Overrated and overhyped

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

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!

Based on the memoirs of Laura Bower Van Nuys, the 1888 presidential election serves as the backdrop for this lovestory between Laura's older sister, Alice (Leslie Ann Warren) - a teacher and the eldest daughter in the Bower family's musical act, and Joe (John Davidson) - a spin doctor at odds with the families' political views.The hostilities between Democrats and Republicans over the hotly contested Cleveland/Harrison race and state's rights are more relevant today than ever in light of the 2000 Presidential Election night debaucle. And when Democrat Grandpa Bower, the patriarch of the family, substitute teaches for Alice at the local school, his decision to teach the children his views about the Civil War - very different from the views of the primarily Republican Dakotans - causes an uproar among the settlers and threatens to divide the young lovers forever.The romantic moments are sweet. The show-stopping numbers which make perfect sense in a musical about a musical act are quite impressive, especially the rousing "Ten Feet Off the Ground" high-kick routine by Warren and Janet Blair, and "West O' The Wide Missouri" featuring a young blonde dancer named Goldie Jean Hawn. Other standout performers are the incomparable Buddy Ebsen, comedian Wally Cox, a very young Kurt Russell and "Walton"/rock guitarist Jon Wamsley, and, as Grandpa, the great Walter Brennan.As both a musician and political analyst, this movie strikes a "chord" with me (that and the fact that I remember my parents taking me to see it in the theatre and owning both versions of the soundtrack!) An overlooked gem, this is family entertainment that doesn't insult your intelligence. It teaches alot about tolerance without being preachy, and, of course, it all works out in the end.

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.

Everyone in this movie is great! The singing and dancing are the kind that stick in your memory forever. You will find yourself singing one of the songs the next week and even the next week. Walter Brennan is at his best. Buddy Ebsen is fabulous and there is even a great scene that shows what a great dancer he is - soft shoe is the best! Kirk Russell met Goldie Hawn on this movie (her's was a bit part). What do ya know - Kirk can dance pretty well also.I recommend adding this to your library!