Join or Die (16 Mar. 2008)

Firebrand Sam Adams tries to dissuade cousin John from defending redcoats in the Boston Massacre, but later John changes his mind and joins the revolutionary cause.

Director:

Tom Hooper

Writers:

Kirk Ellis, David McCullough (book)

Stars:

Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Danny Huston

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Giamatti	...	John Adams
Laura Linney	...	Abigail Adams
Danny Huston	...	Samuel Adams
John Bedford Lloyd	...	Richard Palmes
Justin Theroux	...	John Hancock
Ritchie Coster	...	Captain Preston
Guy Henry	...	Jonathan Sewall
Steven Hinkle	...	Young John Quincy Adams
Madeline Taylor	...	Young Nabby Adams
Brennan Brown	...	Robert Treat Paine
Boris McGiver	...	Robert Goddard
Tom Beckett	...	Elbridge Gerry
Bill Buell	...	Justice Lynde
Vincent Renart	...	Andrew Holmes
Melissa Blue	...	First Mourner

Storyline

In an emotionally charged trial John Adams defends the British sentries involved in the Boston Massacre who contend they were provoked into firing on the assembled crowd. John's success brings him offers of positions in the Massachusetts government. But after John Hancock rouses a crowd to tar and feather a representative of the British East India Tea Company and the British respond to the growing unrest with oppressive measures, John instead speaks against the British policies and chooses to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.

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Plot Keywords:

boston massacre | continental congress | tar and feathers | trial | redcoat | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 2008 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films, Playtone

Technical Specs

Runtime:

71 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

John Adams' cousin Samuel is seen strongly objecting to John's involvement in the Boston Massacre trial. Samuel never publicly objected to John's involvement and David McCullough speculates that he may have even viewed it as good politics.

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Quotes

[John Adams has agreed to defend Captain Thomas Preston and the Boston Soldiers]
Samuel Adams: You haven't much of a case, John.
John Adams: Do I not?
Samuel Adams: No Boston Jury will ever vote for aquittal.
John Adams: Thank you for your kind advice, Sam.
Samuel Adams: This is not a time for showing how clever you are, cousin.
[Approaches John and hands him a pamplet]
Samuel Adams: This is a time for choosing sides.
John Adams: I am for the law, cousin. Is there another side?
Samuel Adams: [shouts to the crowd while John looks at the pamplet depicting the Boston Massacre] There are those who fight ...
[...]

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Soundtracks

"Chester"
Written by William Billings

User Reviews

Join Or Die.

Over the next few days I will be taking a look at The famous mini-series John Adams, a look at how our second president tried to accomplish freedom for the United States of America.

Part 1 0f 7 of our mini-series is about John Adams played very well by Paul Giamatti who is trying to win over the court by stating that the soldiers involved in the Boston massacre were acting in self defense and not causing cold blooded murder.

This is very entertaining and makes you want watch the rest of the series. Part 1 is fantastic at how it pulls you into the story line. Check this out if you are a history buff.

Not Rated.

1hr 10min/70min.

****/****