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
The Music Man (1962)
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Reviews Counted:15
Fresh:14
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.9/10
Runtime: 3 hrs 55 mins
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
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... 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]
Starring: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold
Starring: Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford, Pert Kelton, Timmy Everett, Ron Howard, Charles Lane
Director: Morton Da Costa
Director: Morton Da Costa
Producer: Morton Da Costa
Composer: Meredith Willson
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Reviews for The Music Man
One of the most obnoxious musicals ever to be staged for movie cameras.
...a quintessential slice of Americana, featuring wonderful music, engaging characters, and an uplifting story. It’s pure Iowa corn: Sentimental, nostalgic, and innocent.
Robert Preston is note-perfect in a bright musical even non-fans of the genre will enjoy.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
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