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The Music Man (NR, 1962)

common sense media says

Glorious production, with gorgeous music, dancing.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: A con man finds his conscience.
Violence & scariness: Talk of tar and feathers.
Sexy stuff: Very oblique sexual references.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Music Man

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Morton Da Costa
Cast: Buddy Hackett, Robert Preston, Shirley Jones
Genre: Musical
Run time: 151 minutes
Theatrical release: June 19, 1962
DVD release: February 23, 1999
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

5

Most useful reviews by all members

stellabean
parent of 5 year old
5
 
Five year old loves it, great singing/dancing
My five year old loves this movie- and it's one of the few that we can watch together over and over again.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
qwerty99
kid, 13 years old
3
 
wonderful movie, but a little long
this is truely a wonderful movie! My little sister now says "may I" instead of "can I", it's amazing the only thing wrong is that its almost painfully long
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concerned mom of 3
parent of 9 , and 11 , 14 year old
6
 
I watched this years ago and thought it was fine. I don't think so anymore. I don't know if it's just because I have kids or because I'm more committed to the Lord than I used to be. God's name is misused in this musical. It also teaches that falling in love with someone can cause you to do the right things. Harold Hill gives himself up after he falls in love with Marion. While this might happen at times, it is really only God who can change hearts. I don't really see any positive role models in this movie.
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Keds43@aol.com
teen, 17 years old
 
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!
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Kwfliy
teen, 16 years old
2
 
No age limit!
6? I first saw this movie at around 3 and I absolutely loved it, although I didn't really understand some of it. This movie is for all ages. It also educates about 1910s culture.
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igssmom
adult
 
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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kawilder
parent of 4 and 7 year old
3
 
A classic that never gets old!
This is one of my kids' favorites. The music is phenomenal and everyone sings them for days after we watch it - which is regularly. There's some sex references that go WAY over the kids heads. Otherwise, it's just wonderful.
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