The Spirit of '76 (1990)

In 2176, a magnetic storm erases all recorded history, including the U.S. Constitution, so, three time travelers are sent back to July 4, 1776, to retrieve the heritage, but end up in 1976's Bicentennial, while being perceived as aliens.

Director:

Lucas Reiner

Writers:

Roman Coppola (story), Lucas Reiner (story)

Stars:

Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Carl Reiner

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mark Mothersbaugh	...	Chevron-17 (as Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo)
Gerald 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)
Steve McDonald	...	Tommy Sears
Liam O'Brien	...	Rodney Snodgrass
Ann Block	...	Chris' Mom
Charles Dean	...	Chris' Dad
Martin von Haselberg	...	Agent 1

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:

year 1776 | year 2176 | spoof | satire | year 1976 | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of the movie's major pieces of artwork used for movie posters and the CD cover was a spoof of an evolution of man picture with the most evolved being a Disco King man in a white suit. A similar concept was utilized for the later comedy Encino Man (1992).

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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

Dr. Von Mobil: We, the People, have a right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you. One nation, invisible, with Liberty and Christmas for all.

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Crazy Credits

The closing credits of the movie featured the zodiac sign symbol of each cast and crew member on the production next to their name.

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Connections

References The Six Million Dollar Man (1974)

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Soundtracks

We're An American Band
Written by Don Brewer
Performed by Grand Funk Railroad
Courtesy of Capitol Records
By Arrangement with CEMA Special Markets
Published by Brew Music Co.

User Reviews

Gem!

Really no complaints here. This was great attempt from director Lucas Reiner, who has brought us a funny but insightful comedy, not to mention a film that brings on the full feel of the 70's as a whole. Strangely inspirational too. Aside from the odd characters, and the odd behavior, I found this film to be a gem. There's something about it you cannot help but to like, and the message ( or messages) it sends the viewer may be captured or dismissed, but either way, chances are you will like this movie. Two stoner teens from the year 2176 use their time machine ( which is interior design is made from our current paper currency. Awesome!) to the year destination 1776 to talk to one of the founding fathers ( George Washington, I would presume) into getting information on how to fix the problems existing 400 years in the future. There lies a new problem! The machine screws up, and sends them to the year, not 1776, but 1976! Can they still find the information they need to save our future? In the meantime, its nothing but a blast there. An artifact must be obtained. Something has to be saved here! And the film just stands proud with its shameless 70's ways and attitudes, along with the music you loved and enjoyed if you are alive long enough to remember. I think this movie is worth your time, give it a chance. There's at least one laugh out loud scene, and no matter who you are, you should find it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 October 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Spirit of '76

Filming Locations:

Alameda, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,979, 14 October 1990

Gross USA:

$52,310

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$52,310

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Deluxe)