The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band
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Description
"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
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4 out of 4 people found the following review helpful:
charming Lesley Ann Warren/Disney tunerThursday, March 10, 2005
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.
0 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:
disney fun****Sunday, February 27, 2005
This was a family favorite when I was little. We looked high and low for it and couldn't find it. Now Disney needs to put the soundtracks!!!
1 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Where is the Road Show version? 2 hrs and 45 min.Sunday, February 20, 2005
This film was edited to its' current running time of 1 hr. 50 minutes at the urging of RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL so they could show it with their Christmas Show. Trouble is, the original 2 hour and 45 minute version has not been seen since. Commonly referred to as "Roadshow Versions", Disney recently released the Roadshow Version of THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE. So why not do the same with this film?
2 out of 2 people found the following review helpful:
You will love it!Thursday, October 21, 2004
Ok...This is one of those completely obscure movies. People look at me like I'm crazy when I mention it. You have to see it if you have not, though. I promise, you will love it!!!
Its especially funny around election time, and its rather like the 2000 election. You'll like it, honest.
3 out of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Disney doesn't make them like this anymore.Thursday, September 30, 2004
Family morals, family together and family love doesn't get any better than this film. This is a face-paced musical spectular with an all star cast. You'll even notice a very young Goldie Hawn and of course Kurt Russell. I only feel disappointed that they didn't release this in 5.1 because the movie was filmed in 4-track 35mm. Never-the-less you'll still enjoy this movie with a lot of top-tapping songs.