Seventy-six trombones led the big parade, and I think that’s how many times I’ve seen this classic Meredith Wilson movie. Robert Preston stars as Professor Harold Hill, a traveling salesman who is also a traveling swindler. With a new gimmick every month and thousands of unsuspecting “customers” to approach, he keeps himself busy traveling from town to town, fleecing the populace. But he’s never been anywhere like River City, Iowa, a town where the people are prejudiced against anyone who’s not just like them. His job may be a little more tricky than usual.
His line this time around is selling boys’ bands. By convincing the parents that their sons are getting into trouble, he can then encourage them to sign their children up for the band, taking money for instruments, uniforms, and music. By the time the instruments arrive, he’s long gone, leaving the people with useless stuff. The main person he needs to get on his side is the town’s piano teacher, and he’s never had much trouble before, but in River City, he’s about to get a whole lot of it. Yes indeed, trouble right here in River City.
Her name is Marian Paroo, and she’s lovely. Played by the talented Shirley Jones, she’s just the kind of woman Harold doesn’t want to meet – an appealing one. He needs to be able to keep his wits about him, but he can’t when he’s around her. Soon his façade is crumbling and he starts to wonder if the life of a con artist is all its cracked up to be. The rumors that circulate around her are no deterrent; he’s smitten.
When the moment of truth comes, will he do the right thing and come clean, or will he head for the hills, leaving Marian behind?
This movie is chock full of classic music, from “Goodnight, My Someone,” to “Shoopoopy,” to “Madame Librarian,” to the theme, “Seventy-Six Trombones.” You’ll also hear barbershop standards like “Goodnight, Ladies” and “Ida Rose.” You’ll be singing the songs from this movie for days, as well as marching around your house.
One quick note: This film was recreated a few years ago by Matthew Broderick. Don’t even bother with this version – it’s poorly done and unconvincing. Stick with the Robert Preston one all the way.
This film is rated G.
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