MovieChat Forums > The Music Man (1962) Discussion > But He Doesn't Know The Territory!

But He Doesn't Know The Territory!

posted 15 years ago by murph24
7 replies | jump to latest

But He Doesn't Know The Territory, an out-of-print book by Meredith Willson about the creation of The Music Man, is back in print. For years this tome was something of a Holy Grail for musical comedy connoisseurs, with used copies sometimes going for $200 and up. You can get it for far less now.

Essential reading for anyone interested in the history of musical theater (and all honorary River City-zians).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0816667705/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_r d_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i =B0007DT2RW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1KFV36AN4AKB1TVG5X9N

[–] lmchildress 15 years ago

Speaking of that song, one of my very favorite things in the movie is the opening with the salesmen on the train. What a bravura performance, all to the clacking of the train wheels. Love it!

[–] BoMar5353 15 years ago

If you really loved the opening then you DEFINITELY should read the 2 biographies of Willson to find out how the staging,orchestration, and existence of this scene came to be- it's extremely interesting.

[–] lmchildress 15 years ago

I have two books by Willson wishlisted on Amazon.

[–] BoMar5353 15 years ago

Try eBay or iOffer.

[–] kathleencurley1 15 years ago

I have just finished reading - and laughing out loud at - "But he doesn't know the territory" and would encourage anyone who wants to learn of the ups and downs of putting a show together, as well as an insight into Meredith Willson, to purchase a copy. I got mine via Amazon - very good value.

[–] BoMar5353 15 years ago

I really don't think it works this way anymore- what with workshopping, and all.
But it is a great read.

[–] fugazzi49 15 years ago

Thank you for posting this information.I hadn't known about this book but will have to get it now.