John Adams vs. Ben Franklin

[@jimbopumbapigsticks]

I like how they portrayed them with English accents - I'm guessing that often gets overlooked. People tend to forget that the American Revolution was also a transatlantic British civil war.

[@seanwieland9763]

The First War of Secession

[@Magooch86]

Giamatti is using a mid-Atlantic accent, he still pronounces his 'er's like an American.

[@sportsfisher9677]

​​@@Magooch86 Sorry, but Adam's was born and raised in America, not England so Giamatti 's performance was actually spot on.

[@popcornfps]

​@@seanwieland9763if the left wing nutjobs keep it up won't be the last

[@BSpinoza210]

It was one of the few revolutions that didn't result in unadulterated bloodshed between those trying to craft a new government and their constituents. France, Russia, and others all failed in this regard and suffered greatly for it.

[@iceheart920]

One of the best portrayals of Ben Franklin I've ever seen. Bravo!

[@dougdouglas2112]

Here, here!

[@robertbruce6865]

Tom Wilkinson is a treasure…an under appreciated one. He has knocked everything out of the park that I’ve seen him in…from Franklin to Joe Kennedy, Sr, to General Fromm in Valkyrie. And Paul Giamatti is the best pure actor of my generation…period.

[@CapeLady0822]

This was really well done - and the actor who played George Washington was the best I've seen in that role too!

[@johnlesaint4105]

"Do you not believe in saying what you think?" *Ben Franklin vigorously shakes head* "No, I'm very much against it" LOL

[@jessica3676]

❤hello

[@SangreFriasBack]

@@jessica3676no

[@toughlikerocks]

Knowing some of the crazy things he wrote that's probably for the best, I can only imagine the wild shit that went through his head.

[@pixelfibre]

Franklin was in my opinion, the greatest American politician. He was sensitive, objective and realistic. He understood the British and respected his lineage, but he also had vision and calculated thought on his side. A great man.

[@mism847]

He didn't even want to secede from Britain in the beginning, but later became dedicated to the cause.

[@MusicAsWeMakeIt]

Sadly, one comes along only occasionally. IMO, Obama was another Franklin but against much greater odds.

[@PepeNuclear]

@@MusicAsWeMakeIt😂 Obama and Franklin in the same sentence? Any of the last 40 years for thar matter in comparison has begotten a single politician worthy of carrying his bed pan

[@juanf5391]

@@MusicAsWeMakeIt Truman was another that comes to mind, but he didn't possess Franklin's "larger than life" character; additionally, he was as well-educated, but he was a well-rounded and realistic politician.

[@rear9259]

@@juanf5391 All truman did was drop the nukes, sign the peace papers and get booted

[@guyfroml]

"Thinking aloud is a habit responsible for much of mankind's misery." And, "perfectly acceptable to insult someone in private, and sometimes they might even thank you for it afterwards." True words of wisdom many could learn from. No one knows for certain if Franklin actually said these words, but it certainly sounds like something he would say.

[@dkupke]

Actually words to live by. As much as it may gall your personal pride, sometimes it really is better to just keep your mouth shut.

[@guyfroml]

Daniel Ryan Yes, in today's world "just keep your mouth shut" is the way it would be said. Franklin was more eloquent.

[@dkupke]

guyfroml I'm pretty sure it was said like that back then too. Franklin just grasped that people were more inclined to listen when you put it more gently.

[@ChuckBerrington]

Unfortunately, silence and politics don’t normally go together. People tend to confuse politics and diplomacy. Hence while the good doctor franklin didn’t become president. Not to say he wasn’t an extremely talented and insightful intellect.

[@nancybabbage1169]

sounds like they scooped it straight from a genuine Farmers Almanac, wouldnt be surprised

[@odysseusrex5908]

This whole series was so damned good. Fine actors, excellent production values, and a tremendous script based on a fine biography. I doubt they could do anything like this today.

[@xcalabur18]

agreed

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Yes, indeed. Every scene a masterpiece.

[@WhydoIsuddenlyhaveahandle]

This series was phenomenonal. In school all we get is Alien and Sedition acts which is a horrible oversimplification of one of the greatest men of the early Republic. While Jefferson went home and sat out the fighting, Adams was shipwrecked multiple times, had to walk through the snow after to get to the Dutch, nearly captured several times to trying to get funding for the Revolution. etc. The man defended the Boston Massacre Soliders because he stuck to his principles. Major player in the 2nd Continental Congress to get the Declaration signed, Ambassador, VP, and Ultimately President of the United States. Truly underrated founding father and the series did a great job ensuring he was represented accurately, both good and bad

[@odysseusrex5908]

@@WhydoIsuddenlyhaveahandle Shipwrecked multiple times? Walking through the snow? I've never heard that. Source please? The rest of your post, two thumbs up.

[@mdueri]

I love the Ben Franklin in this movie as well. He was not just a smart fat guy flying a kite. He was a leader and a revolutionary, someone people came to for advice.

[@billygowhoop]

Ben was right about not speaking your mind. I remember reading that one of the worst things a president can do is say what he plans to do. As soon as he does, half the country will immediately turn against it even if it's in their best interests to support him.

[@Lughnerson]

“Santino, never let anyone outside the family know what you are thinking.”

[@gardenvape4021]

…good point

Then you have #44

[@micoforion]

brilliant acting by both actors, brilliant series, bravo HBO, loved it, every minute of it.

[@dalepeto9620]

+mic of orion True maybe the best thing I 've ever seen on television,if all of history was taught this way maybe more people would pay attention to it. Maybe we don't need history teachers anymore.

[@micoforion]

Dale Peto we need history teachers, as history is a good teacher,

[@DCFunBud]

You don't know much about Philadelphia, do you?

[@garundip.mcgrundy8311]

Philadelphia has a majority black population, as the whole East coast.

[@danbytp]

Claude Worthington So have I and learned alot and have a greater appreciation for what these people did and went through.God bless America!

[@Hard_Boiled_Entertainment]

Awesome, how they work in a lot of Franklin's greatest lines in the first scene! Second scene: John Quincy's first lesson in political science. The kid is silently watching his dad and Dr. Franklin...and learning.

[@chrisblanc663]

So true!! Learning from both great men lessons that would benefit his future career, and our country.

[@lt3746]

As Franklin said, he only need to avail himself of the lessons

[@pickledegg1989]

RIP Tom Wilkinson.

[@whiskeyfarbrorn]

So Franklin's advice is basically "talk less, smile more"

[@xChemistryFTWx]

Probably good advice for politics

[@LovesHighGround]

@@xChemistryFTWx For politics, and nothing else

[@infonut]

@@LovesHighGround ... politics are applied locally. Diplomacy is applied internationally. And "Speak softly but carry a big stick" is diplomacy.

[@LovesHighGround]

@@infonut Not sure we're on the same page. But sure. What do you suppose Trust Buster Teddy meant by carry a big stick? Not backing down maybe? Representing ruggedness and strength for the American people? If only we had more Teddy's today.

[@Unpainted_Huffhines]

​@@infonut"Diplomacy" is saying "nice doggy" while feeling around behind you for a stick.

[@deepheart100]

I love the fact that the same guy who plays Ben Franklyn is the one who played the British general in The Patriot

[@JohnWilliams-gp6ec]

Lord Cornwallis.

[@alexandrebertrand-lafleur3114]

Tom Wilkinson is also Joseph Francis Kennedy in The Kennedys starring Katie Holmes, Barry Pepper and Greg Kinnear

[@jaredabccrisscross]

If this had been a theatrical movie, it would have swept the Oscars

[@TransoceanicOutreach]

Nope. It lacks blacks.

[@TransoceanicOutreach]

Yes, 11 years later you get a reply. Aren't you lucky? If you are still alive, that is.

[@livethefuture2492]

Well I may as well join in, the algorithm occasionally turns up lost treasure that has been buried for decades...

[@angelgutierrez3245]

​@@TransoceanicOutreach Bros yapping nonsense 😂😂💀💀

[@hmbpnz]

@@TransoceanicOutreach Even in a good thread, there's gotta be the racists crawling out of the woodwork.

[@roshallock]

I really hope and wish that everyone could have a figure like Franklin in their lives. Someone who is measured in personality and knowledgeable in how the world really works. He really is presented as a wonderful mentor to Adams here.

[@dovbarleib3256]

If only John Adams had taken Franklin's advice! He likely would have won a 2nd term as President.

[@mysocalledknife07]

Two legendary actors portraying two legendary historical figures. Epic!

[@samueladams5087]

Great series about great men. We should all be grateful to these patriots that helped found our country.

[@Pandacous]

This scene is precisely why Adams was reviled by many whilst Franklin was adored. Because Adams had the balls to say what he believed and stick by it.

[@LordZontar]

Good for a political speech or closing defence argument in court. Terrible in both government and diplomacy.

[@erniebanks2437]

Adams was self-indulgent- like America today. Franklin was wise and effective.

[@kari34b54]

@@erniebanks2437Ben was also very much indulgent in other ways which is why many of his family hated him. And I am not talking about his son (the one with the kite) who chose the British and left for English. Franklin was very human, complicated man. Fortunately for the U.S., he was an excellent politician who loved the U.S. I respect his contributions to America but I do not like him as a person. I recommend that you look at his own writings and deeper into history - don’t take my word for it. 😉

[@rowhuw3553]

Having balls is another term for lacking the sense to know when your opinion is beneficial to your cause or detrimental. There’s nothing big or clever about lacking the tact to read the room. The biggest balls are the easiest to smack.

[@Turner9090]

Really was a fantastic series, one of the best I’ve seen

[@CCRoxtar]

The highlight for me is at 7:37 when JA says, "I will not voluntarily put on the chains of France while I am struggling to throw off those of Great Britain!"

[@PeterDivine]

I don't know that yelling that in the middle of a French court- very shortly after they've just given your nascent country an allied navy, no less- was a particularly clever thing to do. And a number of the constituents in the U.S. felt similarly, apparently, which is why Adams was sent back shortly thereafter. Which isn't to say that the trip to Europe was a complete waste- he was still able to procure a loan from the Dutch that gave the U.S. funds desperately needed. But Adams in France was the proverbial bull in a china shop.

[@c0nd0rd4myt]

Adams (and separately, Hamilton) was correct in the opinion that France was no true ally of American Independence or liberty. France aided us simply to get back at their oldest and greatest enemies, the British.

[@Necrostrike]

So what? The US was not interested in France's victory over Britain or their troubled colonies either, so it was an alliance of mutual interest. You're acting like the Americans gave a shit about the French but the French did not give a shit about the Americans.

[@connorvaughn7968]

France funded the revolution with the expectation that the US would join with them. That wasn't the case. America wanted independence from England, and had agreed to pay France back for the support in the future. But France was all like "No, give us your loyalty and money NOW." So we fucked them both up then paid back France in a passive aggressive manner.

[@Spazticspaz]

@@connorvaughn7968 u should be a teacher, very good

[@toddmac2020]

Three great scenes. Two great actors. Rest in Peace Tom Wilkinson.

[@usmcforever7630]

John Adams was the true anchor of our Independence. Not liked as well as some others but the greatest force in influencing all the principals in our fight for Independence.

[@gumballsrelative9197]

John Adams is a great example of what Bruce Lee illustrates of true significance to martial arts in an interview. "To me, ultimately, martial arts means honestly expressing yourself. Now, it is very difficult to do. It has always been very easy for me to put on a show and be cocky, and be flooded with a cocky feeling and feel pretty cool and all that. I can make all kinds of phoney things. Blinded by it. Or I can show some really fancy movement. But to experience oneself honestly, not lying to oneself, and to express myself honestly, now that, my friend, is very hard to do."

[@jerrygu5316]

Bruce Lee's talking about honesty in physical movement. Honesty in movement is about understanding your own body, which requires practice, observation and calmness, hence marital ART. It is not blunt honesty in words. Mr. Adams expresses himself clearly and honestly, but not artfully. Don't get confused.

[@eval_is_evil]

Gumball’s Relative oh dear... He didn't even fight or spar. With all due respect what the fuck did Lee know about fighting ?

[@AslansMane88]

He also said to be fluid like Water. Lee was also an arrogant asshole.

[@a55kiker]

"Thinking aloud is a habit responsible for much of mankind's misery." -Ben Franklin (words of wisdon, everyone: keep your mouth shut!)

[@atlanteum]

For anyone coming to this clip in 2024 - If you have not yet seen the "John Adams" miniseries on streaming or DVD, I cannot recommend it enough. [and don't panic... the show looks MUCH better than the fuzzy clip seen here!!]

[@lawrencedockery9032]

Let's all agree that Tom Wilkinson was a most excellent choice to play Ben Franklin. From everything I've read, nails him to a T.

[@undrgrnd734]

you can't fool me that is lord cornwallis

[@xcalabur18]

The writing on this show was absolutely stellar. The way Franklin stops himself when he realizes he wasn't taking the advice that he just gave. Superb. It's something you can actually imagine him doing.

[@timdenny1991]

❤ the fire and spunk of Adams. Passion for the cause!

[@DCFunBud]

I haven't seen the Adams story but he should have listened to Franklin. Franklin was the first international celebrity. He was a sensation because he was himself, brilliant, witty, and flirtatious. People could not get over how simply he dressed. His fur hat became all the rage eventually finding its way to the head of Catherine the Great of Russia. This clip alludes to Franklin's popularity by showing him being immortalized by the great Houdon, who also did a portrait of George Washington wearing a topless toga.

[@harrydebastardeharris987]

You must remember that an “American” accent was moreorless a South West English “Country” accent. It’s a very accurate point in the series and the Filmakers need to be congratulated for it.

[@SSJ2VEGEROTRULES]

My son, John Quincy, future president

[@ThePeacemaker848]

I love how Adams shows up in France like a typical american from now'a'days. Shouting "hello", a couple words in french with a very American accent. Walks around wanting things done now! HA! Love it!

[@patrickharris8180]

Of course Europeans enjoy bashing Americans whilst holding their hand out for a subsidy from Americans.

[@christiancristof491]

@@patrickharris8180 Read your surname and have respect.

[@lukec6108]

Respect is earned, not demanded.

[@alext5497]

@@christiancristof491 Respect? for what?

[@JohnDoe-tq3ye]

@@patrickharris8180 awesome comment

[@ManHugeO]

Ben Franklin only talks in famous quotes... delight... simply delight!

[@analogmoz]

"No more pain, no more *slime.* "

[@medicalmishap1452]

​@@analogmozNO MORE BIG FUCKING SHOES

[@dkupke]

In light of certain recent events in our nation, and the way people have responded to those events, I can't help but admire the sage wisdom of the part about "thinking aloud is a habit responsible or much of mankind's misery." A philosophy I myself have come to live by is that once you realize you have dug a hole for yourself, the first step toward getting out of that hole is not to keep digging-its to drop the shovel.

[@guyfroml]

Daniel, that is wise advice that many in Washington could make good use...particularly in the White House.

[@dkupke]

guyfroml not to open a whole different can of worms, but its worth noting how the character or Franklin here says "politics is the art of the possible" and openly admits to having "no opinion" until he "learns what my opinion may be." Part of what I loved about the movie Lincoln was how it reflected that part of what made one of the greatest president's in our nation's history so effective was that he was game player like any other-and he played the game very well. I think a big problem is that today we have people who, like the naive Mr Adams in this scene, think they are above the game because they stand on "principle" and "say what they mean."

[@guyfroml]

That could be true. But I've never faulted anyone for standing on principle, even if it makes them feel they are "above the game" as you put it. From time to time, I like and appreciate someone like that - but, that does not relieve them of the consequences of pissing other off - and sometimes that is precisely the intent of the speaker who speaks his mind based on principle. But, it is an unfortunate requirement that to be in politics one must adhere to the wisdom of Friedrich Nietzsche when he said "a man who wishes not to die of thirst must learn to drink from any cup, a man who wishes to remain clean among men must learn to bathe in dirty water." I can't help but think Nietzsche was thinking about the honorable, principled man in politics when he said that.

[@dkupke]

guyfroml Note Franklin's other quote, "What did you gain by opposing the motion? All you did was make enemies-and make yourself feel better."

[@CapstoneTider]

+Daniel Ryan Don Corleone could not have said it better.

[@visualvirtue9640]

Much appreciated, thanks for sharing.

[@dillardjenkins5118]

I noticed how fluent Benjamin Franklin was in English, French and Latin. He spoke Spanish and about three other languages.

[@dougdouglas2112]

He was very well rounded from everything I've read. And he only went to school thru 3rd grade I believe.

[@dougdouglas2112]

He was very well rounded from everything I've read. And he only went to school thru 3rd grade I believe.

[@fubaralakbar6800]

John Adams was an interesting man. A good man, but one whose virtues were balanced by his faults. He took no crap, and had a lot of courage. But he was impatient, stubborn, vain and pompous, and didn't know when to quit. Much like myself, he just wanted the job done, and didn't care for the nuance.

[@vinayseth1114]

+Fubar AlAkbar But how was he vain?

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

he wasn't pompous either, he wanted to get shit done, whereas Franklin was like that one grampa you know who just let's things role by

[@kchishol1970]

That "grampa" was accomplishing more in France with his easygoing manner, than all of John Adams' blustering. It was in the Netherlands with their business culture where Adams was more comfortable.

[@KrypticAsylum]

You had me until you turned that into a humble brag.

[@fubaralakbar6800]

Well, I'm certainly not trying to give myself the caliber of Adams...far from it! I'm only saying that I can relate to his approach.

[@joeydillon2]

THANK YOU!

[@edp3202]

What casting. Man oh man. Perfection.

[@SilverGram]

Thanks for posting.

[@madisonrhuebaker]

"Fish and guests stink after three days." Haha...

[@Yehudittx]

"Politics is the art of the possible." -- Bismarck

[@Sergeant_Camacho]

Wow! Cornwallis disguised as Ben' Franklin!

[@desertsand8778]

Sergeant Roland Genius plot

[@davecrupel2817]

Lol

[@davecrupel2817]

Sergeant Camacho Damn that man!

[@ardalla535]

Historically, they actually were the same person.

[@SuperKeith007]

I'm late but he perhaps was a very good user of espionage.

[@OhevTorathMoshe]

With much respect for John Adams, a small joke: At 7:37, we see the first American being loud and rude while travelling abroad ;-)

[@IronMan-tk8uc]

Yes. And that's something that Americans should work on. Most of Americans simply don't have any idea how their country is perceived abroad, and this loudness and rudeness are exactly what undermines the American image.

[@rickkona3560]

The first but not the last.

[@brandonhill2183]

Rudeness is relative. While yes, it is wise to learn and practice customs of a culture you are present in to harbor good will for your cause and your image, one can not capitulate personal identity or previously said cause to be "agreeable" in the eyes of that culture. I always hear how Americans act overseas, but whenever I talk to an immigrant or visitor to the states, they are surprised and ecstatic on how friendly we are, and how warmly we receive them. Perhaps Eorope needs to look in the mirror before passing judgement.

[@ArupGuhaideasanctuary]

and a french waiter was watching off camera, ready to give it back over generations

[@patrickharris8180]

Clearly IronMan93 hasn't met any Americans.

[@davidgudlaugson528]

This was a wonderful series.

[@jameswilton951]

Don't forget Marquis de Lafayette! He helped a lot too! :]

[@odysseusrex5908]

Joining the Continental Army as a major general at the ripe old age of nineteen.

[@kenle2]

​@@odysseusrex5908 We needed all the help we could get.

[@GazpachoMacho]

These are true gentlemen like discussions in the comment session when prompted by the confrontation of two real gentlemen. So nice to not see a flame war.

[@Albert-Arthur-Wison225]

RIP,Tom Wilkinson…

[@szahmad2416]

"Fish and guests stink after three days" LOL.

[@ardalla535]

Not if you salt them down

[@slayerduval1]

If I were an actor I would be terrified to even share the screen with Tom Wilkenson. He makes even good actors look out of their depth.

[@unowen334]

Indeed, Mr. Franklin was caustic in the movement to free the colonies [from] King George's tyranny. It could be said that no greater man lived or contributed more to this union. However, were it not for Adams, our independence would have not been achieved. Were it not for his arrogance, egocentric, and [pompous] commitment, we’d still be under England’s rule. God bless John Adams, and thank you sir, for your stalwart decisiveness to free these colonies from an [over-bearing] and illegal rule!

[@joekramer3596]

UN Owen it wasn't illegal rule and the English would've given them independence at some point anyway.

[@KrypticAsylum]

go home /pol/ you're drunk

[@unowen334]

It appears my "drunk" comments drew applause. What have you, Crit?"

[@lukeskywalker253]

UN Owen It's things like the Revolution that prove God exists. He had the right people in the right place at the right time

[@codymo32791]

Didn't help that Franklin was a double agent the whole time didn't help. Every time he sailed to France, he would relay information to the British.

[@YNot1989]

Ben Franklin was a brilliant statesman, men like Adams and Jefferson were brilliant philosophers. We need both, but when it comes to getting things done I listen to the statesman.

[@odysseusrex5908]

The thing about Franklin was, he was a brilliant statesman, and a brilliant philosopher, and a brilliant businessman, a brilliant scientist who did Nobel quality research in Physics and Oceanography, and a brilliant inventor. He personified the concept of a renaissance man.

[@joeszymaszek1146]

@@odysseusrex5908I wholeheartedly agree if the Nobel was around in his day, Ben Franklin would’ve gotten it for science many times over and the Peace Prize for either negotiating the treaty of Paris or helping craft the Constitution

[@odysseusrex5908]

@@joeszymaszek1146 Of course, he did win the Copley Medal, which is still awarded today, and was of comparable prestige to the Nobel in those days.

[@PMW3]

Dr Franklin is my favorite historical figure. If I were ever to get a hold of a time machine, I would love to have some very long conversations with him.

[@mechanomics2649]

Assuming he would want any conversation at all with you, of course.

[@artlover1477]

A wise person once said, never meet your hero's, they'll only dissapoint you.

[@ninxoon30]

"Fish and Guests Stink after 3 days in Philadelphia." I thought in those days, less bathing, no deodorant, stinking was a badge of honor.

[@ethanike]

Think of being in a Van full of fish. After a day of sitting in it, you don't notice the smell. I think smell in those days were much in the same. If you stank, you must have been rolling in shit or worked for weeks without washing. They took baths at this time, it just wasn't as often as you and I.

[@Stardweller1]

ethanike In other words, they didn't really notice that they smelled bad unless they smelled even worse than the average person.

[@JRRLewis]

Nah, perfumes were quite popular at the time for people who could afford them, precisely because they didn't want to be thought of as smelling bad, even when they hadn't bathed for quite a while.

[@droid740]

"I'm very much against it!" this is my favorite riposte ever.

[@miltiades490]

4:04 you gotta wonder if anyone realized that two future Presidents were standing side by side in the presence of yet another American Legend!

[@Nebulasecura]

And to think quincy lived to be photographed a couple times too

[@cameronpoe9331]

"Fish and guests, stink after 3 days." Here here!

[@teceyS3]

Even though I adore both of these men- I am so glad that John Adams had the courage to stand up and state his convictions- so many people these days are mere cowards compared to these guys.....

[@ChristopherLydon-w9j]

I saw both of these men these actors are portraying in the past week, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin right here in Brockton Massachusetts. Sincerely Chris J Lydon

[@ChristopherLydon-w9j]

Friends and family gotta love them all Sincerely Chris J Lydon

[@dc4296]

goddamm, I do not know which of these two I adore more.

[@darlenemiller7847]

did you really have to say--gd? really??

[@meowpeep385]

adams was a brillants statesman.. but franklin was a brillant strategist... and one of our lobbyist.

[@ryanhampson673]

Franklin was in his 70’s at this time. He had the life experience to know when to speak and when not to.

[@judithgillette144]

2:00 "I feel myself hated." "You are a guest in Virginia. Guests and fish stink after 3 days." LMAO!!

[@ColumbiaB]

“a guest in •Philadelphia•” They weren’t in Virginia, of course.

[@unak78]

Of course they were slightly Americanized British accents, hinting at the linguistic changes that were beginning in their generation. Note that the British accent of Jefferson seemed to have a slight southern drawl to it. Great acting.

[@mackshayster]

franklin sounds like a natural diplomat

[@laurel7474]

Both men had their pluses and minuses. Both great men who learned from one another.

[@timfronimos459]

One of my favorite films.

[@KnightOwl2006]

@spam1138 Yes, he played Lord Corwallis in the Patriot.

[@RobertShubitowski]

You have to admire Ben Franklin for not attempting some lame comb-over to cover his bald spot. This in an era when men wearing wigs was common.

[@sawzaw203]

great stuff!!

[@Agent1W]

"You threw insults at John D. That's got to be resolved." --Benny Franklano

[@MrPontificator]

A year later Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson hilariously played arch-rival CEOs in the underrated "Duplicity," an industrial-espionage rom-com starring Clive Owen and Julia Roberts. Worth seeing.

[@KnightOwl2006]

Brilliant.

[@dougdouglas2112]

@Mike Daneau...you are right. Of our first 5 presidents John Adams was the only one not re-elected to a 2nd term. From what I've read he was a difficult man much of the time. I believe the actor playing Adams gives a fairly accurate portrayal.

[@KingRobbStark]

I know...he was one of my favorite characters.

[@maestroclassico5801]

Tom Wilkinson playing real life characters Ben Franklin, General Fromm, Joe Kennedy, a great variety. RIP man you were good in everything you did.

[@spam1138]

@KnightOwl2006 was he also not in Mel Gibson's film "the patreute"?

[@lovepandasful]

Awesome

[@LashOutLoud777]

Was this at City Tavern @ 2nd and Walnut, Philly?

[@thedemoboy]

You shouldn't. I read the McCoulleugh book, which was wonderful... and I too had to keep reminding myself not to get too angry with Franklin and Jefferson. They were all "on our side" so to speak, and some extensive reading on Franklin will give you some background on his thoughts and reasoning. They were brought at odds from time to time in life, but I'm sure even you have had arguements with the best of friends (without the pressures of a new nation on your shoulders).

[@jayperez6499]

Brilliant minds ...

[@scottbravo3]

I named my son Benjamin Franklin , after that great man.

[@blakegriplingph]

This is how' you'll execute an argument.

[@ColeBeasley]

"je veux parler avec mon amie" ---> "i want to speak with my friend!" =)

[@AYVYN]

Making enemies is how you find those with foresight

[@a.rs.7616]

That's about how Ben was.

[@andiroidYT]

+Ä. R S. Knew him, did you? Did he give you the pox?

[@nora22000]

@@andiroidYT Ol' Ben is still around. There are impersonators in Philadelphia that can be hired for events.

[@KnightOwl2006]

@WiseGuy5674 Thanks for the heads-up.

[@abnoceans12]

"I will not volunteerily throw on the chains of france while i struggle to remove those of great britain!" what a great scene john was wise beyond his time and someone who deserves more recognition then he got.

[@vanhouten64]

Not many people know this, but Ben Franklin invented breakdancing.

[@jonnnyren6245]

"Thinking aloud is a habit that is responsible for much of mankind's misery." Ain't that the bloody truth.

[@Gabrael777]

The moment you mentioned time I realised I was wasting my Third Positionist.

[@gregsquire9704]

Franklin: truly an elder statesman deserving of that title

[@k1productions87]

Oh no no, watch the entire miniseries. Franklin becomes a very prominent figure throughout. It is Alexander Hamilton who gets character assassinated later on, lol.

[@FLAGSHIP-j3t]

I HAVE BEEN READING OF THESE EVENTS AND THE MEN AT THE CENTER OF THEM DOING SO YOU OFTEN ASK "WHAT WAS THE VIBE LIKE IN THAT ROOM AND WHAT WERE THEY SAYING AND THINKING"? I SUPPOSE THATS WHY I STARTED WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION 12 YEARS AGO BC I HAD TO JUST IMAGINE WHAT THESE SACRED MOMENTS IN HISTORY WERE LIKE WHICH IS EXACTLY WHY I LOVE SHOWS SUCH AS THIS

[@Gilleo775]

6:10 . . . Is that an actual quote by Ben Franklin?

[@maestroclassico5801]

Ben meets John Quincy. John Quincy knew Ben Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and also knew Abraham Lincoln. Gerald Ford knew LOTS of people...starting with Harry Truman.....and then also knew George W Bush.....

[@BjrnOttoVasbottenbjovas]

"St. Thomas of Beckett might have lived to a ripe old age" haha

[@MrCharles26]

Both of these are great men, but I would say from my standpoint of today I'd much rather have John Adams than a Benjamin Franklin. Most politicians today are like Benjamin Franklin, smooth don't say what they mean, and do and say what only keeps them in higher power good graces. John Adams today would be very straightforward not take any BS and just call it like it is

[@christophereast8268]

What was the title of this really well acted and informative docu-drama? I would love to see the whole thing!

[@teenieneenie630]

I believe HBO did this and it was simply called, John Adams. Plz correct me if I am wrong.

[@christophereast8268]

Thank you.

[@christophereast8268]

I have seen bits here and there on KZbin but would love to watch it from the start through to the end.

[@theamac8278]

If you have amazon prime the full documentary is on there. It’s about 7 episodes if I’m not mistaken.

[@rebecasandstrom6526]

Franklin would destroy Adams in a fight any day He wouldn’t even have to show up, he’d just send a strongly worded letter with a simple one-liner