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Poster for The Only Girl in the Orchestra

The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Seen it?

2023 | 35 min | Documentary, Music

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It won an Oscar, though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for the curious. If you loved Miss Americana or 20 Feet from Stardom, start here.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 35 min.
What might put you off
Nothing much for most grown-ups.

Trailblazing double bassist Orin O'Brien never wanted the spotlight, but when Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966 as the first female musician in the New York Philarmonic, it was inevitable that she would become the focus of much interest and fascination. Now 87 years old and recently retired, Orin looks back on her remarkable life and career, insisting that a fuss should not be made, much preferring to play a supporting role to the family, students, friends, and colleagues that surround her.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Documentary Short Film. Won 1 Critics' Choice Award: Critics' Choice Documentary Awards: Best Short Documentary. Plus 1 other award.

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; interest faded quickly after launch

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 19K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Molly O'Brien

  • Orin O'BrienSelf
  • Molly O'BrienSelf / Narrator
  • George O'BrienSelf (archive footage) (uncredited)
  • Marguerite ChurchillSelf (archive footage) (uncredited)
  • Leonard BernsteinSelf (archive footage) (uncredited)