The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael O'Herlihy

Writers:

Lowell S. Hawley (screen story), Lowell S. Hawley (screenplay),

Stars:

Walter Brennan, Buddy Ebsen, Lesley Ann Warren

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Walter Brennan	...	Grandpa Bower
Buddy Ebsen	...	Calvin Bower
Lesley Ann Warren	...	Alice Bower
John Davidson	...	Joe Carder
Janet Blair	...	Katie Bower
Kurt Russell	...	Sidney Bower
Bobby Riha	...	Mayo Bower
Jon Walmsley	...	Quinn Bower
Smith Wordes	...	Nettie Bower (as Smitty Wordes)
Heidi Rook	...	Rose Bower
Debbie Smith	...	Lulu Bower
Pamelyn Ferdin	...	Laura Bower
Wally Cox	...	Mr. Wampler
Richard Deacon	...	Charlie Wrenn
Steve Harmon	...	Ernie Stubbins

Storyline

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).

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Plot Keywords:

electoral college | south dakota | band | little girl | dancing | 

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Taglines:

The Family That Plays Together, Stays Together

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Musical | Western

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 April 1969 (Japan)

Also Known As:

The Family Band

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Did You Know?

Trivia

Even though Democratic Renssaeler Bower played by Walter Brennan was politically opposed to his son Republican Calvin Bower played by Buddy Ebsen, both actors were really confirmed consecutive Republicans.

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Soundtracks

"Drummin' Drummin' Drummin'"
Performed by Walter Brennan and School Children
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

User Reviews

loved it!

I happened not to be able to sleep one night a few years ago so I flipped on the t.v. There was a movie beginning so I decided to watch it since it's star was Buddy Ebsen, one of my favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed it with the oh so young John Davidson, Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell. A couple of years I was talking with the woman who had become the best friend I ever had. We were talking about old movies which we both loved. I mentioned Family Band and told her that I could never remember the full title and asked if she had ever seen it. A sly smile came over her still beautiful face. Her Name was Debbie Smith, or better known to FAMILY BAND fans as Lulu Bower. It is with great sadness and a full heart that I would like the fans to know that Debbie passed away on May 22,2003 at the age of 49 from a long time bout with heart problems. I write this for the fans of the movie and of beautiful little Lulu. I hope the owners of this site allow this to remain on line for a while. Debbie sang and had a beautiful voice. That voice is now stilled. I hope that we may be allowed to keep Debbie with us a while longer. The world of music has lost a lot. So have I and anyone who was lucky enough to know Debbie.