Harold Hill (Preston) is a con man who poses as a traveling salesman. He sells towns the idea of a boys band, with shiny instruments and uniforms, despite not knowing anything about music. After running afoul of the law and other traveling salesmen, led by anvil salesman Charlie Cowell (Hickox), he goes to the town of River City, Iowa. The people of River City are not interested in anything new and do not trust Hill. However, he finds an ally in his former business partner Marcellus Washburn (Hackett) who has turned to a normal life in River City.
Hill uses the introduction of a new pool table as the chance to start swaying the town to his con. He urges them to endorse the band in order to keep to keep out bad influences. The only person who is suspicious of Hill is librarian and piano teacher Marion Paroo (Jones) who rebuffs his attentions. Mayor Shinn (Ford) also wants more information and sends the feuding School Board members (The Buffalo Bills) to get Hills credentials. But Hill turns them into a barbershop quartet. Hill convinces the mayor's wife, Eualie Mackechnie Shinn (Gingold) to lead the dance team, getting the women of River City on his side. He also wins over the teenagers, by helping delinquent Tommy Djilas (Everett). He also encourages the romance between Tommy and the mayor's daugher, Zaneeta (Luckey).
As the town eagerly awaits the arrival of the instruments and uniforms, can Hill stay a step ahead of his detractors?
This is the film adaptation of Meredith Wilson's 1957 Broadway show, "The Music Man." The show was directed by Morton DaCosta, who produced and directed the film.
The Good:
The cast is great - a combination of Broadway performers and well-known character actors (Mary Wickes and Charles Lane are stand-outs in small parts). Robert Preston is phenomenal as Professor Harold Hill, a role he originated on Broadway. He is charismatic, with a twinkle in his eye. It is hard to picture anyone else in the role. Shirley Jones is great as his love interest, Marion Paroo.
My favorite character is Mayor Shinn, played by the always funny Paul Ford. He repeatedly says my favorite line, quoted above. And comedy great Buddy Hackett is a hoot as Marcellus. He sings my favorite number from the film, "Shipoopi". The songs are memorable and have your toes tapping.
The Bad:
The kids are ok... not bad, just completely outshone by the adults. The mayor's younger daughter and the blonde boy who dances with her are good, but the rest don't stand out - other than Ron Howard as Marion's lisping brother Winthrop.
Other Comments:
-The Broadway show won 5 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Performance by a Leading Actor (for Preston).
-Several members of the original Broadway cast reprised their roles in the film: Preston as Harold Hill, Pert Kelton as Mrs. Paroo, The Buffalo Bills as the School Board, Peggy Mondo as Ethel Toffelmier, and Adina Rice as Alma Hix. In addition, Broadway replacements and members of the 1st national tour reprise their roles: Paul Ford as Mayor Shinn, Susan Luckey as Zaneeta Shinn, Harry Hickox as Charlie Cowell, and Monique Vermont as Amaryllis.
-The show was reprised on Broadway in 2000 under the direction of Susan Stroman, starring Craig Bierko and Rebecca Luker. It was reprised on Broadway again in 2022 under the direction of Jerry Zaks, starring Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster.
-The film was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and won Best Musical Score for Ray Heindorf.
-This may not be the best or best known musical film, but it packs a lot of heart and you can't help but feel uplifted by the iconic ending featuring the University of Southern California's marching band.
The Music Man (1962) 151 minutes
Director: Morton DaCosta
Starring: Robert Preston as Harold Hill
Shirley Jones as Marion Paroo
Buddy Hackett as Marcellus Washburn
Hermione Gingold as Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn
Paul Ford as Mayor George Shinn
Pert Kelton as Mrs. Paroo
The Buffalo Bills as The School Board
Timmy Everett as Tommy Djilas
Susan Luckey as Zaneeta Shinn
Ronny Howard as Winthrop Paroo
Harry Hickox as Charlie Cowell, the anvil salesman
Charles Lane as Constable Locke
Mary Wickes as Mrs. Squires
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