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Customer Reviews of Meredith Willson's The Music Man (TV Film)

For those not familar with "The Music Man", it is a Broadway favorite, with the book and lyrics written by Meredith Wilson, who also composed the songs! Talk about a triple threat! It has become a favorite to Broadway lovers around the world, with productions showing up all over. (I cannot count the number of production I have seen!) The story revolves around Harold Hill, a con man who has come to River City in order to sell band uniforms and instuments to the towns families, telling them that they desperately need a boy's band in order to keep the boys out of trouble. The story is engaging and humorous, as Marian the librarian causes some trouble for Hill, and Hill falls for her! uh, Oh!

Matthew Broderick was not terrible as Harold Hill, but he was not exactly incredible either. (And believe me, it is hard for me to say ANYTHING bad about Matthew Brodrick, but I'm trying to do the review from an objective standpoint). Very wisely, Broderick does not try to imitate Robert Preston's outstanding performance, as many try to do. He trys to make the character his own, and does a fine job. Just nowhere near Preston's standards. It almost seems like a Grown-up Ferris Bueller has come to River City. But all-in-all, a good performance.

However, Kristen Chenowenth is marvelous as Marian. She won a Best Actress Tony in 1999 for her performance in the Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". She shines as Marian in every way. A tremendous performance.

This production of "The Music Man", though not as good as the original 1962 movie, seems less "stagey". The choreography seems to move more freely to different settings in musical numbers, a subsequent problem with the original movie. It always bugs me when movie adaptations to Broadway musicals seem to "stagegy", not a problem with this adaptation.

All-in-all, I think that it is hard to choose between this or the original. I beleive both are great, and if you can, buy both in order to see. However, I believe musical-theater junkies alike will savor Robert Preston in his definitive role. However, children and musical-haters will be more drawn to this remake, an enchanting revist to an old favorite.

*****If you bought and enjoyed this movie, make sure to check out the classic musicals "Fiddler on the Roof", "West Side Story" and the other ABC remake "Cinderella"- Bernadette Peters is a marvel in it.

Mr. Broderick or Mr. Preston? Hmmmmm....
I really must hand it to Matthew Broderick - it is inevitable that everyone would compare his portrayal of the rascally Professor Harold Hill, to that of the late, great Robert Preston.
Mr. Preston originated the roal on Broadway, and again in Warner Brothers' great 1962 film.
When people think of "Meredith Wilson's The Music Man", they picture Robert Preston, and it is a losing proposition to try to equal his performance. But the brave and gutsy Mr. Broderick does just that, and he does it well!
I am writing this the day after ABC broadcast the movie (this DVD is scheduled to be released in fall). I taped it, and watched it a second time.
It certainly is great to hear all the great songs again, and Disney was indeed faithful to the original play. The only difference that I was able to notice, is that Hill's friend Marceles Washburn, now works at the hotel, instead of the livery stable.
River City, Iowa appears to be a larger town, than I had imagined, and there were a couple of automobiles, which I don't recall seeing before.
But how did the entire population of River City become younger? Every character from Hill himself, Mrs. Paroo, Mayor and Mrs Shinn, the ladies dance auxillary, and the school board members who become the barbershop quartet - all are younger than the performers in to any other version of this musical.
It really is a good looking and talented cast, and I have to say I enjoyed it.
It's hopeless to attempt to be Robert Preston, but Matthew Broderick does a great job. My only problem with his performance, is his "youthful" appearance, and his singing voice, although adequate and always on-key, lacks something I can't put my finger on.
Absolutely fabulous is Kristen Chenoweth!! This young woman is winning millions of fans worldwide, and that number will double after they see her Marion. Her "My White Knight", and "Will I Ever Tell" are both exquisite and not to be missed!
When this DVD is released, I will definately buy it, to complement my existing copy of the WB motion picture.
One thing I must wonder regarding these Disney recreations? Why is Victor Garber is each of them? (The King in Cinderella; Daddy Warbucks in Annie, and now Mayor Shinn in The Music Man) I don't have any problem with his performances, he is able and convincing - just wondering why he is used so often?
Special recognition should be given to the young dancer who portrays Tommy Djilas: he is great. Unfortunately, ABC split the screen during the closing credits, and I was unable to learn his name, but I'll be watching for him in the future!
So thumbs up to Disney for allowing us to again enjoy a classic piece of Americana, and for doing it so well!!

A pointless but nicely done film.
The age old question - why remake a classic?
The original The Music Man is, in my opinion, one of the greatest movie musicals ever made (as I outline in my review of it). When I saw that it had been remade I was, at once, horrified and fascinated. What will they have done to improve the original? Could they improve the original? Well, the short answer is they couldn't and they haven't.
My main concern was, and is, Matthew Broderick. Although undoubtably a talented musical theatre performer (I enjoyed his performance on the Producers and the How To Suceed ... soundtracks) he is no Robert Preston, which in my books means that he's no Harold Hill! He seems to suffer from a stiff neck for the duration of the film as he hardly moves his head (maybe it's those high collars!). In some of the numbers he looks positively uncomfortable! His voice is not suited to the role and in numbers like 76 Trombones, shows itself to be very weak. The rest of the cast is good, but not in comparison with their counterparts from the original film.
The saving grace to this production is the direction and choreography. The original film is slightly stagey with it's direction (something I actually find endearing), but this one really allows us to explore River City, Iowa and meet it's residents. The choreography dares to be different from the original and I especially love what has been done with 76 Trombones. The sets and costumes are equally impressive, especially when you consider that this was made for television.
On the whole, an entertaining couple of hours but I would recommend watching Mr Preston in action first. After that, this is at it's most entertaining when reminding you of the original. Which is no bad thing!