The Music Man (1962) Review in 2025
A charming musical comedy about a con artist who poses as a music teacher in a small Iowa town, bringing the community together through music and romance.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
A classic musical comedy suitable for all ages, with catchy songs and a heartwarming story.
CineReview Recommendation
Definitely worth watching, especially for fans of classic musicals. However, it's not particularly suitable for streaming, as the movie's charm and magic are best experienced in a theater.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Harold Hill, a charismatic con artist who poses as a music teacher to sell musical instruments to the people of River City, Iowa. However, he falls in love with the town's librarian, Marian Paroo, and decides to change his ways. Meanwhile, the town's mayor, George Shinn, tries to expose Harold's true intentions, leading to a showdown between the two men.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a clear narrative arc. However, it's not particularly original or complex.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with strong performances from the entire cast. Robert Preston and Shirley Jones are particularly memorable.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with standout performances from Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with good use of camera angles and lighting. However, the pacing can be a bit slow at times.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is pleasant, but not particularly noteworthy. The color palette is bright and cheerful, but the composition can be a bit predictable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Music Man is a charming and entertaining musical comedy with catchy songs, memorable characters, and a heartwarming story. The performances are excellent, and the movie's charm and magic are undeniable.
Cons
The story is not particularly original or complex, and the pacing can be a bit slow at times. The cinematography is pleasant but not particularly noteworthy.
Notable Quotes
"Gary, Indiana, population 4,500, and we all go to the same high school."
"Seventy-six trombones led the big parade."
"You gotta know the territory."
