Review of Family Band: The Cowsills Story (2011) by Lora N — 13 Oct 2014
Fascinating documentary. It is hard to reconcile my fond memories of the Partridge family with the truly tragic story of drugs and abuse that were the reality for the Cowsills.
One of the highlights of the film were interviews with Shirley Jones of Partridge Family fame. Growing up I knew all about The Partridges but by the 80s the Cowsills had vanished.
The Cowsills made beautiful music but while watching this film, I found it difficult to enjoy the sounds under the cloud of abuse they suffered from dad Bud Cowsill.
Naturally, I go into most films expecting a happy ending. But early on you got a definite sense that the Cowsill cloud had no silver lining. Debt, death, depression seemed to be fated.
However, it seems as though making the documentary WAS the silver lining. Despite lacking many bright spots in the actual film, the closing "where are they now" notes were full of perseverance.
This review of Family Band: The Cowsills Story (2011) was written by Lora N on 13 Oct 2014.
Family Band: The Cowsills Story has generally received positive reviews.
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