The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band

The 10 members of the Bower family formed a band, led by Grandpa (Brennan).  Grandpa is a staunch Grover Cleveland supporter and wants the family to perform at the 1888 presidential convention.  They are selected, even though his son Calvin (Ebsen) supports the opposition.  The family is asked to go to the convention, but their plans are disrupted by the arrival of Joe Carder (Davidson), a Republican journalist and suitor for Calvin's oldest daughter, Alice (Warren).  Joe is encouraging families, specifically Republican families, to move to the Dakota Territory.

The Bowers decide to take the band to the Dakota Territory and Benjamin Harrison supporters.  While Alice and Joe fall in love, despite their political differences, can Grandpa keep his opinions in check?


I found this film through Netflix when I added The Happiest Millionaire.  The premise of an all-family band, with songs by Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman, in a Disney movie was too good to pass up, so I added it to my queue and took a chance.  The film reunited Lesley Ann Warren and John Davidson, a year after their success in The Happiest Millionaire (which also featured songs written by the Sherman Brothers).

The film is based on a book written by Lulu Bower Van Nuys about her family, their band, and their journey from Missouri to Dakota.  Originally Disney planned to turn the story into television show, but ultimately decided to turn it into a musical, and called in the Sherman Brothers to write songs for it.  The songs are ok, only a few stand out.  One of the songs features the film debut of Goldie Hawn.

The cast is ok, although their fake instrument playing is pretty bad.  There are too many unnecessary characters and scenes (i.e. the schoolhouse scene)... Davidson is stale and I was rooting for the other guy.  There are redeeming moments and it isn't a bad film, but it also isn't a great film.

The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968) 110 minutes
Director: Michael O'Herlihy
Starring: Walter Brennan as Grandpa Bower
Buddy Ebsen as Calvin Bower
Lesley Ann Warren as Alice Bower
John Davidson as Joe Carder
Janet Blair as Katie Bower
Kurt Russell as Sidney Bower
Bobby Riha as Mayo Bower
Jon Walmsley as Quinn Bower
Smitty Wordes as Nettie Bower
Heidi Rook as Rose Bower
Debbie Smith as Lulu Bower
Pamelyn Ferdin as Laura Bower