Review of The Unsinkable Molly Brown

I was lucky enough to see the Broadway production of this charming musical. As is not unusual, the movie did not nearly live up to it. First of all, some of the great Meredith Wilson songs were cut. And Molly is the female Harold Hill role: wonderful patter songs that have to be done with a certain magical flair and punch. I certainly can't blame Debbie for wanting the part (many a musical actress of the time, including me, who hadn't a chance, lusted for it). Tammy, I suppose, was not well enough known. Pity. Harve Presnell was kept, but dieted (no doubt at the direction of the studio) from a hefty hunky miner to a boyish way-too-slender and soft leading man. With his loss of weight, the power of his Baritone voice diminished. Left as he was, he might have become a big movie star. Again, it's a pity. For those of you who have not seen it on stage with all the songs intact, by all means see the film; there is a lot in there that is worthy. Then go out and buy the Original Broadway Cast album.