
The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Seen it?2023 | 35 min | Documentary, Music
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)