KnotMissPriceless Why so much hype?

MoPoshy Absolutely brilliant

Kinley This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Caryl It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

SnoopyStyle It's 1888. Calvin Bower (Buddy Ebsen) intends to have his family band play at the Democratic National Committee for President Grover Cleveland despite the fact that he's a Republican. Elder daughter Alice (Lesley Ann Warren) is in love with Joe Carder (John Davidson) who turns out to be a Republican activist. Former Confederate grandpa is a staunch Democrat although mother insists on no politics at home. Joe is recruiting southern families to migrate to the Dakota territory. The Bower family follows him there. The main issue of the day is to divide into two states so that they can send four Republican senators.Mixing politics into a Disney movie is a losing proposition. It's too complicated to simplify into a family film. I don't think Little Mermaid should be a Hilary supporter. It's very odd to have high level political arguments in a Disney musical. They're only self-serving political arguments anyways. I don't think Electoral College makes for good plot development. On top of that, the songs are not memorable and I don't like Joe. On the other hand, it is interesting to see some of these actors. One should notice young Disney star Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn in her film debut in a minor role. This is not one of the Disney classics.

kindtxgal I'm a huge classic Disney fan, so when I saw this decided to rent it. Honestly, I didn't have high hopes for high score on it because of it being a musical and I'm not a Lesley Ann Warren fan -- I figured it would be a bit cheesy, However, this was a truly delightful movie...what tames down the "cheese" are Walter Brennan and Buddy Ebsen.. there's the right balance of music, romance, patriotism, and fun to make it quite good! The Mom figure (Janet Blair) isn't too coddling, there's not too much "children" stuff -- again, Walter Brennan in my opinion MADE this film! What a classy guy! Also, I appreciate that they used a background of an election on two less well known presidential candidates and mix in the history perfectly. Watch for a very young Goldie Hawn who met Kurt Russell for the first time on this film! :) Also not well known is that Walt Disney passed away before production finished and so the cast is working daily with that loss! Thumbs up, Disney for another phenomenal family film -- less well known, but utterly delightful. 'Bout time' this movie gets some recognition!

cindyslynnl 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.

ldslady11 I saw this film as a young child and never forgot it. Regrettably it was never available to view on VHS. It wasn't until years later that it came on cable and I watched it with pure delight. This is one movie that for some reason as been long overlooked and never brought to light like so many of Disney's other movies. It is a gem and one that I would dearly love to own. Do so wish it was available on DVD. If you ever get the chance to view it it is well worth the time or expense to do so.