Review of The Music Man (1962) by Francis L — 17 Nov 2011

If you grew up in my family, you'd be assured two things. One: Christmas is celebrated at the grandparent's house, and two, you would watch the Music Man at least once a year. If I could choose the one movie I grew up with, this would be it. I've known these songs, these characters, and numbers ever since I can remember. And you know the scary part? I hadn't seen it all the way through until this past year. Crazy, right? What's also crazy is the fact that I can name every musical number in this movie (well, maybe that's not fully true, but it's pretty darn close). Now, you think I'd grow to flat-out HATE this movie. That is not the case. The Music Man is truly one of my all time favorites in fact.

The Music Man is based off a 1957 Meredith Wilson play, also named the Music Man. It stars Robert Preston reprising his role as Professor Harold Hill, who he portrayed in the play. Harold is a smooth-talking salesman who can dance, sing, charm, but most of all persuade. He's made loads of money because of his personality, but he's basically a fraud. He sells bands, boys bands, to small towns, claiming that the town will have, well, their own band. Problem is, Harold doesn't know a thing about bands. So, he leaves town after the payments come in.

Harold's next stop is in River City, Iowa (or as they like to say ioWAY) to sell another boys band. His plan works perfectly at first, but things are bumpy. The mayor, Shinn, played by Paul Ford, is onto his case and he sends the Buffalo Bills to get his papers (The singing Buffalo Bills, not the football team). Harold also encounters the lovely Marian the Librarian, played by Shirley Jones, who happens to see through his fraud. Harold and Marian soon develop feelings for each other, all while Harold's plan tries to stay afloat.

The story of The Music Man is a well told one, one with life, charm, and energy. Many musicals try to capture such energy, but The Music Man has so much life and spectacle that it's hard to not enjoy it. I'm not a musical fan, but I enjoy singing along to these ridiculously catchy tunes. The songs in the Music Man are unforgettable. Once you hear 76 Trombones, it will never leave your head. Marian The Librarian is a great number. And let's not forget that we have trouble (oh we got trouble) right here in River City (right here in River City), with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool...

And if these songs weren't enough, the acting is just as good. Robert Preston is PERFECT as Harold Hill. His life, his energy (I use these words a lot), and most of all his wit are unmatched by any performer. Every time he's on screen, you can't help but smile. His counterpart, Shirley Jones, plays off with him perfectly. While Harold is big and enthusiastic, Shirley's character, Marian, is quiet and down to earth. She brings Harold back down to the ground with such ease, that it's hard to believe that she's acting. The rest of the cast is also perfect. Buddy Hackett as Harold's right-hand man Marcellius is a great fit, Pert Kelton is a great motherly figure, and Paul Ford, well, is amazing. Ford's comedic timing and personality make his character, Mayor Shinn, one of the film's brightest spots.

Now here and there, flaws do occur. The movie is a bit long, and the music becomes tiresome. Some character traits are really annoying (example: Susan Luckey's character will not stop saying, "Eegads!"), and the villain is not that menacing. But these flaws are awfully minor compared to the pluses this film offers.

So, if you haven't grasped it yet, The Music Man to me is a masterful film. it is one that will literally have you stand up and dance, one that will leave melodies stuck in your head for years, and one that you will want to watch again and again.

Rating: 10 out of 10: Heavenly.