favorite background moment in 1776 // 07.13.09
One of the visually interesting things about 1776 is how much acting occurs in the background during the ensemble scenes. My favorite moment comes from the scene where the 2nd Continental Congress votes to debate on Virginia's resolution of independence. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia runs around the room, yelling in joy. He passes by the Connecticut delegation's table and grips Roger Sherman's arms in excitement. However, while over-the-top delight is Lee's trademark in the film, he by no means holds a monopoly on it:
No, the king of joy is this unnamed delegate from Connecticut, throwing his hands (and papers!) in the air like he just don't care.
If only we could all be so thrilled!
ETA: After some sleuthing, have determined this enthusiastic character is Oliver Wolcott, as portrayed by character actor Peter Forster. Keep an eye out for Oliver during the Adams and Dickinson fight scene – he's the one with one foot on top of the Connecticut table, slapping papers against his palm in excitement.
