Firstly, my little lady does not like Robert Preston in that role as Professor Harold Hill. I explained to her that Preston was a great actor of the 1940s and 1950s, and originated the role of Hill on Broadway. My wife thought Robert Preston was too old to be going after a young librarian (Shirley Jones). Preston was 43 and Jones was 27 when the film was made. There have been longer age differences in leading men and leading ladies, and I feel that Preston looked younger than his age. My wife thinks he looks more like her father. When they were casting the movie, Bing Crosby's name came up briefly as playing Harold Hill. I love Bing but he was born in 1903!
My wife can not stand the singing of Robert Preston. She states profusely that Preston had not right to sing. Again, I told her that Bing Crosby was considered for the part, and she stated "at least he can sing!". While on the topic of the singing and the music, my wife did not care for the score as well. She says that all of the songs with maybe the exception of "Til There Was You" were just spoken songs. The only number worth watching in her opinion was "Shipoopi". Although Buddy Hackett was another "non-singer", she thought the number was fun at least.
I tried to get her to say something positive about a musical that means a great deal to me, and other than Shirley Jones and the "Shipoopi" number, I can not get anything more out of her. My wife has a hatred for The Music Man more than River City had for salesmen - even played by Robert Preston. I love The Music Man, but I love my wife more - so I'll probably be watching the goings on at River City in the twilight hours of night from now on!
MY WIFE'S RATING: 4 OUT OF 10 STARS
MY RATING: 10 OUT OF 10 STARS
That's too bad your wife doesn't share your enthusiasm for "The Music Man". I myself have not seen it for years... I'll have to check it out again and see if I like Robert Preston in this role. If I side with your wife, I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteSpouses say the darndest things!
ReplyDeleteDavid, I became a fan of THE MUSIC MAN later in life...so there's hope for your very supportive spouse. My wife couldn't sit through all of SHANE for years--a large reason being that she disliked Brandon De Wilde's performance. But one afternoon, she watched all of it with me and I was proud that she stuck it out. I think she liked SHANE a little better after that, though it will never be a fave for her.
ReplyDeleteI love the Music Man! The age difference doesn't bother me, then again my man is 16 years older than me ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the movie, but I’ve always thought Miriam and Winthrop being brother and sister was more of a stretch.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your wife, I despise that movie! She's 100% correct-Robert Preston was too old, and he's as annoying--if not more--than Roberto Benigni!
ReplyDeletehahaha. you both are wrong.
DeleteRobert Preston was born to play Harold Hill with his rich, deep, mellifluous voice. I've seen it since I was young and love it every time. I never noticed the age difference. I remember once my parents went to see the stage version in San Diego and the author Meredith Wilson was in the audience!
ReplyDeleteI just finished watching Victor Victoria with Robert Preston. I always was a fan of his ever since the music man. I read this blog and went on Amazon and purchased The Music Man. I strongly disagree with your wife’s opinion. The age gap between Harold and Marian Is common place now. So happy to hear that the movie is not a issue in your marriage. HaHa. Enjoy your life.
ReplyDeleteI developed a new appreciation for the musical when I was part of a community theater production of it. Always thought Preston was 60 when he did the movie though.
ReplyDelete'Til There Was You was recorded by The Beatles. They didn't know it came from the musical. Robert was 43 and Shirley was 28.
ReplyDelete