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Special Features
- "The Family Band Album"
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
"All I know is, the Democrats elected a president, and the Republicans cheated 'em out of it!" No, this is not a Michael Moore documentary, but a 1968 Disney musical. The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band is probably the best musical comedy set against the 1888 presidential campaign between Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison. The family band, a bit like American prairie Von Trapps, settles in the Dakota territory. Problem is, Grandpappy Walter Brennan is a diehard Democrat, and Dakota is rife with Republicans, including the suitor (John Davidson at his dimpledest) to his granddaughter (Lesley Ann Warren). The score by the Sherman brothers is not their best, and the "family fare" approach almost killed Disney films during this era. Nice to see old hoofer Buddy Ebsen get to dance a bit, and trivia buffs should note that Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn are first linked here--he's one of the kids, she's a featured dancer. --Robert Horton
Product Description
Walter Brennan, Buddy Ebsen, Lesley Ann Warren. After the Bower Family Band asks to play at the Democratic National Convention in 1888 to show their support for Grover Cleveland and the Democratic Party, they move to the Dakota territory to face some hard-core Republicans in a good old-fashioned political feud. 1968/color/110 min/G/fullscreen.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
THE ONE AND ONLY GENUINE ORIGINAL FAMILY BAND is a charming musical from Disney, with Lesley Ann Warren and John Davidson (the romantic leads from Disney's previous musical hit THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE) once again centre stage.
However, when compared to HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE, this movie falls decidedly flat. The storyline isn't engaging and the score (while quite pretty) doesn't have the same theatricality or flavour as MILLIONAIRE.
Lesley Ann Warren and John Davidson once again offer charming performances as the lead romantic couple and get a lovely song to share ("'Bout Time"). Lesley Ann Warren also glows in her solo number "The Happiest Girl Alive". The cast also includes old musical pro's Buddy Ebsen and Janet Blair, with Walter Brennan as the irascible old grandfather.
The DVD is presented in fullscreen (as opposed to HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE which got the grand widescreen treatment from both Disney and Anchor Bay). There's an informative featurette with new interviews from Lesley Ann Warren, John Davidson and composer/lyricist Richard Sherman.
Theres also a scene-specific audio commentary featuring Warren, Davidson and Sherman (all recorded separately). One of the tidbits unearthed from the commentary is Warren recalling how she and John Davidson were starring on Broadway in 1965 at the same time (she in 110 IN THE SHADE, he in HELLO DOLLY), and actually dated a few times, all before being paired in these two Disney musicals!
Still, a fine companion piece to THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE and a wonderful slice of Disney moviemaking at it's peak.
However, when compared to HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE, this movie falls decidedly flat. The storyline isn't engaging and the score (while quite pretty) doesn't have the same theatricality or flavour as MILLIONAIRE.
Lesley Ann Warren and John Davidson once again offer charming performances as the lead romantic couple and get a lovely song to share ("'Bout Time"). Lesley Ann Warren also glows in her solo number "The Happiest Girl Alive". The cast also includes old musical pro's Buddy Ebsen and Janet Blair, with Walter Brennan as the irascible old grandfather.
The DVD is presented in fullscreen (as opposed to HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE which got the grand widescreen treatment from both Disney and Anchor Bay). There's an informative featurette with new interviews from Lesley Ann Warren, John Davidson and composer/lyricist Richard Sherman.
Theres also a scene-specific audio commentary featuring Warren, Davidson and Sherman (all recorded separately). One of the tidbits unearthed from the commentary is Warren recalling how she and John Davidson were starring on Broadway in 1965 at the same time (she in 110 IN THE SHADE, he in HELLO DOLLY), and actually dated a few times, all before being paired in these two Disney musicals!
Still, a fine companion piece to THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE and a wonderful slice of Disney moviemaking at it's peak.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I didn't expect to like this film. The title was too corny for one thing. Also, I'd seen Disney's trailers for the film and noticed how they always focused on a scene featuring Goldie Hawn even though she's only in the movie for a few minutes toward the end. If they have to try to sell it with shots of Goldie Hawn, how good can it be?
But I finally got the chance to see it in its entirety and found out that it's a pretty darn good film. I've heard the Sherman Brothers songs for this movie dismissed as "forgettable" by notable critics but, while this film isn't loaded with Academy Award winning songs, there are still some good tunes sprinkled throughout, most notably a duet between John Davidson and Lesley Ann Warren entitled "Bout Time". The film has a lot of good choreography too and the dance sequences are thouroughly engaging without being over the top.
Walter Brennan and Buddy Ebsen are perfect for their roles here and both do a fantastic job. (Although I'm not sure that Brennan was really old enough to be Ebsen's father.)
The film is in full screen but in the documentary that's included here as a bonus feature, there's a mention of this being a made for TV film. The bonus features are nice and a commentary track with Davidson, Warren and one of the Sherman brothers is included too.
But I finally got the chance to see it in its entirety and found out that it's a pretty darn good film. I've heard the Sherman Brothers songs for this movie dismissed as "forgettable" by notable critics but, while this film isn't loaded with Academy Award winning songs, there are still some good tunes sprinkled throughout, most notably a duet between John Davidson and Lesley Ann Warren entitled "Bout Time". The film has a lot of good choreography too and the dance sequences are thouroughly engaging without being over the top.
Walter Brennan and Buddy Ebsen are perfect for their roles here and both do a fantastic job. (Although I'm not sure that Brennan was really old enough to be Ebsen's father.)
The film is in full screen but in the documentary that's included here as a bonus feature, there's a mention of this being a made for TV film. The bonus features are nice and a commentary track with Davidson, Warren and one of the Sherman brothers is included too.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is my favorite movie in the entire world!!! My mom rented it when I was a little girl, and I just adored it. However, as I grew older I was devastated when I was no longer able to find it out on video. I have been surfing the web for months trying to find a copy, but to no avail. You can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found out it was coming out on DVD!! I truly believe this is the best movie ever made. I mean, think about it, it's got your history, politics, family life, and what better love story than Leslie Ann Warren and John Davidson? Not to mentiont he completely adorable Kurt Russell, the energetic dancer and singer Buddy Ebsen, and of course the lovable grandfather Walter Brennan! I absolutely love this movie! Thank you Disney for finally releasing it! You have made my year!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Family Band
This is one of my favorite movies. The players are fantastic. I love, love this movie! I have bought one for home & travel.
Published 1 month ago by Vickey
Family Band is a great family movie
"The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band" or as I fondly call it "Family Band" is a fun, wholesome, family-friendly Disney Musical for all ages. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Julie Lujano
The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band
A Walter Brennan era showing that is clean and humorous. Not for everyone but still a good one for those who like movies that don't have foul language and sexual leanings. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Del J. H.
movie
So glad you carry such old movies on Dvd...and such a great reasonable price! My family loves them... this was such a fun movie, my kids grew up with it.. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jerry Dean
Nice surprise
Somehow I'd missed this film when it first came out....well, maybe it was because I was a teen rebel at the time and not much into Disney films.... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Randy Waltrip
Play It Loud! Play It Proud!
what can i say. i absolutely love everything about this movie. i must have seen it a hundred times. i actually had to buy a second DVD because i wore the first DVD out from... Read more
Published 12 months ago by James Johnston
A Classic Hit
This is one of my favorite Disney movies of all times. I am always aghast when I mention it, and I have mentioned it often, and someone says they never heard of it. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Lisa McCourt Hollar
The One and Only Original Family Band
Since I'm a big fans of musicals, this movie is still as much fun as when I was growing up. A good movie for just relaxing and passing an afternoon or evening
Published 16 months ago by Heather
Family Band
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family band with Walter Brennan was terrific. Disney movies always seem to be good family movies.
Published on January 9, 2010 by Sharron A. Naab
Pure Disney
Typical Disney of the period, not great not horrible but it has its moments. The music is just ok and the story is pretty silly.
Published on December 17, 2009 by J. Carey
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