Rating: Summary: A classic Review: The Music Man is a classic movie/musical. It has everything you could want except violence, and that's not a bad thing. Professor Hill wins over the town and falls in love with a woman who thinks she'll never marry. Filled with music that leaves you singing long after the movie ends, this is a must buy for family viewing.
Rating: Summary: DAYTON SAYS: BUY THIS VIDEO Review: I feel compelled to write this brief review, as I know that there are some people out there who have never seen The Music Man movie. I have a friend who has not seen the movie (or show), but soon will. Whenever anyone asks me what is my favorite Broadway Show, I tell them that it is The Music Man. In my humble opinion, The Music Man is what Broadway Shows should be. I want to be taken away to a world different from that of our own problem-filled world, even if for only a short while. I want to hear music written by people who know how to write music and lyrics that come from the heart and not the gutter. If you or someone you know has never seen The Music Man, may I urge you to take a moment and buy this video. And, while you are at it, swing on over to the Audio CD section of Amazon and get the ORIGINAL CAST recording. As a fan of The Music Man for over 40 years, it is an honor for me to have the opportunity to write this review.
Rating: Summary: The Music Man: Musical Miracle Review: The Music Man is America's retort to the European musical sensibility as one of the few arenas in film where we have expertise. The glory of the Music Man lies in its ability to stand proud in its simple reflection of spectacle over and above traditional musical prowess like classical European Opera. Musical Theater is America's gift. The glory of the musical is simplicity rather than art for art's sake. The Music Man is about the "willing suspension of disbelief." This theme stands over and above the rest, such as love story, small-town America at the turn of the century, or the power of hope and promise of change to a small town brought by the visitor Howard Hill. He is much more than a con-man. He brings more than band instruments on the Wells Fargo Wagon. No character in the film, aside from Marion, learns to sing or play music. No one has musical prowess or ability or tradition. The American Musical has something fresh and unique to offer the world: Simple, colorful spectacle in the form of dance, costume, music, basic plot and acting. The Music Man offers more than escapism. The message of the Music Man is something akin to: We of River City don't know a darn thing about music and if you don't like it, we don't care! And it works.
Rating: Summary: A great musical! Review: i highly recommend this film. It's a very wonderful musical. I'd give it more stars if I could, filled with great dancing, singing, and costumes.
Rating: Summary: No other musical can top it! Review: I knew I had to watch it again after the first time I watched it. You won't sit still through this film! It was the best American musical after "Stars and Stripes Forever"! Anyone who doesn't like "The Music Man" doesn't know what they're missing! Awesome!
Rating: Summary: One of the best musicals ever Review: Ever wonder what the big deal is about watching movies in widescreen? Get this movie and go directly to the Marian the Librarian scene. Notice all of the people on the stairs? They aren't in the other versions. It's nice to see a movie as it was originally filmed. More than that, the movie is simply awesome. It's a slice of Americana set to music that everybody in the family can watch. Even my cats like it.
Rating: Summary: The Music man Review: The Music Man is a great inspiration to children who love bands. Shirley Jones is one of the best singers of all, having sung in Carousel as well. And Robert Preston is perfect. To this one I give 5 stars!!!!
Rating: Summary: The Music Man Review: Perhaps the best of the classical musicals on film, The Music Man is wonderful entertainment for the entire family. Children especially love the opening train scene, and its slice of Americana is a gem. The high energy and marvelous melody lift everyone's spirits. Five stars hardly do it justice.
Rating: Summary: A RARE GEM Review: I hate musicals. If a movie doesn't have anything to do with explosions, hi-jackings, car chases, guys fighting, extortion, nazis, armageddon, aliens, sports, then it is, IMHO, worthless. But there are a handful of exceptions. The Music Man is one of them. Who doesn't like GREASE, or WEST SIDE STORY? Like these other ROMEO & JULIET knock-offs, The Music Man captures the most ubiquitous theme the filmworld has to offer, and does so with a passion rarely realized. Think of Harold Hill as Romeo, and Marian as Juliet. The thought of them co-mingling disgusts everyone from the mayor, to the anvil salesman. That is, ALMOST everyone. A few River City denizens root for the union. Even encouraging it in their own subtle ways. In this great telling, they don't even die!There is so much to say. The dance routine in the library is stunning. People jumping over tables, twisting and turning in staggering unison. Even a line dance! Infact, nearly every scene is dance. These gifted players can't walk down a dirt street without dancing. Even when their not dancing, their dancing! So, chalk one up for the choreographers as well as the players.Meredith Wilson's score (he also penned), is as cool today as it must've been in 1960. Top tunes include "Trouble", "76 Trombones", "Madame Librian", "Gary Indiana", and "til There Was You". Another customer commenter brlliantly noted that "til There Was You", was actually recorded by the Beatles on one of their early albums. How cool is that! The songs and music are simply awesome.Tiled with talented character actors, this fascinating and highly entertaining film is an absolute must see for anyone who loves musicals, and especially for those, like myself, who can barely tolerate them. One of the best of the best.But back to Romeo and Juliet. Shirley Jones, as Juliet, seems to approach her role as a seasoned pro giving it her usual all. Robert Preston, as Romeo, seems to realize this is the role of alifetime. He'd won a Tony for his stage rendition of Professor Harold Hill, and sinks his teeth into the film adaptation with a superb alacrity. It is often said he became hopelessly typecast because of his sunny performance, but after looking him up in film books, that appears to be part of the MUSIC MAN mythology. He was never without work. Hermione Gingold appears as the Mayor's wife and is best remembered for her portrayal as a wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz. Paul Ford is at his bumblng best as the tongue-tied mayor. A young Ronnie Howard displays his gifts as the kid who wants to believe in Hill, but can't decide if he should. Many others round out the powerhouse cast, and all contribute to this triumphant tale of the turn of the century heartland. "Just think....".
Rating: Summary: Fantastic entertainment Review: Wonderful musical comedy for the whole family. I've seen this film at least 30 times and never tire of it. The entire cast is terrific, and the production is completely top rung. Robert Preston's performance is beyond superb. Most highly recommended.
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