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The Music Man

(1962, Rated NR, Musical, Starring Robert Preston, Buddy Hackett, Shirley Jones)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Glorious production, with gorgeous music, dancing.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A con man finds his conscience.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Talk of tar and feathers.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Very oblique sexual references.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Music Man

Parents need to know that there is oblique speculation by the "Pick a Little, Talk a Little" ladies and by Harold and Marcellus about why the elderly gentleman donated the library building to the city but left the books to Marian, as well as criticism of the "raciness" of the books she recommends. Harold's song about the "Sadder But Wiser Girl for Me" describes (in G-rated terms) his preference for women with some sexual experience.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why they think Winthrop is so shy at first. What makes him change? How does Harold change people's minds? Is that good or bad? How does the music help to tell the story? Listen to the songs "76 Trombones" and "Goodnight My Someone" again. They are very much alike, as you can tell when they are sung together. What did the composer want that to tell you about the people who sing them? Why were the parents worried about their children playing pool? What do parents worry about today? How is Marian's library like yours? Do you know your librarian? Do people in your town ever argue about what books should be in the library?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    LOVE IT!

    One of the best! I was in this play when I was 10 and I heard "Trouble" so much I can memorize it now! The funniest and best song is Shipoopi. I think all kids and adults who see this will love it! Little kids will love Mayor Shinn's wife and adults will think Winthrop is adorable. See this movie!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Great for all ages

    This is an excellent movie for all ages. My 3 year old daughter loves the singing and dancing; my husband and I love the story and the fantastic acting.

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