MovieChat Forums > The Music Man (1962) Discussion > Robert Preston never did any singing bef...

Robert Preston never did any singing before The Music Man?

posted 11 years ago by monetvenom
10 replies | jump to latest

According to several biographies I've read online, not only had Preston never played a musical role before, but he had never sung in public before. For someone who did not have an extensive music background, I think he more than delivered. His rhythm and cadence were remarkable. "Ya Got Trouble" is very difficult because it follows a frequently changing meter that allows for very few breaths. "'Til There Was You" required a classic, romantic timbre and he had to be able to hold his own against Shirley Jones, no easy feat.

As far as I'm concerned, he sounded wonderful. Though I like Matthew Broderick, I find it crazy that Broderick has the training and experience as a long-time musical theater singer and yet he couldn't hold a candle to Preston. Preston may have lacked vocal experience, but he more than made up for it in raw talent, proper characterization, and a desire to train and polish.

[–] kelly-527 11 years ago

He was incredible. An actor I really miss.

He was also hysterical in SOB.

[–] rosearienh 11 years ago

But he did sing before this movie - in the Broadway production of The Music Man. He won a Tony for his performance.

[–] thegr8defender 11 years ago

I'm guessing the OP was referring to his appearance in the stage version.

[–] Teach417 11 years ago

Of course by the time he did the movie, he had honed the performance of the songs through hundreds of live stage performances, as well as the original cast recording. I was actually lucky enough to see this on Broadway, with Mr. Preston, Barbara Cook, Eddie Hodges, and the rest of the original cast. My memory is that his performance throughout was excellent, although as I was only eight or nine years old at the time, it's fair to say that my critical faculties were somewhat undeveloped. However, I will assert that it is one of the happiest memories of my childhood.

We provide ... Leverage.

[–] snelling 11 years ago

Singing is just sustained talking.

Enter my contest! I need help for a new signature! Maybe I'll choose yours and you'll win a cash prize!

[–] Piperson 11 years ago

He did have a magnificent speaking voice.

I could never get with Matthew Broderick playing Harold Hill. I like him too but he just doesn't seem like the right type to me.

[–] PillowRock 11 years ago

Singing is just sustained talking.

Yes, and playing the bugle is just buzzing your lips into a metal tube.

In both cases, doing it truly *well* is not that easy.

[–] LGevirtz 11 years ago

"Singing is just sustained talking" is a quote from the movie. Harold Hill says it to one of the Buffalo Bills when he tries to induce him to sing.

[–] mjz688 8 years ago

re: PillowRock: Whoosh!

[–] boxerrebellion 11 years ago

When I was in fifth grade, my parents took me to the (original) Broadway production of Pippen.... it was also one of my happiest memories.