The Music Man (1962)
Runtime: 3 hrs 55 mins
Synopsis: Professor Harold Hill, a travelling salesman, makes his living by duping small towns into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' marching band. Hill sells parents on the idea by promising to teach the boys how to play, but as soon as they hand over their money, he skips out. His latest stop... Professor Harold Hill, a travelling salesman, makes his living by duping small towns into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' marching band. Hill sells parents on the idea by promising to teach the boys how to play, but as soon as they hand over their money, he skips out. His latest stop is River City, Iowa, where he soon has the locals up in arms over the threat to public morals posed by the neighborhood pool hall; how better to save their sons' souls than by creating a boys' band? Only one thing stands between Hill and success: the town's pretty but skeptical librarian, who threatens to expose his schemes -- if she doesn't declare her love for him first. [More]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Starring: Robert Preston, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford, Pert Kelton
DVD Info
Release:
Feb 23, 1999
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
Additional Release Material:
- Interactive Menus
- Production Notes
- Scene Access
- Theatrical Trailers
- Documentary with Exclusive Premier Footage and Interviews with Cast and Crew
- Featurette: "Right Here In River City"
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Reviews
The music is glorious, but as a movie, this is a photographed play, a nostalgic evocation of small-town American that was congruent with Kennedy's New Frontier; within a year, though, Kennedy would be assassinated and the optimistic mood would vanish
One of the most obnoxious musicals ever to be staged for movie cameras.
Robert Preston is note-perfect in a bright musical even non-fans of the genre will enjoy.
Robert Preston shines in one of the sunniest ol' musical classics under the sun.
...a quintessential slice of Americana, featuring wonderful music, engaging characters, and an uplifting story. It’s pure Iowa corn: Sentimental, nostalgic, and innocent.
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by: Scott L. Spencer 6/5/01

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