Side by Side: The True Story of the Osmond Family is a 1982 American made-for-television biographical film about the earlier years of the famed entertainment family, starring Marie Osmond as matriarch Olive Osmond, and Joseph Bottoms as patriarch George Osmond. This film was released on VHS tape in 1998 but has never had an official DVD issue.

Side by Side
Also known asSide by Side: The True Story of the Osmond Family
GenreBiography
Drama
Screenplay byE.F. Wallengren
Story byTom Lazarus
Directed byRuss Mayberry
StarringMarie Osmond
Joseph Bottoms
Music byGeorge Aliceson Tipton
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerDeanne Barkley
ProducersRichard A. Briggs
Don Garrison
Production locationProvo, Utah
CinematographyRoland Ozzie Smith
EditorsFred A. Chulack
Milton Swift
Running time100 mins.
Production companyOsmond Entertainment Productions
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseApril 26, 1982 (1982-04-26)
Related
Inside the Osmonds

Side by Side would be followed 19 years later by Inside the Osmonds, which focuses on the family's breakthrough years as pop stars with an entirely new cast.

Plot

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The film focuses on the early life of the Osmond Brothers and how they became successful musicians. It also highlights the origins of their parents George Osmond and Olive Davis from as early as World War II. The Osmond's voices are heard on songs such as "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy from Dumas", "I Wouldn't Trade The Silver In My Mother's Hair", "Be My Little Baby Bumble Bee", and "Side by Side".

At the end of the film, the video of the Osmonds singing "Side by Side" on The Andy Williams Show in 1962 is shown briefly, followed by a montage of vintage photos clips of the family. As the montage progresses, more clips of the family are shown over the years, leading up to the present timeframe. Also, the song turns to a newly-updated show-stopping version of "Side by Side", performed by the Osmonds (including Donny, Marie and Jimmy) on stage. Their parents (played by themselves) are watching in attendance and admiring their performance.

Cast

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In addition to Marie Osmond, other members of The Osmond family including:

  • Travis Osmond (Merrill Osmond's son) as Young Virl
  • Justin Osmond (Merrill Osmond's son) as Young Tom; Justin was born deaf like his uncles Virl and Tom
  • Amy Osmond (Wayne Osmond's daughter) as Young Marie

Production

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Parts of the film were shot in Orem, Utah, at Osmond Studios.[1]

References

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  1. ^ D'Arc, James V. (2010). When Hollywood came to town: a history of moviemaking in Utah (1st ed.). Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith. ISBN 9781423605874.
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