The Unsinkable Molly Brown

source: The Unsinkable Molly Brown

Debbie Reynolds is okay in this film. Frankly, this movie takes a great true story and turns it into a ... well, a musical. And one with mediocre songs and characters. I can't believe they not only spent all of two minutes on the Titanic scenes, they didn't show Molly making the ladies and crew in the lifeboat row to pick up drowning passengers. Here she just calms down a few hysterical high society women (by slapping them across the face - what else? and making them sing one of the film's songs!) If you want to see the Unsinkable Molly Brown watch a Night to Remember, which is the only movie to shown what Molly was really like, especially on the night the Titanic went down.

Reynolds' character is too obnoxious "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" is a generally enjoyable film, though you need to understand that like most Hollywood films of yesterday, great liberties were taken with the facts. In other words, if you want a true account of the life of Molly Brown, you might want to look elsewhere. The film begins with Molly as a child. She is washed away by a flood, but being unsinkable, she manages to pull herself to safety. The story is set in Colorado, where she grew up a rough and tumble tom-boy. However, despite being VERY unladylike, she had a dream of one day living in a fine house, with a brass bed, a warm fireplace and all the niceties money can buy. When Mr. Brown falls for her, the rather mercenary Molly insists she won't marry any man who can't provide her with all these things....and he does. Soon (and only in a Hollywood film can it be THIS soon), Mr. Brown is very, very, very rich and his wife has many, many things....but she is still unhappy because she doesn't fit in with society. So, she sets off very determined to go off to Europe to refine herself and make friends with royalty. Well, she does....but somehow in the process she ends up losing what is really important--though in real life, no such realization and reconciliation ever actually occurred. The film is VERY bouncy and, at times, quite fun. Debbie Reynolds throws herself into the role and it's one of her best. As for poor Mr. Brown, Harve Presnell was GREAT. He really, really sang beautifully and it's sad he never really became a household name. And, the film is pretty good. However, there was one weakness that prevented the movie from being any better--the leading character was unbelievably selfish and hard to like--especially as the film progressed. Maybe this was just me--but that detracted a bit from the overall production. Still, it's worth seeing despite this.

I was moaning the other day about stock footage in crucial scenes in some MGM pix: The EXTRAORDINARY SEAMAN and THE LAST VOYAGE and then in the middle of this MOLLY BROWN extravaganza, well, there was more again!! In the title scene where Molly is on board - and then overboard- the Titanic..what do MGM use to show the ship pierced and then sink...25 seconds of black and white footage tinted sepia all lifted from the Fox 1953 version of TITANIC. Outrageous! And in a film with such other lavish appointments they skimp on the main scene! Just incredible. As a musical "Beverly Hillbillies" (which came first?) with continuous yelling in the first 4 reels and lots of "lil Abner' level punchy comedy this film is a lot of fun. Debbie looks like DOLLY and why not...it is all a Denver version of how Dolly looked was as well. Without the Levi (haha). But this damned stock footage at THE most crucial scene. I remember seeing it in 1964 and felt even as a 10 year old that they skimped on that scene because it was SO short. Well 40 years later now I realise why. Yes I agree with someone who said it would have been great casting to have seen Reynolds as Molly again in the James Cameron TITANIC given her role here. Yet another obvious disappointment and another missed opportunity. MOLLY BROWN is a lot of fun, my only reservations being Harve Presnell bellowing about Colorado and that infuriating crap footage. Yes it is half a musical too.

I was lucky enough to see the Broadway production of this charming musical. As is not unusual, the movie did not nearly live up to it. First of all, some of the great Meredith Wilson songs were cut. And Molly is the female Harold Hill role: wonderful patter songs that have to be done with a certain magical flair and punch. I certainly can't blame Debbie for wanting the part (many a musical actress of the time, including me, who hadn't a chance, lusted for it). Tammy, I suppose, was not well enough known. Pity. Harve Presnell was kept, but dieted (no doubt at the direction of the studio) from a hefty hunky miner to a boyish way-too-slender and soft leading man. With his loss of weight, the power of his Baritone voice diminished. Left as he was, he might have become a big movie star. Again, it's a pity. For those of you who have not seen it on stage with all the songs intact, by all means see the film; there is a lot in there that is worthy. Then go out and buy the Original Broadway Cast album.

"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" made its debut on Broadway in 1960. Tammy Grimes, as the Molly Brown of the title, received, perhaps, the best reviews of her acting career. When it was made into an MGM musical, Miss Grimes, lost her creation to Debbie Reynolds, who had a bigger name and was a favorite of the movie going public. Meredith Wilson, the man behind another hit, "The Music Man", created a musical comedy that showcased a fictionalized account of the larger than life character of Molly, a woman who went from humble beginnings to bigger, and better things. As a matter of fact, she was truly "unsinkable" as proved by having survived the Titanic disaster. Not having seen this film for quite some time, didn't quite make it for this viewer, on a second viewing, in spite of glowing comments from other IMDb contributors. However, it must be noted, our memory of having seen it before was more positive than the impression we got in watching it again. Part of the problem is the plot, which is silly, in the way the material is presented. Then again, this film has a dated feeling. Debbie Reynolds threw herself into the role of Molly with gusto. It's one of her best achievements in the movies, and it should be recognized. Herve Presnell, who played Johnny Brown on Broadway, seemed destined for bigger and better things, as he shows here with his handsome looks and powerful singing voice. The cast includes several character actors that enhance the movie, notably, Ed Begley, Hermione Baddeley, Jack Krushen and Martita Hunt, among others. The film could be seen as a curiosity, although it shows its age. The songs, with only a few exceptions don't have the quality of other Meredith Wilson's work. Only a couple of songs stay with the viewer after all is said and done. Charles Walters' direction was not too inspired and perhaps that seems to be the basic flaw with this "Molly".

I guess most anyone can hope (and relate) that the underdog will triumph over strong adversity, to become what they want or get whatever. Yes, even if they're as overbearing, obnoxious and deadset on gold-digging and social climbing their way out, as Molly's character unpretentiously sets out. I frankly found that aspect of her personality bothersome, yet she did grow in maturity, as the picture wore on. Debbie Reynolds does a good job with the lead, although I personally would have preferred Tammy Grimes, from the Broadway debut of this musical. Harve Presnell is great as Johnny, and that voice is awesome. Ed Begley absolutely steals the show, as Shamus Tobin. The spirited musical numbers are quite fun to watch, with "He's My Friend" being a standout. The film does seem to go on too long somewhat, as towards the end it was starting to drag. It won't exactly leave you too enthralled to move from your seat, but the film is entertaining. Nevermind some of the predictable storyline and dialogue, enjoy the musical numbers, and your time will be rewarded. Recommended.

Debbie Reynolds gives us everything in her rousing Oscar nominated performance for best actress in 1964's "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Raised in poverty, found after she was abandoned, Molly (Debbie) wants more out of life. We see the same desire for upward mobility as a George Eastman in "A Place in the Sun." Naturally, for Reynolds, this desire is framed around this excellent musical. As she grows up, she meets her husband-to-be, an engaging Harve Presnell, whose great voice, as in his rendition I'll Never Say No Again is great. After they marry, Molly's accidental burning of the money she was hiding for safe-keeping is hilarious. In his anger, Johnny (Presnell) strikes gold purely by accident. This supposedly will lift the newlyweds to a new life filled with wealth. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Uneducated and lacking polish, they are immediately rejected by Denver's socialite families. When they throw their own party, no one shows up with the exception of the faithful, kindly pastor. Her inability to move up socially will ultimately cause a separation from Johnny. Molly and her husband head off to Europe to become a cultured. They achieve this as she mingles with the elite of European society. Johnny wants to go home and when Molly refuses, the two part. Regarded well by her new friends, Molly decides to come home as her heart longs for John. History was apparently on Molly's side. She was on the Titanic and was credited for calming the hysterical women survivors during this disaster. Coming home, she is heralded by Denver's elite-including neighbor and arch enemy, Audrey Christie. (Remember her as Natalie Wood's mother in "Splendor in the Grass?") Naturally, Mrs. McGraw's (Christie) mother is Buttercup, a wonderful common Hermione Baddeley, who has become a good friend to the man who reared Molly- Ed Begley, in a gem of a performance with his full Irish brogue. The singing and dancing are great. The musical scene where the elite of Europe dance with the people of Denver is hilarious. A great film with a marvelous ensemble cast. A wonderful realization of social mobility in America. Did it really have to take the heroic efforts of Molly to establish herself among the elite of Denver? Returning

Quaint, but overrated, musical comedy. I have a weakness for old musicals, but this one has a dumb story and decided lack of catchy tunes. Debbie Reynolds is a peach, and Harve Presnell is a suitably handsome lunk, but their lack of chemistry makes their romance a dud. Worse, it's the kind of story where conflict is created only by the sheer stupidity of the characters, who then frequently say, "Y'ain't mad at me, are ya?" Reynolds is mountain girl Molly, off to marry a rich man. Presnell is Johnny, who comes into money just as he decides to woo her. Together, they become the Beverly Hillbillies of 1800s Denver and are appropriately scorned by their snooty neighbors. Why do they want to become part of high society? What does that say about them? Should be titled "The Unlikeable Molly Brown."

When I go to many websites to register they ask for your favorite movie. THIS IS MINE !! Debbie is fantastic and versatile. She goes from dirty urchin to Diamond studded Matron in this movie. Her performance should be added to the greatest movies in the history of film... The world would be sadder for not having this movie in the archives of film. Debbie if you happen to read this... We love ya !!! Martitia Hunt as the Duchess is funny and gives a little shot to the Royals in Europe. It has always been my feeling that Debbie should have been tapped to play Molly Brown in the 1999 Epic "Titanic". I have always considered Harve Presnell's part as only a secondary role to allow Debbie to play off him.