Parents' Guide to The Music Man

Movie 1962 G 151 minutes
The Music Man Movie Poster: A man in a band uniform and a woman in a white dress, arm in arm, on a theater poster.

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

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age 8+

Glorious musical production has racial/gender stereotypes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

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  • The Music Man Trailer
  • The Music Man Movie: A woman in white and a man in a marching band uniform lead a parade.
  • The Music Man Movie: Theatrical performance with actors in elaborate costumes on stage.
  • The Music Man Movie: Performer in red uniform performing in front of a seated crowd at a festive indoor event.

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 12 parent reviews

 

 

See all 12 parent reviews
age 6+

Based on 13 kid reviews

Kids say that while the film is well-loved for its catchy music and entertaining storyline, it also contains elements that are outdated and potentially inappropriate for younger audiences, such as suggestive language and portrayals of gender and race that may not align with contemporary standards. Despite its length and some cringeworthy moments, many viewers cherish it as a classic musical that imparts joy and cultural insights from the early 1900s.

  • catchy music
  • outdated themes
  • inappropriate language
  • long runtime
  • enjoyable storyline
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 13 kid reviews

What's the Story?

In THE MUSIC MAN, trouble comes to small-town River City, Iowa, when con artist "Professor" Harold Hill (Robert Preston) arrives, posing as a sales representative 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, and then skip town with the money. But first he must convince the skeptical citizens, including reserved librarian/music teacher Marian Paroo (Shirley Jones), who lives with her widowed mother (Pert Kelton) and her shy little brother, Winthrop (Ronny Howard).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 12 ):
Kids say ( 13 ):

Preston first starred as Harold Hill in an award-winning Broadway performance, and this memorable screen version maintains much of that magic. In addition to the strong production, with gorgeous music and dancing, The Music Man has 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 Harold's fake exterior and recognize the positive effect he has on people such as Winthrop and herself. And when Harold realizes that Marian can love him in spite of his past, for the first time, he's able to see himself as more than a thief and a liar. Each finds the core of the other, allowing both to heal and take the risk necessary to make their dreams come true. But their relationship is not without issues—particularly the way Harold doggedly pursues Marian against her will.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Music Man was originally a hit Broadway musical. What do you see as being the challenges in taking a Broadway production and translating it to the screen? Can you think of other film adaptations of stage musicals? How do they compare?

  • How are the values of a typical Midwestern town of the early 20th century conveyed in this movie? Why were the parents worried about their children playing pool? What do parents worry about today?

  • How do the characters in The Music Man demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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The Music Man Movie Poster: A man in a band uniform and a woman in a white dress, arm in arm, on a theater poster.

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