"The Music Man" as Political/Economic and Social Commentary

I'm sure we are all familiar with Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" (if not, I suggest renting it at any local Blockbuster or other video store). Originally run in 1957, then reproduced as a film in 1962, this widely acclaimed theatrical piece has been lauded for its humor and musical mastery. What seems to be lost in all the nostalgic revelry and beautifully corny Iowan values is the deeper message of the film. The Music Man is not only a very entertaining piece, it is also a somewhat serious socio-political commentary. The two most important, and most unrecognized, themes in the movie seem to be a subtle-yet-endearing criticism of midwestern corn-fed conservatism and a similar evaluation of American capitalism and politics.
Professor Harold Hill, the quick-talking big city hustler, descends on quiet River City, Iowa, planning to scam the whole town to make a quick buck. As Professor Hill gets a feel for the town, he notices something new in town: a pool table in the billiard hall. Not even an entirely new billiard hall - just one new table. Harold Hill then sets about the simple task of convincing the townspeople of the evils of that table. He proclaims his love for billiards, remarking: "I consider the hours I spend with a cue in my hand are golden," yet denounces pool: "Any boob can take and shove a ball in a pocket." What exactly is the difference between the billiards Harold Hill loves so much and pool? There isn't much of one. And that's just the point. From there on the scam commences. The people of River City need a marching band, lest pool give way to drinking, gambling, and every other sort of vice, says Harold Hill.
The symbolism behind it all? It seems reasonably obvious - the ultra-conservativism of River City's good people has made them vulnerable. Their fears overpower them as the new challenges the status quo. However, this criticism is lightened by the positive portrayal of the townspeople, even as they grope for safety amid their mounting irrational fears. Is it possible that Wilson's archetypical "River City" is representative of more than one Iowa town? It seems likely. Simply put, Wilson seems to have been commenting on the old-fashioned conservative values with which he was raised...both approving of the virtuous intentions of the people, and criticizing the results of their beliefs. But his message seems broader than that - River City seems to represent all of what America used to be - honest, hardworking and virtuous, yet sometimes vulnerable and fearful. In the end, Wilson finds a fairly fuzzy feel-good ending for the whole mess, when Harold Hill is seduced by the simple lifestyle (and women) of River City, and repents of his ways (but only after being caught). The people of River City are thrilled upon hearing the disgusting play of their children, and everyone hugs. As far as movies go, this is perfect, in the realm of social commentary, it's far from adequate - which leads to Wilson's economic commentary.
Why is it that the people of River City thought a marching band would keep their children from the wave of vice that was overtaking the town? Marketing, of course. Harold Hill was able to convince these people that their problems could be solved by...what else...buying something! It's the American way after all. In a nutshell, the sleazy opportunist hustler from the big city challenges the wholesome lifestyle of River City, and of course fails - this is Hollywood (or Broadway) after all. But in the real world, what could Wilson have been saying? Possibly River City (a.k.a. Anytown, U.S.A.) is the glorious past of America, which is threatened by change, and as the citizens react with fear to this change, they are exploited by the omnipresent opportunists of society. The logical (and not so happy) extension of the River City ordeal would be that every time change arises, there's Harold Hill waiting with his cure for every ill - all you have to do is fork over some cash. But where does all this lead?
It all leads right here, to U.S.A. 2003, where change sweeps over the population so fast no one can catch up, and thanks to marketing and hypercapitalism, wherever there is the slightest demand or discomfort, there are hundreds of products to choose from. Every problem can be solved with money, and the only real cost is the integrity of our society. Since "Harold Hill" rolled into town, our marching band has turned into a towering monstrosity that has consumed our whole culture - pills, electronics, reality TV - the list is endless. Maybe this is a little more depressing than the movie (ok, it definitely is), and although Wilson could not have in 1957 forseen our society as it is today, it seems more than likely that "The Music Man" was in part a lament, mourning the loss of honest rural America to the world of modern super-materialism. In addition, Wilson seems to blame our fear of change for this loss, at least in part. If we were only better at adapting to change and accepting the future, we would be stronger and our society might still be one of virtue, honesty and hard work.