The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964)

Molly is an uneducated, poor, mountain girl who leaves her mountain cabin in search of a wealthy husband, respect and a better life.

Director:

Charles Walters

Writers:

Helen Deutsch, Richard Morris (play)

Stars:

Debbie Reynolds, Harve Presnell, Ed Begley

Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Debbie Reynolds	...	Molly Brown
Harve Presnell	...	'Leadville' Johnny J. Brown
Ed Begley	...	Shamus Tobin
Jack Kruschen	...	Christmas Morgan
Hermione Baddeley	...	Buttercup Grogan
Vassili Lambrinos	...	Prince Louis de Laniere
Fred Essler	...	Baron Karl Ludwig von Ettenburg
Harvey Lembeck	...	Polak
Lauren Gilbert	...	Mr. Fitzgerald
Kathryn Card	...	Mrs. Wadlington
Hayden Rorke	...	Malcolm Broderick
Harry Holcombe	...	Mr. Wadlington
Amy Douglass	...	Mrs. Fitzgerald
George Mitchell	...	Monsignor Ryan
Martita Hunt	...	Grand Duchess Elise Lupavinova

Storyline

Majestic mountains are in the background and a waterfall in the foreground. Is that a canoe on the river? No it's a cradle with a baby. The buoyant Molly Brown has survived the first crisis of her life -- a flood. Sixteen years later she sets out to make her way in the world. Can she sing and play the piano? She assures the Leadville saloon keeper that she can and learns quickly. Soon she is the bride of Johnny Brown, who in a few years will be able to replace the original cigar wrapper wedding ring with a replica in gold and gemstones. But it takes more than a few million dollars to be accepted by Denver society. The Browns head for Europe and bring a few crowned heads back to Denver for a party that turns into a ballroom brawl. Molly goes to Europe alone, returning on the Titanic. She didn't survive a flood as a baby for the story to end here.

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Plot Keywords:

titanic | denver colorado | pot belly | dancer | wealth | 

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Musical | Romance | Western

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 June 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Inconquistável Molly

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) (Westrex Recording System) Mono (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor) Black and White (some shots)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

MGM's original choice for the role of Molly Brown was Shirley MacLaine.

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Goofs

The Molly Brown House in Denver is actually quite small. Only one room had a smidgen of red wallpaper (she also thought too much red to be gauche). Her parties were well-attended (although the orchestra played from the balcony outdoors and serenaded the whole neighborhood), and she was accepted by her peers even before the Titanic. The larger house, which she named Avoca, was at the time outside of Denver. Both houses are restored and open to the public.

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Quotes

Shamus Tobin: [describing the only boy interested in Molly] He tried to show her his pa's hayloft, she tied a tin can to his tail and sent him rattling down the road.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Star Force: Fugitive Alien 2 (1991)

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Soundtracks

"BELLY UP TO THE BAR, BOYS"
(uncredited)
Performed by Debbie Reynolds

User Reviews

Love it, love it, love it

I used to watch this movie when I was little, and I just recently rediscovered it. It's amazing how much better movies can get once you grow up. Debbie Reynolds portrays Molly Brown wonderfully. Her singing and dancing alone make this movie worth watching. My favorite scene is the "He's my friend, and he'll stay my friend...." scene. If you haven't seen this movie, you should definitely watch it. It's so great!