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.
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.