Gerald V. Casale	...	Yale-44 (as Gerald V. Casale of Devo)
Carl Reiner	...	Dr. Von Mobil
Nancye Ferguson	...	Nurse
David Cassidy	...	Adam-11
Bob Casale	...	Ron-29 (as Bob Casale of Devo)
David Kendrick	...	Ron-31 (as David Kendrick of Devo)
Geoff Hoyle	...	Heinz-57
Olivia d'Abo	...	Chanel-6
Jeffrey McDonald	...	Chris Johnson (as Jeff McDonald of Redd Kross)
Steve McDonald	...	Tommy Sears (as Steve McDonald of Redd Kross)
Liam O'Brien	...	Rodney Snodgrass
Ann Block	...	Chris' Mom
Charles Dean	...	Chris' Dad
Martin von Haselberg	...	Agent 1 (as Martin Von Haselberg of The Kipper Kids)

Storyline

Future Americans decide to time travel to 1776 to ask the founding fathers for the solutions to their problems. A glitch in the time machine changes their destination to 1976. Still believing themselves to be in 1776, the time travellers attempt to study this "ideal" civilization. 70's jokes, props and stars abound.

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Plot Keywords:

time travel | independence day | 8 track | year in title | disco | 

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Taglines:

A close-up look at the most embarrassing decade in history.

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Genres:

Comedy | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 October 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

El espíritu del 76

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Black Diamond Productions, Castle Rock Entertainment, Commercial Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally, Michael McKean was going to appear in the film.

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Goofs

When Eddie Trojan and Chanel-6 are riding in Eddie's car the song 'Don't Fear The Reaper' by Blue Oyster Cult is playing. The date is July 4, 1976. 'Don't Fear The Reaper' was not recorded until August 1976, and it became a billboard hit in November 1976.

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Quotes

Miss Liberty: Let's take a look at the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, because in a sense that's where it all starts: A lie from the President to manipulate Congress in order to fund an undeclared war? Now not only does this render the Tripartite system functionally useless, but it's clearly a violation of the Oath of Office prescribed by the Constitution itself.

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Crazy Credits

All people listed in credits have their astrological signs listed too.

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Connections

References Mission: Impossible (1966)

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Soundtracks

"1976"
Written by Jeffrey McDonald (as J. McDonald) and Victor Indrizzo (as V. Indrizzo)
Performed by Redd Kross
Redd Kross appears courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products
Published by Bad Papaya Music/Jesus in a Jumpsuit Songs

User Reviews

Campy Comedy Worthy of John Waters

I never got to experience the 70's myself (I was born in '84), but this movie really makes me long for that bygone era. The first time I saw this film, I was just a kid, maybe 5 or 6, and I loved it from the start. Now that I'm older, I realize this movie is about the campiest thing I've ever seen, but it's still just as fun to watch. The platform shoes, 8-track cassettes, AMC Pacers, and bicentennial bongs will all serve to transport you into that beloved decade of excess and extravagance. This movie is packed with nutty, over-the-top characters who serve as caricatures for all of the diverse lifeforms the 70's produced. Smarmy science fare nerds, early mallrats, happy stoners, middle-aged yuppies seeking self-improvement, and those poor, restless creatures perpetually afflicted with Boogie Fever. This is a movie John Waters could have and should have had a hand in. A clever, skewed portrait of life in the 70's. Gee, I REALLY missed out on a lot!!!