Walt Disney’s filmography is filled with classics, and nestled among them is The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, a movie that deserves a fresh look. While perhaps not as widely celebrated as some of Disney’s animated masterpieces, this 1968 musical offers a charming and heartwarming story of family, politics, and the pioneering spirit of the American West. Based on Laura Bower Van Nuys’ memoir, The Family Band: from the Missouri to the Black Hills, 1881-1900, the film brings to life the Bower family’s journey and their musical adventures in the Dakota Territory.
One of the film’s strongest assets is undoubtedly Walter Brennan as Grandpa Bower. A veteran actor known for his authentic portrayals of gruff but lovable characters, Brennan anchors the movie with his compelling performance. Grandpa Bower, a staunch Democrat in a Republican territory, becomes a source of both conflict and comedy, driving much of the film’s narrative. His political clashes, particularly with his Republican son Calvin and his granddaughter Alice’s fiancé, Joe Carder, inject a unique flavor into the family dynamic. This friction, centered around the real-life political landscape of 1888 and the debate over Dakota statehood, provides a surprisingly engaging backdrop to the Bower family’s musical journey.
Director Michael O’Herlihy, despite his extensive background in television, imbues The One And Only Genuine Original Family Band with a cinematic scope that elevates the story. Known for his work on iconic TV series like Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, and M*A*S*H, O’Herlihy brings a seasoned eye to the westward expansion setting. Wide shots capture the grandeur of the frontier, showcasing picturesque landscapes and bustling town sets filled with extras. While it might not reach the epic scale of Hollywood’s grandest roadshow productions of the era, the film successfully creates a sense of vastness and adventure, contributing to its larger-than-life feel.
The narrative of The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band shares structural similarities with another Disney film, The Happiest Millionaire. Both movies feature Lesley Ann Warren as the eldest daughter navigating family loyalty alongside a new romance that causes friction within her family. However, The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band benefits from a tighter focus and a more emotionally resonant core. Where The Happiest Millionaire sometimes felt meandering and under-plotted, this film effectively balances its musical elements with the engaging family drama and the historical context of the late 19th-century political scene. The film utilizes the musical format to enhance the emotional beats of the story, making it a more cohesive and enjoyable experience.
While some critics at the time dismissed The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band as “hokey” or “flat,” it’s worth reconsidering in today’s context. The film offers a glimpse into a specific period of American history, viewed through the lens of a family’s experiences. Although the film assumes some viewer familiarity with the political climate of 1888, the core themes of family unity, community, and navigating differing opinions remain universally relatable. While perhaps not destined to reach the iconic status of Disney musicals like Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music, The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band is a worthwhile and charming film that offers a pleasant viewing experience, largely thanks to Walter Brennan’s memorable performance and its heartwarming portrayal of a unique family.
