John Huston’s 1976 docudrama made for the U.S. National Park Service’s Bicentennial program was titled Independence.
The approximately 28-minute film was produced for the United States Bicentennial and shown at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. It dramatized major political events that occurred in Philadelphia between 1774 and 1800, linking the celebration to the city where many founding-era decisions took place.
The film used a theatrical device in which historical figures appeared to come back to life. Its story included the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention, and the inauguration of President John Adams. E.G. Marshall served as narrator, and the cast included Eli Wallach, Pat Hingle, and Anne Jackson.
Independence is sometimes confused with 1776, another screen production about the founding era. The distinction is important: 1776 is a musical film adapted from a stage musical, whereas Independence was a National Park Service Bicentennial docudrama directed by Huston.