Common Sense Media Review
Glorious production with gorgeous music, dancing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Music Man
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
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that while the film is well-loved for its catchy music and entertaining storyline, it also contains elements that are outdated and potentially inappropriate for younger audiences, such as suggestive language and portrayals of gender and race that may not align with contemporary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- outdated themes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
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE MUSIC MAN, trouble comes to a small Iowa town when con man "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 film, 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 in The Music Man. 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 effect he has on people such as 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.
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 onto the screen? 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 to tell you about the people who sing them?
Why do you think Winthrop is so shy at first. What makes him change?
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
- In theaters : June 19, 1962
- On DVD or streaming : February 23, 1999
- Cast : Buddy Hackett , Robert Preston , Shirley Jones
- Director : Morton Da Costa
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Musical
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Humility
- Run time : 151 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate