The Music Man

source: The Music Man

Trailer—The Music Man

The Music Man

Professor Harold Hill (Robert Preston) is a legendary traveling salesman con-man who takes on the challenge of reserved River City, Iowa. He sells musical instruments after convincing a town of the need of a marching band. He skips town with the money since he can't distinguish one note from another anyways. He finds his old associate Marcellus Washburn (Buddy Hackett) living in the town who helps him. The librarian and piano teacher Marian (Shirley Jones) is likely to be his biggest obstacle. So he attempts to seduce her but instead actually falls in love with her. Robert Preston is great as the scheming con man without making him a completely unredeemable character. Of course, that allows him to be redeemed. His rendition of 'Ya Got Trouble' is perfect along with so many great performances. It's terrific that the role didn't get recast to a movie star. Shirley Jones is lovely and Buddy Hackett is fun. Also a young Ron Howard has a nice important role.

bright, fun, colorful, unforgettable songs, likeable characters, great choreography, true to the time period, and i'd like to see anyone try to find an actor blend so naturally into a character as robert preston.

This wonderful production has to be watched on the big screen to be fully appreciated. It is,in my opinion, the best translation from Broadway musical theater material to the opening-up on the screen. The performance and general character portrayal of Robert Preston is irresistible and a joy to watch. As far as musicals are concerned, this is the one to take along to your desert island! Í always look forward to the next opportunity there is to show it on the screen of my cinema again. Sentimental, nostalgic, funny and romantic, this picture has it all. And that includes the wonderful melodic songs and the fantastic choreography. I'm running out of superlatives. It's my favorite musical.

I first saw "The Music Man" on its first run in 1962. I just saw it again last night on cable. If anything, I enjoyed it more last night. I think that your belief in "fairy tales" such as this only grows with the passing of the years. Preston's performance is so near-perfect that the viewer starts to believe his line of corn-fed BS. The knowledge of what Ron Howard has become enhances the enjoyment of his fine work here. It's funny, magical and a musical treat to the ears!!