In the early 20th-century American Midwest, a charismatic con man named Harold Hill travels from town to town, posing as a music professor to solve youth problems by forming boys' marching bands. He takes money from the townsfolk, but has no degree and knows nothing about music. Harold's scheme is threatened when he arrives in River City, Iowa, where he meets a spinster music teacher named Marian Paroo, who is not impressed by his sales pitches. Despite this, Harold falls for Marian, and his plan is further complicated by his growing feelings for her and the suspicious townsfolk.

The Music Man
In 1910s Iowa, a charming swindler assumes the role of a boys' band leader, successfully deceiving the townspeople until his plan is threatened by his genuine affection for the community.