The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Michael O'Herlihy |
| Produced by | Bill Anderson |
| Screenplay by | Lowell S. Hawley |
| Story by | Lowell S. Hawley Michael O'Herlihy |
| Starring | Walter Brennan Buddy Ebsen Lesley Ann Warren John Davidson |
| Music by | Songs: Richard M. Sherman Robert B. Sherman Score: Jack Elliott |
| Cinematography | Frank V. Phillips |
| Editing by | Cotton Warburton |
| Studio | Walt Disney Productions |
| Distributed by | Buena Vista Distribution |
| Release date(s) | March 21, 1968 (Radio City Music Hall) |
| Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Money made | $2,250,000 (US/ Canada) |
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band is a fun musical movie from 1968 made by Walt Disney Productions. It tells the story of the talented Bower family, who love to play music together. The film is based on a true story written by Laura Bower Van Nuys. It takes place in the late 1800s during an important presidential election. The Bower family decides to move to a new area called the Dakota Territory, which was not yet a state.
The movie stars Walter Brennan, Buddy Ebsen, Lesley Ann Warren, and John Davidson. You might also spot Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, who made her first big movie appearance in this film!
The Bower Family's Adventure
The story begins with the Bower Family Band trying to get a chance to sing for President Grover Cleveland. They want to perform a special song at a big meeting for his political party. But then, a journalist named Joe Carder, who likes the oldest Bower daughter, Alice, suggests something different. He convinces the family to move to the Dakota Territory.
When they arrive, Grandpa Bower, who strongly supports President Cleveland, causes some trouble. Most people in the Dakota Territory support the other main political party, the Republicans. These people want the territory to become two separate states, North and South Dakota. This would allow them to send more representatives to the government. Grandpa's strong opinions cause arguments within the family and almost make Alice lose her new job as the town's school teacher. Joe and Alice's relationship also faces challenges.
In the end, more people voted for Cleveland, but the Republican candidate, Benjamin Harrison, won the election because of how the Electoral College works. Before leaving office, President Cleveland helped the Dakotas become two states, along with Montana and Washington. This helped balance the number of states for both political parties. The people in the Dakotas, especially Joe and Alice, learn to live together peacefully.
Meet the Cast
Here are some of the actors who brought the Bower family and other characters to life:
- Walter Brennan as Renssaeler Bower (Grandpa)
- Buddy Ebsen as Calvin Bower
- John Davidson as Joe Carder
- Lesley Ann Warren as Alice Bower
- Janet Blair as Katie Bower
- Kurt Russell as Sidney Bower
- Steve Harmon as Ernie Stubbins
- Richard Deacon as Charlie Wrenn
- Wally Cox as Wampler
- Debbie Smith as Lulu Bower
- Bobby Riha as Mayo Bower
- Smith Wordes as Nettie Bower
- Heidi Rook as Rose Bower
- Jon Walmsley as Quinn Bower
- Pamelyn Ferdin as Laura Bower
- John Craig as Frank
- William Woodson as Henry White
- Goldie Hawn (as Goldie Jeanne Hawn) as Giggly Girl
- Jonathan Kidd as Telegrapher
Songs from the Movie
The movie features many catchy songs written by the famous Sherman Brothers. Here are some of them:
- "The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band"
This is the movie's main song. It shows the whole Bower family playing different instruments together in their barn. They sing about how special and talented their family band is.
- "The Happiest Girl Alive"
Alice sings this song to show how excited she feels after getting a letter from Joe Carder, the journalist she likes.
- "Let's Put It Over with Grover"
The Bower family performs this song to support President Grover Cleveland's election campaign.
- "Ten Feet off the Ground"
After hearing they might perform at a big political meeting, the family is super excited! They sing about the amazing feeling that music gives them, making them feel like they are "Ten Feet off the Ground." Louis Armstrong later recorded this song.
- "Dakota"
Joe Carder sings this song to convince families in Missouri to move to the wonderful Dakota Territory. This song is similar to the title song from the musical Oklahoma!
- "'Bout Time"
Joe Carder sings this duet with Alice, telling her it's "'Bout Time" they got engaged. Alice agrees, and they sing about their love. Louis Armstrong also covered this song, and it was even used in the 2005 movie Bewitched.
- "Drummin' Drummin' Drummin'"
Grandpa Bower tells a story about a brave drummer boy from the Civil War. He inspires the children in the schoolhouse to be brave and make a difference, just like the drummer boy.
- "West o' the Wide Missouri"
On election night, people in the town dance and celebrate their part in the expansion of America towards the West, beyond the Wide Missouri.
- "Oh, Benjamin Harrison"
The Republicans in town have their own campaign song, praising their candidate, Benjamin Harrison, and saying he is "far beyond comparison."
