The Music Man

What’s the Story?

Trouble comes to a small Iowa town when conman "Professor" Harold Hill (Robert Preston) arrives, posing as a salesman of band instruments and uniforms. Hill happens upon an old friend, Marcellus Washburn (Buddy Hackett), and is ready to run his favorite scam on the folks of River City. He plans to sell the town on the idea of a boys band, with himself as leader, get them to order instruments and uniforms, then skip town with the money. But first he must convince the skeptical citizens, including reserved librarian and music teacher, Marian (Shirley Jones), who lives with her widowed mother (Pert Kelton) and her shy little brother Winthrop (Ronny Howard). Hill is able to dazzle the town, even Marian. Despite evidence that he does not have the credentials he claims, and her certainty that he is not what he pretends to be, she finds herself softening toward him and protecting him. Because of her, he stays too long, and he is arrested. But somehow, the boys force a few sounds out of the instruments, enough for their proud parents. And Harold stays on -- it turns out that all along, deep inside, what he really wanted was to lead a band.

Is It Any Good?

Robert Preston brought his award-winning performance as Harold Hill on Broadway to the screen in this impeccable production, perfect in every detail. In addition to the glorious production, with some of the most gorgeous music and dancing ever filmed, there is a fine story with appealing characters. Marian learns about the importance of dreams from Harold, and he learns about the importance of responsibility from her.

Marian is eventually able to see through Hill's fake exterior, and recognizes the positive affect he has on people like Winthrop, and herself. When Harold realizes Marian can love him in spite of his past, for the first time he's able to move on from the notion of himself as a thief and a liar. Each finds the core of the other, allowing both of them to heal and take the risk necessary to make their dreams come true. And because this is a musical, they live happily ever after.