Music Man, The

(1962, Musical Comedy)

Starring: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford, and Ron Howard. Director: Marton DaCosta.

Top Pick given an "A" by Nicole Kent.

One of the best adaptations from stage to screen I've ever seen before! Robert Preston is sensational. He plays the witty and charming con-artist so well, because he is recreating his Broadway role. He has had much experience singing Professor Harold Hill's numbers. Unfortunately and fortunately, the leading lady's role was not given to the Broadway Star. This role was given to Shirley Jones -- whose popularity had risen ever since she played the lead in Oklahoma. Jones was gorgeous, and had the great voice to back her up. As time progressed in the filming procedure, Shirley Jones became pregnant, so if one looks very closely during the " Till There Was You" number, you can see a very pregnant Marian serenading this cunning Professor of music.

The supporting cast is note-worthy. Buddy Hackett plays Hill's former partner-in-crime, Marcellus Washburn, well. Hermione Gingold plays the mayor's wife with ease. Her husband is played by the strange, but hilarious Paul Ford. The Shinns are a delightful couple, and their odd behavior makes the movie snort-worthy. Little Ronnie Howard is wonderful as the emotionally-disturbed Winthrop Paroo as he sings the reprise of my favorite song in this musical, "Gary, Indiana." Whenever I hear this song, I am reminded of a similar pride I feel for Lake Isabella, California. Yet, with all of these fabulous actors, the movie would never have been truly great without Robert Preston as the Music Man.

The director was considering Cary Grant for the lead -- what a mess that would have been! This role was meant to be played by Robert Preston, and nobody else. Meredith Wilson's music is phenomenal. The lyrics of these songs are catchy and memorable. " Trouble in River City" is clever; "76 Trombones" is melodic; and "The Sadder, But Wiser Girl" is quite witty as can be seen in the following words from the song:

I rant and I rave for the virtue I'm too late to save / I smile, I grin when the gal with a touch of sin walks in / I hope and I pray for Hester to win just one more "A" / The sadder but wiser girl's the girl for me / The sadder but wiser girl for me.

This movie is a must-see. The stage production is wonderful, but this 1962 version is even better, because it has Robert Preston! Sensational movie! :-)