Leader of the Band
“For years the Olmstead High Marching Band was out-of-tune, out-of-step and out-of-their-minds. But now they've got a new leader.”
Synopsis
After several months of hard times, pianist Eddie Layton is offered the job of bandleader at Olmstead University. His first meeting is discouraging, as the young people are a happy group with very basic musical skills. But Eddie doesn't give up, he wants to motivate his students and his enthusiasm pays off. With the help of French teacher and band sponsor Miss Cooper and billionaire Elmo De Lavallard, who buys new instruments and brightly coloured uniforms, Eddie is proud to lead these musicians who play their hearts out for him.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 7, 1987
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Nessa Hyams
- Screenplay & Story
- Alan Uger
- Original Score
- Dick Hyman
- Original Title
- Leader of the Band
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Production Studios
- The Vista Organization
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Nessa Hyams
Alan Uger
Dick Hyman
Karen Grossman
Norman Gay
Robert Halmi Jr., Robert Halmi Sr., David V. Picker
Department Leadership Roster
Alan Uger
Screenplay
Norman Gay
Editor
Dick Hyman
Original Music Composer
Karen Grossman
Director of Photography
Jane Cavedon
Production Design
Nessa Hyams
Director
David V. Picker
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Leader of the Band.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Leader of the Band.
list8
More Like Leader of the Band
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leader of the Band
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Leader of the Band about?
After several months of hard times, pianist Eddie Layton is offered the job of bandleader at Olmstead University. His first meeting is discouraging, as the young people are a happy group with very basic musical skills. But Eddie doesn't give up, he wants to motivate his students and his enthusiasm pays off. With the help of French teacher and band sponsor Miss Cooper and billionaire Elmo De Lavallard, who buys new instruments and brightly coloured uniforms, Eddie is proud to lead these musicians who play their hearts out for him.
Who directed Leader of the Band?
Leader of the Band was directed by Nessa Hyams.
Who stars in Leader of the Band?
The principal cast of Leader of the Band includes Steve Landesberg, Gailard Sartain, Mercedes Ruehl, Julie Murphy, Chung Yen Tsay.
When was Leader of the Band released and how long is it?
Leader of the Band was released in 1987 with a total runtime of 1h 31m.
Who composed the musical score for Leader of the Band?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Leader of the Band was composed by Dick Hyman.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Leader of the Band?
Leader of the Band holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).