The Unsinkable Molly Brown

The Unsinkable Molly Brown is a 1964 American musical film directed by Charles Walters and produced by Lawrence Weingarten. Released and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, its screenplay is largely based on the 1960 Broadway musical of the same name. This is a film infused with flamboyantly memorable songs, vivacious dances, and larger-than-life performances, especially from the film's leading lady, Debbie Reynolds. As the titular "Molly Brown," Reynolds delivers a spirited, energetic, and undeniably charming performance that showcases her at the height of her career. Supporting actor Harve Presnell, Ed Begley, and a solid cast complement her performance and make the film an emotional and engaging spectacle.

The film tells the apparently irrepressible tale of Molly, a feisty, robust and buoyant woman who rises from a poverty-stricken childhood in Hannibal, Missouri, to become the wealthy, strong-willed and indomitable "Molly Brown" remembered in American history. The movie fluently combines comedy and drama to evoke powerful emotions, stirring hopefulness with tales of rags-to-riches ascent, tenacity in the face of hardships, and an unyielding spirit that refuses to sink, quite literally and metaphorically, under any circumstances.

The story commences by introducing Molly, a tomboyish and zestful teenager with wild dreams and ambitions of wealth and high society. When she's told she has to learn "to behave like a lady,” we see her spirited pushback against norms. In a lively twist of fate, Molly stumbles upon a fortune in gold in Colorado and transforms into the flamboyantly wealthy “Molly Brown,” testing the patience and snobbery of Denver's elite society. Harve Presnell portrays her charismatic husband, Johnny Brown, whose love and loyalty accompany her through the toils of poverty to the halls of high society.

The film further portrays Molly's desperate, and often hilariously misguided, attempts to penetrate the Denver high society, which shuns her and her "new money." However, Molly, with her infectious ebullience and straightforward simplicity, tackles these challenges with unstoppable determination. There are wonderfully choreographed dance numbers, punchy songs, and engaging drama that keeps the viewer absorbed in Molly's raucous attempt to conquer society.

Director Charles Walters brings out the most of the film's spectacle and charm, combining the panache of a stage play with the cinematic scope of a film. He builds a fast-pacing narrative that, despite its nearly 130 minutes of run-time, never feels tedious. The screenplay by Helen Deutsch vividly shapes up this rollercoaster of a story that is peppered with Molly's vivid dreams, grand ambitions, and undaunted spirit.

Equally enticing is the film's production design, which does a splendid job of recreating the late 19th Century and early 20th Century milieu. From costumes to set-pieces, the aesthetics of the film is a visual feast, offering authenticity and captivating detail. Combined with vibrant cinematography, every frame of the film is imbued with energy and color that mirrors the undying spirit of its protagonist.

Complementing these are the songs, rendered by Meredith Wilson, the brilliant composer behind The Music Man. The unforgettable score lends the narrative an intoxicating auditory energy, featuring hit tracks such as 'Belly Up to the Bar, Boys' and 'I Ain't Down Yet.' These songs propel the narrative forward while also offering pause for reflection and emotion, echoing Molly's buoyant spirit and unyielding optimism.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown is a delightful exploration of exuberant joy, ambivalent yearnings, resilient optimism, and omnipresent humanity. With its rich historical backdrop, it is as much a celebration of the indomitable human spirit as it is a candid reveal of high society's prejudices. It works fantastically as a period piece while serving an unfiltered and relatable depiction of life's ups and downs.

By the close of the picture, the audience has ridden the wave of Molly's life, from jocular highs to poignant lows. This understanding of her character and the bond formed has the audience reframing the phrase "you can't keep a good man down" to "you can't keep a good woman down."

Ultimately, The Unsinkable Molly Brown is a testament to the irrepressible spirit of optimism, to dream big and to strive unyieldingly for those dreams, no matter what obstacles come across. Featuring an effervescent performance by Debbie Reynolds, the film remains an iconic and cherished classic of American musical cinema. The movie invites you to join the jubilant journey of Molly Brown, a woman whose spirit proved to be genuinely unsinkable.