The film adaptation of "The Music Man" is so superbly crafted on every level that even the most jaded cynic might find something to admire in it. This was one of the blockbuster movie releases in the summer of 1962, and in fact the anticipation for its release began as soon as it went into production at Warner Bros. in Burbank during the summer of 1961.
Of course there are minor flaws that might be pointed out, but for the most part, this is a nearly perfect adaptation of the original 1957 Broadway hit. Thankfully, most of the creative forces behind the Broadway success were retained. Most notably, the director, Morton DaCosta, was entrusted to adapt the story from stage to screen, and also the great choreographer, Onna White, who expanded her original dance numbers to fit the wide screen.
I disagree with those who think Barbara Cook should have been retained from the original Broadway cast. While it may be true that she had a stronger soprano voice than Shirley Jones, the fact remains that Barbara Cook was not "pretty enough" to make the leap to the big screen. Shirley Jones was at the peak of her beauty when she was cast as Marian the Librarian. Her vocal register is darker and lower than Cook's, but this is exactly what was necessary in a screen adaptation. Cook's singing voice is ideally suited to reach the back rows of a Broadway theater. It would not have translated well to the screen.
I cannot add any further insights into the greatness of Robert Preston's portrayal. Everything has already been stated so well here. But every part, from smallest to largest, is damn near perfect. That even includes the bit part assigned to Percy Helton as the train conductor. And Ron Howard was a genuine prodigy who was ideally suited to the role of Winthrop. Even little Monique Vermont shines in her role as Amaryliss.
This film might well have deserved an Oscar for Best Picture of 1962. Unfortunately, it was eclipsed by the end of the year by another legitimate masterpiece, "Lawrence of Arabia." But let there be no doubt. "The Music Man" was one of the finest pictures of 1962, or any year.
I suggest that dedicated fans of this work seek out the Capitol LP , "And Then I Wrote The Music Man," featuring Meredith Willson recreating his original investors' presentation from the Broadway run, assisted by his wife, Rini.
Of course there are minor flaws that might be pointed out, but for the most part, this is a nearly perfect adaptation of the original 1957 Broadway hit. Thankfully, most of the creative forces behind the Broadway success were retained. Most notably, the director, Morton DaCosta, was entrusted to adapt the story from stage to screen, and also the great choreographer, Onna White, who expanded her original dance numbers to fit the wide screen.
I disagree with those who think Barbara Cook should have been retained from the original Broadway cast. While it may be true that she had a stronger soprano voice than Shirley Jones, the fact remains that Barbara Cook was not "pretty enough" to make the leap to the big screen. Shirley Jones was at the peak of her beauty when she was cast as Marian the Librarian. Her vocal register is darker and lower than Cook's, but this is exactly what was necessary in a screen adaptation. Cook's singing voice is ideally suited to reach the back rows of a Broadway theater. It would not have translated well to the screen.
I cannot add any further insights into the greatness of Robert Preston's portrayal. Everything has already been stated so well here. But every part, from smallest to largest, is damn near perfect. That even includes the bit part assigned to Percy Helton as the train conductor. And Ron Howard was a genuine prodigy who was ideally suited to the role of Winthrop. Even little Monique Vermont shines in her role as Amaryliss.
This film might well have deserved an Oscar for Best Picture of 1962. Unfortunately, it was eclipsed by the end of the year by another legitimate masterpiece, "Lawrence of Arabia." But let there be no doubt. "The Music Man" was one of the finest pictures of 1962, or any year.
I suggest that dedicated fans of this work seek out the Capitol LP , "And Then I Wrote The Music Man," featuring Meredith Willson recreating his original investors' presentation from the Broadway run, assisted by his wife, Rini.