Let's note the passing of the very fine director, Peter Hunt, who helmed not only the original Broadway production of 1776 but also the film version, as well. It's hard to think of a show that was more faithfully transferred to the screen. There must have been great temptation to "open up" the story and set more scenes outside the constitutional hall in which 90% (+) of the stage version takes place. Someone, and it was probably Peter Hunt, realized that the story was about what happened in The Room Where It Happened so most of the film just had to be in that room.
I got to meet Mr. Hunt once briefly at a screening of the film so I got to thank him for both versions, which I like tremendously. At that screening, everyone thanked him for both versions and many thanked him for the other fine work he did on stage and screen. This obit will tell you more about his impressive career. He was 81 years of age.