MovieChat Forums > The Music Man (1962) Discussion > Preston leading the band at the end..

Preston leading the band at the end..

posted 8 years ago by smoke0
2 replies | jump to latest

What exactly is he supposed to be? I have seen people marching in front twirling a baton or conducting with a baton or beating a drum or doing something to indicate some kind of leadership, but Preston just leaps around like a happy squirrel. Not that it isn't fun, but what exactly was his position supposed to be, if that type of position in a band exists at all? As you can tell, I don't make it a point to get out and watch marching bands..

Revenge is a dish that best goes stale.

[–] TabithaStephens 8 years ago

I don't know, but Robert Preston is literally the only one I'd ever walk down a public road with while pantomiming musical instruments.

[–] ncdwbmk6 8 years ago

He's the leader of the band and the star of the film. He can do whatever he wants. :)

In Mr. Holland's Opus (1995), Richard Dreyfuss, as Mr. Holland, seems to pay an homage to Preston's performance in the parade scene.

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Fowler's knots? Did you say ... fowler's knots?