The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band


1h 50m 1968
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band

Brief Synopsis

A Democrat and his family band provide entertainment during the 1880 presidential election.

Film Details

MPAA Rating
Genre
Musical
Adaptation
Comedy
Drama
Historical
Release Date
Jan 1968
Premiere Information
New York opening: 21 Mar 1968
Production Company
Walt Disney Productions
Distribution Company
Buena Vista Distribution Co., Inc.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Family Band by Laura Bower Van Nuys (Lincoln, Nebraska, 1961).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 50m
Sound
Mono (RCA Sound System)
Color
Color (Technicolor)

Synopsis

During the 1888 presidential campaigns of Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison, old Grandpa Bower organizes his son, daughter-in-law, and eight grandchildren into a family band that he hopes will be asked to perform his song, "Let's Put It Over With Grover," at the Democratic convention. Complications arise, however, when Alice, his eldest grandchild, falls in love with Joe Carder, a Republican newspaperman, who persuades Papa Bower to move the family to the newly-formed Dakota Territory. Though Grandpa grudgingly accepts his son's decision and accompanies the family to Rapid City, his strongly partisan political views soon create disharmony. On election night, all the townspeople gather at Frontier Hall for the returns. Just as it appears that Cleveland has been reelected by popular vote, the telegrapher announces that the Electoral College has elected Harrison to the White House. The outraged Democrats start a brawl that continues until Papa Bower restores peace by ordering the family band to play the national anthem. As the disgruntled Grandpa pays off an election bet by giving Joe a wheelbarrow ride down Main Street, word arrives that Cleveland will divide the Dakota Territory into two states, both Republican, before leaving office. Furthermore, Washington and Montana, both Democratic territories, will be admitted to the Union, thus restoring the political balance in Congress. Musical numbers: "Dakota," "'Bout Time" (Joe & Alice), "The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band," "Let's Put It Over With Grover," "Ten Feet Off the Ground" (The Family Band), "Drummin', Drummin', Drummin'" (Grandpa & youngsters), "The Happiest Girl Alive" (Alice), "Oh, Benjamin Harrison" (Papa & men's chorus), "West of the Wide Missouri" (entire cast).

Film Details

MPAA Rating
Genre
Musical
Adaptation
Comedy
Drama
Historical
Release Date
Jan 1968
Premiere Information
New York opening: 21 Mar 1968
Production Company
Walt Disney Productions
Distribution Company
Buena Vista Distribution Co., Inc.
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Family Band by Laura Bower Van Nuys (Lincoln, Nebraska, 1961).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 50m
Sound
Mono (RCA Sound System)
Color
Color (Technicolor)

Articles

The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band


An old Democratic Party stalwart tries to bring a family of diehard Republicans to the 1888 Democratic convention.
The One And Only, Genuine, Original Family Band

The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band

An old Democratic Party stalwart tries to bring a family of diehard Republicans to the 1888 Democratic convention.

Quotes

Trivia

Goldie Hawn and 'Russell, Kurt' , companions since 1983, both appeared in this 1968 film.

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States Spring April 1968

Film is based on a true story.

Screen debut for actress Goldie Hawn.

Released in United States Spring April 1968