 |  | Seventy Six Trombones Led The Big Parade....... |  |
"The Music Man" is the story of professional con artist Professor Harold Hill, who sets out to con the citizens of River City, Iowa into forming a boys band. During his scheme he meets up with his old buddy Marcellis, who informs him of the new pool table Mayor Shinn has recently installed in the billard parlor. This piece of news gives Harold Hill the "trouble" he needs to convince the good citizens of River City that the only way to prevent corruption in their children is to form a boys band. Along the way he encounters Marian Paroo, the local librarian/music teacher, her mother Mrs. Paroo and her brother, Winthrop. Marian attempts to expose Hill for the fake he is, but in the end after seeing how he treats her mother and brother she falls head over heels for Hill. In the meantime Mayor Shinn pursues the adventure of obtaining Hills credentials however he is foiled at every turn by Hill himself with the help of the River City School Board. This new version of "The Music Man" contains the original score/story by Meredith Wilson with a fresh cast of talented performers. Matthew Broderick shines as Professor Harold Hill with Christian Chenoweth playing the role of Marian the Librarian, Debra Monk as Mrs. Paroo, Victor Garber as Mayor Shinn and Molly Shannon as Mrs. Shinn. This movie is one you will want to enjoy over and over again with your family.
July 4, 2008 | | Unexpectedly Pleasing TV Production | |
I am a big fan of the Preston/Jones version of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" and purchased this DVD only because I think Kristin Chenoweth has one of the best singing voices currently performing. Matthew Broderick, while no Robert Preston, was not nearly so bad as I expected. Kristin Chenoweth was even better in the role (in my opinion) than Shirley Jones had been, and that's quite an achievement -- her performance moved this from 2.5 stars to 4, all by itself.
March 16, 2008 | | Much less than the sum of the parts | |
What a disappointment! I needed to buy the movie and debated between the original, which I had seen before, and this, which I had not. Boy, did I make the wrong choice. I'm not a real fan of Shirley Jones, and absolutely adore Kristen Chenowith, so bought this version for that reason alone. Matthew Broderick is absolutely HORRIBLE in this production. Absolutely no charm or energy, with awkward movement and bland, uh, everything. Kristen is, of course, a MAJOR musical theatre talent, but even she can't escape the horrible costumes, direction and cinematography. Victor Garber and Molly Shannon are also wonderful actors, but are horribly miscast, so none of their lines make any sense or have any impact. The Music Man is a bravely unique, brilliant piece of musical theatre. You absolutely must see it. Just do it at your local community theatre or the original movie version. This dreck will ruin it for you.
February 8, 2008This is a great movie that I would highly recommend for anyone. Matthew Broderick portrays Professor Harold Hill and engages audiences with his acting and singing ability. A downfall to the film is that it was shot in standard instead of widescreen.
January 21, 2008| | | Better tham the "original" | |
In my opinion this new version makes the Preston/Jones version look dated. Kristen Chenoweth has a much better voice and the low key Harold Hill by Matthew Brodrick is just right.
October 22, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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