Apparently the survivor of some boating mishap, "Molly" appears in a wooden crib on a rocky patch of the Colorado River. The talkative baby girl crawls ashore and is taken in by Irish alcoholic Ed Begley (as Shamus Tobin). After growing up to be dirty tomboy Debbie Reynolds (as Molly) in a vibrant red wig, she is advised, "Learn to serve God and a hot breakfast." After skinny dipping one day, Ms. Reynolds meets blond baritone Harve Presnell (as John "Johnny" Brown) and is invited to spend the night in his cabin. But Reynolds is interested in money, not men. Finally, Mr. Presnell is able to woo Reynolds with riches, but her backwoods vulgarity is shunned by their Pennsylvania Avenue mansion neighbors...
"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" was Meredith Willson's follow-up to "The Music Man" which guaranteed it much attention. It was a Broadway hit for Tammy Grimes and Presnell, who recreates his role nicely for the film. The leading role was passed from Shirley MacLaine to Debbie Reynolds, who were box office stars in 1964 (positioned at #7 and #12 in the "Quigley Publications" annual poll that year). Grimes won a "Tony" for her performance, and Reynolds was considered for a "Best Actress" award. She is certainly energetic, but this performance is overrated. Reynolds yells rather than sings her songs, and Mr. Willson's soundtrack is strikingly inferior to "The Music Man". And the story is superficial...
Don't expect much from the "Titanic" connection. This film's recommended for other reasons. "He's My Friend" is the highlight - choreographed by Peter Gennaro, it can be seen after about 1:45 of running time. Especially noteworthy are two "West Side Story" dancers, stage "Jet" Grover Dale and film "Shark" Gus Trikonis. Also in some opening scenes, the men are probably more remembered today (by "insiders") for their personal relationships with Tony Perkins and Goldie Hawn; they are spectacular here, and get a good amount of screen, if not speaking, time. Also noteworthy is the coupling of Mr. Begley with Hermione Baddeley, and a delightfully snooty characterization by Audrey Christie.
****** The Unsinkable Molly Brown (6/11/64) Charles Walters ~ Debbie Reynolds, Harve Presnell, Grover Dale, Gus Trikonis
"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" was Meredith Willson's follow-up to "The Music Man" which guaranteed it much attention. It was a Broadway hit for Tammy Grimes and Presnell, who recreates his role nicely for the film. The leading role was passed from Shirley MacLaine to Debbie Reynolds, who were box office stars in 1964 (positioned at #7 and #12 in the "Quigley Publications" annual poll that year). Grimes won a "Tony" for her performance, and Reynolds was considered for a "Best Actress" award. She is certainly energetic, but this performance is overrated. Reynolds yells rather than sings her songs, and Mr. Willson's soundtrack is strikingly inferior to "The Music Man". And the story is superficial...
Don't expect much from the "Titanic" connection. This film's recommended for other reasons. "He's My Friend" is the highlight - choreographed by Peter Gennaro, it can be seen after about 1:45 of running time. Especially noteworthy are two "West Side Story" dancers, stage "Jet" Grover Dale and film "Shark" Gus Trikonis. Also in some opening scenes, the men are probably more remembered today (by "insiders") for their personal relationships with Tony Perkins and Goldie Hawn; they are spectacular here, and get a good amount of screen, if not speaking, time. Also noteworthy is the coupling of Mr. Begley with Hermione Baddeley, and a delightfully snooty characterization by Audrey Christie.
****** The Unsinkable Molly Brown (6/11/64) Charles Walters ~ Debbie Reynolds, Harve Presnell, Grover Dale, Gus Trikonis