TV Production of 'The Music Man'

It lacked pizazz. I agree that Broderick was not right for the role. Most of the cast was serviceable but not outstanding.

The Disney version of "The Music Man" wasn't great...but it was pleasant. Matthew Broderick always gives an easy performance and never looks like he is playing to the camera.

I never really bought Robert Preston's slightly over-the-top performance as Professor Harold Hill in the in the 1962 filmed version. I thought he played the role a little to high profile-- like a caricature of a con man or stage performance. Boderick's performance was more of a low key entrance into the community making his pitch in a believable way. But, in general, the 2003 version could have had more pizzazz plus longer camera shots--both in distance and length.

I did not care for Kristin Chenowerth's cool performance as Marian (the librarian) but I did enjoy Molly Shannon as the mayor's wife--prat fall and all.

The music of Meredith Wilson made it a refreshing experience again. Of course it was not as good as the 1962 film version which cost more, took longer to make and had bigger stars.