The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band
G | 19 April 1968 (USA)
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band Trailers

The Bower Family Band petitions the Democratic National Committee to sing a Grover Cleveland rally song at the 1888 convention, but decide instead to move to the Dakota territory on the urging of a suitor to their eldest daughter. There, Grampa Bower causes trouble with his pro-Cleveland ideas, as Dakota residents are overwhelmingly Republican, and hope to get the territory admitted as two states (North and South Dakota) rather than one in order to send four Republican senators to Washington. Cleveland opposed this plan, refusing to refer to Congress the plan to organize the Dakotas this way. When Cleveland wins the popular vote, but Harrison the presidency due to the electoral college votes, the Dakotans (particularly the feuding young couple) resolve to live together in peace, and Cleveland grants statehood to the two Dakotas before he leaves office (along with two Democrat-voting states, evening the gains for both parties).

Reviews
kindtxgal

I'm a huge classic Disney fan, so when I saw this decided to rent it. Honestly, I didn't have high hopes for high score on it because of it being a musical and I'm not a Lesley Ann Warren fan -- I figured it would be a bit cheesy, However, this was a truly delightful movie...what tames down the "cheese" are Walter Brennan and Buddy Ebsen.. there's the right balance of music, romance, patriotism, and fun to make it quite good! The Mom figure (Janet Blair) isn't too coddling, there's not too much "children" stuff -- again, Walter Brennan in my opinion MADE this film! What a classy guy! Also, I appreciate that they used a background of an election on two less well known presidential candidates and mix in the history perfectly. Watch for a very young Goldie Hawn who met Kurt Russell for the first time on this film! :) Also not well known is that Walt Disney passed away before production finished and so the cast is working daily with that loss! Thumbs up, Disney for another phenomenal family film -- less well known, but utterly delightful. 'Bout time' this movie gets some recognition!

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johnstonjames

it was nice to see that all the reviews of this film were good, positive, reviews. glad because that means i don't have to heatedly defend it online from a bunch of cynical, sour-puss, stick-in-the-mud, types.you know the way that some people get all worked up and excited over rock stars? or the way recent Disney fans get into 'High School Musical'? that's how i feel about this movie. the very mention of it's title gets me all worked up and jumping. for me this movie is so awesome it's hard to describe the jubilation and excitement it gives me on the inside. when i was a little kid of only 7 yrs, i had the Disney song record to this and every time i would think about it i would go nuts with excitement.i love everything about this film. the charming acting ( i love Walter Brennan), the sense of history, the tuneful and often very funny music, and above all it's sense of romance and dedication to family principles and values.it also seems to mean if you have a true love of America and what it stands for you will see this film and not hesitate. old fashioned Republicans or stubborn Democrats alike will find something to relate or laugh about. Buddy Ebsen has one of the funniest lines when he says the Grover Cleveland song "wouldn't be appreciated at a republican convention" hilarious.everyone visiting IMDb 'Family Band' site should read the review by AllenBlank (his review was sooo intelligent and said it all) and the review of the sweet lady who knew one of the children from the cast.it doesn't matter that Walt Disney himself could be a hard-nosed Republican. this film is for everyone. it certainly doesn't spout the reactionary Republican sentiments of 'Happiest Millionaire' (which i also really like), but a fair consideration of both parties. it also has a deep message of how politics can destroy a family unit and tear it apart.Repub or donkey it doesn't matter with this film. it's all good. i mean i totally HATE politics and don't like political solutions to anything. I am also not nationalistic, which this film is. but i can enjoy the rich history and values this country was founded on. God Bless this little joyful film. it has given me so much happiness.

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dear1953

This has to be one of the best Disney movies ever. I haven't seen it in a number of years but will be so happy when it comes out on DVD so I can have a personal copy and can share it with my grandchildren. I remember watching it after Goldie Hawn was a big name and I recognized her right away. Of course, Lesley Ann Warren and John Davidson are as good here as they were in "The Happiest Millionaire". I got my 6 year old grandson hooked on that one. If you want the old Disney classics, this is a must for your collection.

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btyjohnson

Ever since I was little I got a kick out of this movie. I always loved the lyrics the actors, and especially the movie. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a copy before it went out of print, and became so hard to find. And I suggest it to anyone who wants a good musical.

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