The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band is a 1968 American comedy musical western film from Walt Disney Productions. Distributed by Buena Vista Distribution, the film is based on a biography by Laura Bower Van Nuys, directed by Michael O'Herlihy, with original music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers. Set against the backdrop of the 1888 presidential election, the film portrays the musically talented Bower family, American pioneers who settle in the Dakota Territory. Walter Brennan, Buddy Ebsen, Lesley Ann Warren and John Davidson head the cast. Kurt Russell is also featured, and, in a bit part, Goldie Hawn makes her film debut. Plot The Bower Family Band petitions the Democratic National Committee to sing a rally song for President Grover Cleveland at the party's 1888 convention. On the urging of Joe Carder, a journalist and suitor to eldest Bower daughter Alice, the family decides instead to move to the Dakota Territory. There, Grandpa Bower, a staunch Democrat, causes trouble with his pro-Cleveland sentiments. The Dakota residents are overwhelmingly Republican, and they hope to get the territory admitted as two states (North and South Dakota) rather than one (so as to send four Republican senators to Washington rather than two). Grandpa's actions result in family strife, including nearly costing Alice her position as the town's new schoolteacher. The budding romance between Joe and Alice also suffers. In the end, more ballots are cast for Cleveland, but Republican nominee Benjamin Harrison nonetheless wins the Electoral College vote and the presidency. Before he leaves office, Cleveland grants statehood to both the two Dakotas, along with Montana and Washington, evening the gains for both parties. The Dakotans, particularly the feuding young couple, resolve to live together in peace. Cast Walter Brennan - Renssaeler Bower Buddy Ebsen - Calvin Bower John Davidson - Joe Carder Lesley Ann Warren - Alice Bower Janet Blair - Katie Bower Kurt Russell - Sidney Bower Steve Harmon - Ernie Stubbins Richard Deacon - Charlie Wrenn Wally Cox - Wampler Debbie Smith - Lulu Bower Bobby Riha - Mayo Bower Smith Wordes - Nettie Bower Heidi Rook - Rose Bower Jon Walmsley - Quinn Bower Pamelyn Ferdin - Laura Bower John Craig - Frank Bill Woodson - Henry White Goldie Hawn (as Goldie Jeanne Hawn) - Giggly Girl Jonathan Kidd - Telegrapher Songs "The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band" The film opens with Grandpa conducting all