In this episode of “Midday Movies,” Laura and Stephen delve into HBO's acclaimed 2008 mini-series “John Adams.” They highlight the series' meticulous historical accuracy and its nuanced portrayal of key historical figures like John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington. They discuss favorite scenes, including John Adams' diplomatic encounter with King George III and Benjamin Franklin's unique fashion choices in the French court. The hosts also touch on the broader theme of America's founding fathers being complex, multifaceted individuals. The conversation includes a broader discussion about the nature of leadership, the significance of height in politics, and the blended form of government established by the founding fathers. The episode concludes with a teaser about a forthcoming discussion on the film “Marie Antoinette” and the historical context of Versailles.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on John Adams

00:27 Overview of HBO's John Adams Series

01:24 Character Complexity and Founding Fathers

02:58 Key Moments and Historical Accuracy

04:36 George Washington's Introduction

10:35 Diplomacy and Tension with King George

16:07 Benjamin Franklin's Transformation in France

17: 56 Conclusion and Future Topics

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Ep 272: Exploring HBO's “John Adams” (2008) We Talk Founding Fathers for Election Day 2025

Midday Movies