Two Words, One Answer.
one band
 The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band $19.99 Based upon Family Band - From the Missouir to the Black Hills 1881-1900, this is the story of how a Presidential election affects a three-generation family of musical performers. It's 1888, and the Bowers--Grandpa Rensselaer (Walter Brennan), a passionate Democrat and Confederate veteran (though thoroughly reconstructed) who plays violin and conducts; father Calvin (Buddy Ebsen), an easygoing Republican who plays banjo; mother Katie (Janet Blair), who plays woodwind and has, in self-defense, imposed a rule forbidding political talk in the house; and eight kids, three boys and five girls, ranging from 16-year-old Alice (Lesley Ann Warren) to to six-year-old Laura (Pamelyn Ferdin)--are prosperous farmers in Iowa, adding to their income by playing music locally. With a Presidential election looming, and Grover Cleveland set to defend his office, Grandpa has written a lively campaign song, "Let's Put It Over With Grover," which compares the incumbent to Washington and Lincoln, and which he hopes will gain the family an invitation to the Democratic convention in St. Louis and a chance for the youngsters to ride on a train, something they've always wanted to do. Meanwhile, Alice has been corresponding with Joe Carder (John Davidson) of Rapid City, DT, the young editor of the town's Republican newspaper, who comes to Iowa to meet her and incidentally drum up enthusiasm for emigration by "good Republican families." Calvin is so enthused by the possibility of his sons being able to file on their own homesteads that he decides to head West, and Grandpa unselfishly gives up his dream of playing at the convention to allow it. But he's still a fiery Democrat, and when Benjamin Harrison is nominated to oppose Cleveland--on a platform including "no new states"--and the people of the Black Hills Region begin talking about forming a government and dividing the Territory into a North and a South Dakota, his well-meaning attempts to indoctrinate the schoolchildren in what he considers proper loyalty to Washington backfires into powerful community sentiment and a break with his own family as well as trouble for the two young lovers. With several infectious musical numbers (including "The Family Band," "The Happiest Girl Alive," "Ten Feet Off the Ground," "Drummin', Drummin', Drummin'," "Oh, Benjamin Harrison," the ensemble "West of the Wide Missouri," Davidson's stirring solo "Dakota," and his duet with Warren, "'Bout Time") and a good period feel (though rather a lot of showing of leg by supposedly virtuous females!), this is an interesting if little-known Disney family musical that gives a good sense of the kind of powerful passions aroused by political partisanship in the America of c. 1865-1916. Brennan, who was 74 when he made it, provides one of the high points in his portrayal of a former Confederate who on his return from the war told his son that the nation's newly confirmed unity must be preserved forever, and has lived by that motto ever since. The big dance number on Election Night reminds me somewhat of the barn dance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Davidson shows he's more than just a pretty face as he brings to life a passionate young man with powerful political views and a deep attachment to the girl he's chosen, even though the combination leads him to a rivalry with local cowboy (and Democrat) Ernie Stubbins (Steve Harmon). Watch for Goldie Hawn (credited as Goldie Jeanne) as a giggly dancer at the Election party.  Junie B., First Grader: One-Man Band (Junie B. Jones, No. 22) $4.99 When I first discovered the Junie B Jones series, I thought it was a great set of books for my daughter to read. Then I really sat down with her when she was reading them, and the books are AWFUL. The grammar and word choices are a terrible example for a child to be exposed to when reading. I understand that the books are an accurate example of how a kindergartener and a first grader may speak, but I prefer my children hear and read the correct use of words as an example of how speak. We switched to Beverly Cleary classics which are just as entertaining and grammatically correct.  Suunto Vector Strap Kit - Elastic Band Black Elastic Fabric, One Size $19.90 Replacing your Suunto Vector watch's band with the Elastic Band Strap Kit makes it more comfortable to wear while skiing, climbing, running, and during other sports. This replacement Suunto band stretches when you bend your wrist to allow full range of motion while you enjoy your favorite outdoor activity. Product FeaturesCompatibility: Suunto Vector watchesWarranty: 2 YearsCountry of Origin: China |
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