Introduction
A Nostalgic Ode to the Silver Screen’s Magic: Movie Man by The Osmonds
“Movie Man” is a track by the American family group The Osmonds, released in 1973 as the third single from their concept album The Plan (released June 30, 1973) . The song was written collaboratively by brothers Alan, Wayne, and Merrill Osmond and stands out as a brief, experimental synth-pop piece featuring lead vocals by Alan Osmond .
The Plan marked a distinctive shift for the band: a bold, ambitious concept album centered around Mormon themes and the “Plan of Salvation.” Touted by Alan as an effort to rival the scope of The Beatles’ White Album, it was both praised and critiqued for its eclectic musical styles . Although the album peaked at #58 on the Billboard Top LPs chart, its singles—“Goin’ Home” and “Let Me In”—hit #36, while “Movie Man” did not chart.
Musically, “Movie Man” diverges from the Osmonds’ typical pop-rock and bubblegum hits like “One Bad Apple” and “Crazy Horses.” It leans on synthesizers and a playful, almost theatrical approach—some reviewers liken it to softer progressive rock influences akin to The Moody Blues or Gentle Giant . The song’s theme narrates the tale of a flamboyant cinema personality, though deeper interpretation is limited due to scarce commentary from the band.
At the time of its release, “Movie Man” exemplified the Osmonds’ creative experimentation amid a transitional period: Donny’s voice changing, the band diversifying its sound, and the onset of their TV careers. While not a commercial standout, the song underscores the group’s willingness to stretch artistic boundaries beyond their teenage idol phase and engage with thematic, conceptual material .
In retrospect, “Movie Man” remains a curious outlier in The Osmonds’ catalog—an unconventional synth-pop flirtation that reflects both their musical ambitions and the era’s experimental spirit, encapsulating the adventurous mood of The Plan.