Review of The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) by Sean P — 16 Nov 2012

Obviously, I've heard of 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' but I'd never actually seen it. The story is all right. By now it's one we've seen over and over before. Down to earth, homegrown hill folk find and/or make millions and then have to deal with their new rich neighbors.

What really sets this film apart is the performances by the cast. I really enjoyed how they all played off each other. The songs, on the other hand, are another story. They're not really the breakaway hits that stand the test of time like other musical comedyâ(TM)s of the period.

I do think the actual musical and dance performances were very well choreographed. I'm not sure why the hillbillies started throwing food during a fight but I'm sure that's something hill folk loved to do.

Debbie Reynolds was top notch as Molly Brown herself and very deserving of the Oscar nomination she got that year. Can't fault her for losing though, she went up against freggin Mary Poppins herself, Julie Andrews.

Harve Presnell was pretty good as Molly's husband Johnny. The guy had a tough act to go up against Debbie but I think he held his own. I know the guy has a strong singing voice but the songs he sang were.

..not very good and I don't think that's his fault. Awesomely I learned that Harve Presnell went on to have an epic career playing a ton of rolls that I've seen him in and never knew they were the same guy.

Crazy to think he was General George C. Marshall in Saving Private Ryan! I was surprised that the whole sinking of the Titanic thing was SO short here. It was barely 5 minutes of screen time and right at the end.

I always thought from my memories that this was a full on old timey Titanic movie and it's not at all. Not that this is a bad thing, it was just surprising. I think it would've played better not as a musical but as a straight comedy.

All in all it was a good flick. I will say it was MUCH better than I expected. I actually enjoyed it once I sat down, quit messing around, and watched it.