Donny Osmond Movies
A performer who ultimately evolved into one of the most sought-after teen pop idols of the 1970s, singer and occasional actor Donny Osmond initially rode to fame as a member of the Osmonds vocal ensemble, alongside four of his siblings.Born in 1957 to George Osmond and Olive Osmond of Ogden, UT, Donald Clark Osmond grew up watching older brothers Alan, Wayne, Jay, and Merrill establish themselves as a stage act with barbershop quartet-style vocal performances at Disneyland and on The Andy Williams Show; Donny joined the rest in 1968, at the age of 11, and followed when the family migrated to The Jerry Lewis Show. The band encountered unchecked popularity following the rise of "family-themed" vocal groups such as the Jackson 5 and the fictional Partridge Family in the late '60s and early '70s. Thanks in no small part to the tutelage and guidance of MGM head Mike Curb, the Osmonds took advantage of this "family pop" trend and netted a massive fan base; in time, they gained a new member in the form of youngest child Little Jimmy Osmond, and received occasional vocal support from sister Marie Osmond. Through it all, Donny remained the centerpiece; his solo career also took off in the early '70s alongside that of the larger family, and commenced with 1971's The Donny Osmond Album. The popularity of this and subsequent efforts turned Osmond into a teenage heartthrob who ultimately rivaled David Cassidy, Michael Jackson, and others in popularity.
Donny and Marie united for a musical variety show on ABC in 1976 and sustained it for three and a half long and successful years, but the program folded in May 1979. It took around ten more years for Donny to issue his debut solo record as an adult; his style (which earned occasional comparisons to George Michael) did connect with a sizeable audience, and though his popularity waned somewhat by the mid-'90s, he regained much of it via performances as Joseph of the Old Testament in the stage musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Donny also co-headlined a talk program with Marie in the late '90s and continued issuing solo records from time to time.
In 2002 he attempted a comeback as the host of a revamped version of the classic game show Pyramid, but the program was short-lived. Osmond appeared on the ninth season of the popular reality competition show Dancing With the Stars. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
A high-school student (Raven Symone) with noble dreams of becoming a public defender sets out to visit potential universities in the unwanted company of her father (Martin Lawrence) -- an overprotective cop -- in this road trip comedy produced by Andrew Gunn and directed by Roger Kumble. Melanie (Symone) is about to graduate high school, and she's ready to take her first step toward adulthood by hitting the road to explore her college prospects with a few close female friends. But despite the fact that this trip is strictly "girls only," Melanie's father isn't comfortable with the prospect of his little princess hitting the road without an adult chaperone -- and what better guardian to have while you're out on the open road than the chief of police himself? Of course, while Melanie's father only has the best of intentions, his presence on a trip that was designed to mark his little girl's emergence as a young adult leads to an endless series of comic complications. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Martin Lawrence, Raven Symone, (more)
- 2007
- Add The Osmonds: Live in Las Vegas - 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert to Queue Add The Osmonds: Live in Las Vegas - 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert to top of Queue
Broadcast originally as a special for PBS, Osmonds: Live in Las Vegas - 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert features the seven siblings performing some of their most well-known numbers. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- The Osmonds
Concert for Diana captures a 2007 tribute to the deceased Diana Spencer, the former Princess of Wales. Among the many performers who appear on the bill are Nelly Furtado, Elton John, Duran Duran, Rod Stewart, and Kanye West. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Prince William, Prince Harry, (more)
- 2004
In the tradition of past "February Sweeps," this episode of Friends originally ran 42 minutes rather than the usual 30. It is more than enough time for the various plot strands to unfold, beginning with a disastrous bachelorette party for Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), wherein the male stripper turns out to be a really creepy guy (played by a past master at "creeps," Danny DeVito). Also, Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Ross (David Schwimmer) recall an embarrassing incident from their college days, and, in a sequence currently missing from the syndication print of this episode, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) makes a fool of himself on the TV game show Pyramid (which explains why that series' host Donny Osmond makes a guest appearance). ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Danny DeVito, Donny Osmond, (more)
Former teeny-bopper Donny Osmond performs a set of 22 songs in support of his 2002 LP Somewhere in Time in this release from Universal Music. Recorded in London, England, Donny Osmond Live includes renditions of "Could it Be I'm Falling in Love," "Luck Be a Lady Tonight," "Don't Dream it's Over," "Soldier of Love," "Puppy Love," "Never Going to Say Goodbye," and many others. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- 2003
This cable TV travelogue is the first of several such programs hosted by pop singer Donny Osmond. Exuding his patented casual charm, Osmond guides the viewer through some of America's finest interactive zoos and game preserves. After stopovers at such locales as Florida and Las Vegas, the special winds up in Osmond's home state of Utah, at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Donny Osmond's Animal Adventures was originally a presentation of the Travel Channel. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Donny Osmond
- 2003
This cable TV travelogue is one of several hosted by pop singer Donny Osmond, and was a follow-up to the earlier Donny Osmond's Animal Adventures. The host guides the viewer through six of America's best national parks, dispensing little-known factoids about each location. Perhaps the most fascinating segment finds Osmond prowling the grounds of Alcatraz. Donny Osmond's American Parks was originally a presentation of the Travel Channel. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Donny Osmond
- 2002
This daily, half-hour syndicated game show was but the newest incarnation of a franchise which began modestly as The $10,000 Pyramid way back in 1973. Hosted by Donny Osmond, the new version followed the formula as before, with two teams of contestants, each captained by a celebrity, attempting to guess words or phrases that would enable them to advance upward on a high studio-wall pyramid, thence to fabulous prizes. Borrowing a page from the workbook of Win Ben Stein's Money, the categories were often given "jokey" designations, such as "Celebrities You Can't Find in the Bible." Though the dollar amount of the grand prize was unidentified in the series title, it was fixed at 100,000 dollars. Packaged by Bob Stewart Productions and distributed by Columbia TriStar, Pyramid entered local syndication on September 16, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Donny Osmond
- 2001
The second of two made-for-TV biopics on the same topic (the first was Side by Side: The True Story of the Osmond Family), Inside the Osmonds was co-produced by Jimmy Osmond and Dick Clark, and as such can be regarded as reasonably accurate, if a tad on the hokey side. Matt Dorff's teleplay recounts the rise in popularity of the singing Osmond clan, from their humble beginnings in Utah onward. The act is strictly stag -- that is, it consisted largely of the Osmond Brothers -- until siblings Donny and Marie break out and matriculate to superstardom. Perhaps inevitably, the Osmond juggernaut begins to collapse under its own weight, due to dissension, jealousy, and the questionable financial escapade of the singers' father, George (played by Bruce McGill). The story ends in a tune-filled concert re-creation, featuring the real-life Osmonds (or as many as could be assembled herein). Standouts in the cast are Thomas Dekker and Patrick Levis as the younger and older Donny Osmond, Janaya Stephens as Marie, and Veronica Cartwright as the siblings' mother, Olive; there are also adequate Hollywood casting-service approximations of musician/politician Mike Curb and the Osmonds' longtime TV director Jack Regas. The abruptness of the continuity suggests that the film was originally much longer than its present two hours. Largely filmed in Toronto, Inside the Osmonds made its ABC network debut on February 5, 2001. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bruce McGill, Veronica Cartwright, (more)
- 2000
- Add My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman to Queue Add My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman to top of Queue
New Age/pop composer and pianist Jim Brickman headlines this eclectic musical performance. Known for the catchy jingles he composed for diverse entities such as The Gap, Kellogg's, Isuzu, The Muppet Show, and Sesame Street, Brickman joins forces with other pop powerhouses for this concert. Recorded live at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City, the video features guests like Olivia Newton-John, Dave Koz, David Benoit, and Donny Osmond chiming in on Brickman's original tunes. A sampling of the featured songs includes Glory, Love of My Life, Valentine, Change of Heart, The Love I Found In You, Partners in Crime, and By Heart. The underlying theme of romance is evident throughout the performances, as Brickman's luxuriant compositions and the sensitive vocals attest. Some extras appear on the DVD version of this title, such as still photos and behind-the-scenes footage.
~ Sarah Block, Rovi
~ Sarah Block, Rovi
- 1999
- NR
- Add Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Queue Add Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to top of Queue
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's first musical blockbuster comes to video in this production starring Donny Osmond, who racked up more than 1800 stage performances in the title role. Based on the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, in this adaptation Joseph (Osmond) is the favorite son of Jacob (Richard Attenborough), but his siblings resent the attention Jacob showers upon him. Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery, and eventually Joseph finds himself in jail. However, his favorable interpretation of the dreams of the Pharaoh (Robert Torti) win him the admiration of the all-powerful leader, and soon Joseph is one of the most powerful men in Egypt. Shot as a feature film but released directly to video, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat also stars Joan Collins as Mrs. Potiphar and Maria Freidman as the Narrator. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber also served as a producer. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Donny Osmond, Maria Freidman, (more)
- 1998
- Add Andrew Lloyd Webber: Royal Albert Hall Celebration to Queue Add Andrew Lloyd Webber: Royal Albert Hall Celebration to top of Queue
Andrew Lloyd Webber has written a multitude of musicals during his more-than-30-year career, including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, and Sunset Boulevard. Now, you can join PBS Home Video for Andrew Lloyd Webber's 50th birthday celebration. Share in the enjoyment and hear Webber's compositions sung by stars including Sarah Brightman, Glenn Close, Michael Ball, and Kiri Te Kanawa. ~ Madeline Cavalieri, Rovi
Inspired by a familiar Chinese folk tale, this $90 million animated Disney drama follows the adventures of a young woman in ancient China. Character animator Tony Bancroft and 17-year Disney veteran Barry Cook (Captain EO, Tron, Trail Mix-Up) formed the directing team with production design by Hans Bacher (Balto), and work on the film began 2 January 1995 under the working title The Legend of Mulan. While the merciless Shan-Yu (Miguel Ferrer) leads invading Huns over the Great Wall, young Mulan (Ming-Na Wen, with singing by Lea Salonga) sees a matchmaker about her matrimonial future. Mulan's views on accepted marriage traditions prompt the ballad, "Reflection," as she hopes for a recognition of her true self. To repel the Huns, a man from each family is required to join the Imperial Army. When Mulan's elderly father Fa Zhou (Soon-Tek Oh) volunteers, she objects. He warns, "I know my place. It is time you learned yours." Mulan, however, cuts her hair, dresses as a man, and is ready for military camp, prompting the concern of her First Ancestor (George Takei), who converts an inanimate incense burner into the 18-inch high comedic dragon Mushu (Eddie Murphy). With Mushu hidden in her clothing, she joins a group of raw recruits under the command of Captain Shang (B.D. Wong, singing by Donny Osmond). During an ambush by the Huns in a mountain pass, Mulan steps in to turn defeat into a victory. Mulan was the first Disney feature from the company's 200,000-square-foot Orlando facility (now known as Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida). ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ming-Na Wen, Lea Salonga, (more)
- 1998
When Larry (Garry Shandling) announces that he won't be renewing his contract, the staff begins chomping at the bits to find new jobs. It appears as if Beverly (Penny Johnson), Hank (Jeffrey Tambor), and Artie (Rip Torn) all have prospects for the future, though unfortunately the same thing can't be said for our increasingly troubled host. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 1985
An hour-long TV special, The Garry Shandling Show 25th Anniversary Special is a parody of late-night talk show anniversary specials, featuring a fictional variety show, hosted by Shandling, that bears a rather striking resemblance to the Johnny Carson era of The Tonight Show. Assisted by a pudgy, bespectacled sidekick, Shandling looks back on the highlights of his late-night show's run, from the classic comedy sketches to the greatest embarrassments and bloopers, including a close call clearly modeled after the infamous Ed Ames tomahawk incident. Over the course of the evening, not everything goes as planned, and a few tensions begin to bubble underneath the surface. The flashback segments are designed to closely resemble the look of television of the appropriate era, from the quality of the video image to the wardrobes and hairstyles. Given its realistic re-creation of late-night talk shows and its occasionally wicked sense of humor, this special can be easily viewed as an early forerunner to Shandling's later, award-winning HBO series, The Larry Sanders Show, which combines the talk show parody with a look at the personality conflicts and chaos behind the cameras. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- 1982
In this Civil-war era western set in a Missouri mining town, respectable women and floozies join forces to keep renegade Union soldiers from destroying their community. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1978
- PG
The toothsome singing duo, Donny and Marie Osmond, head for Hawaii in this comedy. The trouble begins when Marie acquires a lovely necklace without realizing that it is coveted by a group of thieves. An enigmatic woman is also after the necklace. Mayhem, music, and sibling rivalry ensue. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, (more)
- 1978
In this family film, based on John D. Fitzgerald's award-winning children's novel, set in Utah during the early 1900s, a young boy has great fun conning his family, friends, and neighbors, until he finds himself in hot water. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1976
- Add The Paul Lynde Halloween Special to Queue Add The Paul Lynde Halloween Special to top of Queue
Love him or hate him comedian Paul Lynde - the master of the slow burn, who presided over the "center square" on Hollywood Squares for years and made famous the character of Uncle Arthur on Bewitched - also mounted this all-star Halloween special in late October 1976. The story, adapted from A Christmas Carol, has the comedic actor cast as "Paul Lynde", a more severe and hateful variant of his typically snide and sarcastic on-camera persona, who detests all things associated with Halloween. Three witches then crop up and determine to change his mind, ala Scrooge. The plethora of guest stars includes Tim Conway, Florence Henderson, Donny and Marie Osmond, the glam rock band KISS, Betty White, Roz Kelly, Billy Barty and Margaret Hamilton, from The Wizard of Oz. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- 1976
In the 1960s and '70s, Mike Douglas was the host of one of America's most popular TV talk shows. In his 22 years on the air, Douglas was famous for presenting a dizzying variety of entertainers and newsmakers, and this video features 75 minutes of great moments from the show's heyday. Guests featured in this collection include Kenny Rogers, Frank Zappa, Jimmy Walker, Donny & Marie Osmond, and Elayne Boosler. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
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