Shirley Jones on filming "The Music Man" - EMMYTVLEGENDS.ORG

Shirley Jones discusses getting her first big career break - EMMYTVLEGENDS.ORG

[@PeterDavid7KQ201]

Robert Preston had the exact kind of charisma need for the role, in spades. He was absolutely brilliant.

[@Spaguy62]

Preston's greatest role and a perfect job casting him as Harold Hill. Could not imagine anyone else in that spot.

[@fredbazoo]

My heart skipped a beat when I first saw Shirley Jones in the Music man......Any other red blooded lads feel the same?? :)

[@Papaboogers]

There are not many musicals that I care for, but I've loved this one since I first saw it as a kid in the sixties. Frank Sinatra? No, that would have been trouble, yes I say trouble, that's trouble with a T and that rhymes with P and that stands for POOL! Seriously, I can't imagine anyone but Robert Preston as Harold Hill...

[@Blakeneyd]

Great story...what a beautiful lady.

[@Woody615]

My absolute favorite musical of all time. When I first saw "The Music Man", I was very near to Winthrop's age at the time, so I identified with him. Add to that, I live in Avalon, on Catalina Island, and the school librarian was named . . . Marian. Yep, I knew a real life Marian the Librarian.

[@suzirida1]

what a lovely story such a nice lady

[@rebeccamoore2038]

I thought I heard somewhere, maybe TCM, that the role was offered to Cary Grant? If I remember right, he turned it down and said "That's Bob's role." As much as I love Cary Grant, and Sinatra, there is no one but Robert Preston who could have played the part.

[@frankconway8552]

I just love her!

[@catholicpriest1]

I met Shirley in 1997. I was tongue tied.

[@051moore]

This brings back wonderful memories of a shining time in my life as a young teenager when we of the Joplin High School choir performed The Music Man. We had such a grand time and were received well. I even remember being on local television plugging the show. I am not sure but I think I was pretty giddy. Ah the fantastic times I had at Joplin High.

[@louswire]

What a totally charming story. . . the things you learn on youtube.

[@GuinnevereB]

Sweet story; I love reminiscences like this.

[@b42baritone]

I would love to hear about working with the Buffalo Bills.

[@MrCristoforoantonio]

I totally agree. That would have been HORRIBLE casting!!! I am so glad when they let the original cast members reprise their roles in the film version.....such as with Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady.

[@Kuklapolitan]

Sinatra couldn't have done this role...not at all. His voice or skinny form could not have carried the role. It would have been ridiculous! Robert Preston WAS Prof. Harold Hill.

[@StrwbryMuffin]

Awe, what a cute story!

[@juanbosco31]

Muchas gracias recuerdo a Mrs Jones en Pepe con Cantinflas

[@lagershead]

see says "it was *our* one and only kiss", not "THE" one and only kiss.

[@bernlin2000]

There's no doubt about it...he just couldn't get that talking style going on "Trouble"

[@jingle3]

Not even close.

[@tomkelly5495]

But on the same subject , Barbara Cook should of been in the Music Man a far better singer and actress , Then again look what the did with Mame !