Quotes

[After hearing Dickinson bang on a desk.]

Benjamin Franklin: Please, Mr. Dickinson, but must you start banging? How is a man to sleep?

John Dickinson: Forgive me, Doctor Franklin, but must you start speaking? How is a man to stay awake?

John Dickinson: We'll promise to be quiet, sir. I'm sure everyone prefers that you remain asleep.

Benjamin Franklin: If I'm to hear myself called an Englishman, sir, I assure I prefer I'd remained asleep.

John Dickinson: What's so terrible about being called an Englishman? The English don't seem to mind.

Benjamin Franklin: Nor would I, were I given the full rights of an Englishman. But to call me one without those rights is like calling an ox a bull. He's thankful for the honor, but he'd much rather have restored what's rightfully his.

John Dickinson: When did you first notice they were missing, sir?

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Mistakes

In the film, Martha Jefferson visits Thomas in Philadelphia. While this is factually inaccurate (she was actually at home recovering from a miscarriage), it was changed for the sake of drama. See more...

Trivia

The musical number "Cool Considerate Men" was removed from the theatrical release at president Richard Nixon's request. Nixon was given a private screening, and reportedly objected to the song. It has been edited back into the Director's Cut DVD. See more...

Mistake pictures