This is clearly a film that divides people straight down the line - love/hate.For me two things stand out. The superb orchestrations which probably had something to do with Roger Eden's producing credit. And the two brilliantly staged big musical numbers "Belly up to the bar boys" and "He's my friend". Unlike some of the reviewers here, I think Peter Gennaro was one of the greatest film choreographers and his work here is fantastic. Look how the two dances absolutely suit the characters and situations and how sheer exuberant energy combines with precise footwork so it looks as if the dancers are making it up. And can anyone tell me if a couple of the dancing girls in the bar-room number are actually men in drag? Very witty and clever.

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

Nothing against Debbie Reynolds...I found her charming in films like "Singin' In The Rain" and "Two Weeks With Love", but I've gotta say I thought she was just awful in this film. Her acting is too broad, loud and abrasive. It boggles the mind that she was nominated for an Oscar here. I understand that Debbie's a very energetic performer, but unfortunately she went waaaay over-the-top in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", playing a screeching hillbilly whose vocal and physical contortions had me cringing in disbelief. Maybe her acting is extreme so that we'll be more impressed by Debbie's transformation into a refined lady later - but I found the characterization cartoonish.Apart from that...I have a problem with pretty much everything else about the movie! Debbie's leading man is unappealing, the songs are unmemorable, the humour is unsubtle (and unfunny), the plot is unfaithful to the true story of the *real* Molly Brown, and the apparent moral is hard to swallow. I'm supposed to root for Molly and her ambitions for wealth and social status? I'm supposed to be angry at her husband for not supporting her shallow aim in life? For loving her the way she was when they met (miraculously!) and not wanting her, or their life, to change? I guess a lot of people wouldn't have a problem with this film's message, because they too are pursuing the "American Dream" and envying the idle rich. But I don't care to watch folks with superficial values and greedy goals in life, desperately try to climb social ladders. Those who see movies such as "My Fair Lady" primarily as Cinderella stories, where the main objective is to ooh and aah over rags-to-riches transformations and gaze at the heroine's fancy clothes/rich lifestyle... might enjoy "The Unsinkable Molly Brown". But I'd kinda like to see her sink like a stone.

"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" is a well written, well acted movie. But for some reason, every time I watch this movie, it reminds me of another brilliant movie before this: Gone With the Wind. "TUMB" is, to sum it up, a movie about a women that doesn't want to live without money...much like Scarlett O'Hara. Molly ends up changing her views and personality because of the money, and who she wants to impress. But of course, "TUMB" is unique it its own way, and should be more recognized. Molly is a likable character, and has a very funny personality, while what she says is hilarious. JJ Brown, her husband is as likable as well, but we should have seen much more of him. In the end it turns into a likable romance classic, that you will easily remember for a long time to come.