@@Mikep487 I just did; didn't know he has performed it. As always, he is VERY GOOD too; but I still give the nod to Harve....his emotion just carries it over the top. Gives me goosebumps. Every time.
@@debra-dianemcdonnell6371 I'll never understand why, as Goulet's voice is much better suited for this song and his is undeniably fuller. But of course you're entitled to your opinion.
I don't understand why people call this a bad film.i saw it while quite young and thoroughly enjoyed it and still think of it as one of my favourites.people are too critical.
Who calls musicals bad? Oklahoma, West Side Story, Carousel, King and I and.... All wonderful; family entertainment that will always bring forth emotion. Listen to the words❤
I agree 100%. I’m 71 and saw it in the theatre. Clint Eastwood,Lee Marvin,and Ray Walston. Great cast and funny as hell at times. Lee Marvin was hilarious when his character was drunk. Hey don’t make films of this calibre anymore.
I was named for this song, but this is the first time I’ve ever listened to the whole thing… I’m suddenly very proud of my name in a way I’ve never been before.
I was very young when I heard this song, and I always wanted to name my daughter, Mariah Michele. Sadly my husband nixed it. Glad your parents saw the beauty of the name.
Harve Presnell owned Mariah the moment he uttered "Way out here." I have listened to many, many versions by various performers -- all fine, fantastic singers -- but Harve's version remains unmatched. His singing invokes true emotion, not just from himself, but within me, each and every time. I can't help but think of my dear, departed father, who always had appreciation for singers of this caliber.
I don't see how you can say that. Goulet's version is much fuller and I think sung the way the song was intended to be sung. Harve is good here but I feel Goulet's Ed Sullivan version is better.
I remember seeing and hearing this from my parents TV when it was first aired. The TV was small!! They truly loved good singing and opera. Harve came from a noble musical background in this. Thank you for bringing it out for us.
Harve Presnell, Howard Keel, Gordon MacRae etc. How I do miss those movie singers who had such beautiful voices. I feel cheated by what I have to listen to now.
@@alwaysbeenacowgirl8475 It isn't just the singers, it's the music and lyrics as well. It's like they aren't even trying anymore. I will say, though, that there have been a few singers that, when given REAL songs to sing turn out to actually have some talent.
It had been raining for days during this movie and the story goes that if Harvey Presnell could do this song in one take, everyone could go home for the weekend. He nailed it, beautiful voice and handsome man. Loved him with Debbie Reynolds in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”
Listen to Richard Kiley's version (also on YT). It's different, but I find it also very good. RK has a bit of an edge in his voice which suits the song very well. When he sings the phrase " I need my girl beside me" RK's version is even better, to my mind. Let me know what you think. 🤗🎵
Harve is in The Unsinkable Molly Brown when he was younger. Such a Great Singer & Handsome Man. He should of been given more parts. A Profound Star 💞 🎶
When Harve steps up into the frame and hits the first line - magic. Love the use of the miners as the doleful chorus. Yeah, it's not their voices but the image of the lonely, cold, windblown miners fits it so well.
Chorus was the Robert Shaw Choral and were on site. Shaw was being paid by the day and the rain was preventing the shoot. Finally, they shot it in one take.
I've read many comments here, but I truly believe your use of the word "haunting" was perhaps the most accurate and appropriate description. There are many songs that can be "covered" by multiple artists and be done well. THIS song is not one of them. He owns it.
I beg to differ.... My 16yo knows exactly what "real singing" is. Here in Wyoming he has plenty of opportunities to inform others of the name of the Wind. The kid loves this musical!
it is not only a great song and Harve's isn't only the best version, looking at his face, he is not only singing this song, he is living it, you can see it in his eyes, in his expression, the words and the story behind the song have meaning, that is what really transcends all other versions, listening to it (even Harve singing it) on record or any other medium would lose that
@@mizg6313 for me what makes a song great is the picture it paints in your minds eye, this one does that in spades! but that is just me, I am not saying I am either right nor wrong, it is how it makes you feel that counts
I agree.. I've always remembered listening to this song in my youth, but couldn't place the artist because of my young age at the time. You talk about a hauntingly beautiful song!
@@isabellamayer8398 Harve was brought to the set in order to replace the Broadway actor playing the character of rotten luck Willy. After the movie was over, Harve was brought to the Broadway show to save it as well. As for the other cast not singing, the producers wanted the big name stars in the film to make money from the play. All told it is still one of my faves rite soundtracks to listen to as they were not that bad. Clint and his son write and play a lot of music in multiple films as well.
I fell in love with this song and his voice the first time I heard it in the movie. I probably watched it so many times that I have to believe my youngest daughter named one of her 3 beautiful daughters, Mariah; she's 10 years old now; and I just shared this with her! I STILL LOVE IT!
I miss Pernell Roberts, Howard Keel, Harve Presnell, Frankie Laine, Tex Ritter, Gordon Macrae and many other singers very much. They had great voices. Thanks to RU-vid I can listen to their beautiful songs .
Yes. Not a tattoo, nose ring , ear spacer or any other self-centred 'look at me, look at me' adornment amongst them. Just real men with manly voices. RIP.
Harve Presnell's glorious rendition of "They Call the Wind Mariah" is the highlight of this wonderful film. Presnell's voice shames Howard Keel or any other contemporary of his. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR!! As one woman commented, Presnell dusplayed more star quality in three minutes than Clint Eastwood did in the entire film. As perfect, a rendition of a musical tune as ever was performed. Simply magnificent.
When this movie came out the critics said Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood were fine but that Harve Presnell stole the movie with his singing of Mariah. I have to agree. One of my favorite moments in any musical.
This is why Paint Your Wagon is such a special item. Marvin and Eastwood along with Seberg are simply bonus icing on the cake to go with this song. Or, this song is the icing. It's a great movie reproduction of a Broadway show.
I will always relate to this windy days in Oregon living in the country among Douglass for trees bending in the wild. When limbs came off they were called widow makers. They formed a spear going straight into the ground, best beware.
@@mezobromelia I live in New York now with my daughter. I spend a lot of time at the senior center. I'm involved with a few activities that keep me happy and busy. Zumba, writing, photography, and latin dancing. My mind and health are doing good and I'm having the time of my life.
I was actually named Mariah after this song because I was born during a hurricane. I can't tell you how many times people have sung or mentioned this song to me.
@@gloriamureau9542 Sorry mate. John Farnham has had a long and successful career and all due respect. But he is a screamer, nothing more nothing less. Always sounds like he is trying too hard, a bit like a contestant on a talent show, trying to impress the judges. I respect him for his contribution to Australian music, but he could not sing this song better than ol Harve.
He was pretty big...just not a brand like Sinatra. He did the stage and the movie of The Unsinkable Molly Brown for which he won a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.
I met him once in 2000 and he was a hoot. He was a big guy well over 6 ft as I recall. Great sense of humor and I remember him saying how much he loved cracker barrel restaurants!
It's to bad money dictates what's played on radio unless it's an Independent station or college radio . Todays pop just has no backbone , and some really talented singers will never get exposure . I listen to college radio here in Boston specifically Emerson college WERS 88.9fm . College students at the helm playing a wide variety and all genres especially a segment they call "standing room only" music from the theater
I like really good music in almost all genres. Howard Keel was one of my favorites, and Mario Lanza. But, I was really surprised by one singer. I didn't like the way he dressed, the songs he sang, etc. But-for opera I learned to listen to the voice of a singer, not the words, and I discovered music anew. The guy I didn't like was Boy George. One day I listened to his voice as an instrument and was shocked at how beautiful a voice he had. I have always wondered why he did all the dumb stuff. The reason I discovered this way to listen to music is because it dawned on me one time that I loved instrumental music and yet I had no idea of the notes they were playing. So I started listening to all singing as though the voice was an instrument and it enhanced my enjoyment of all music.
@@georgiawessling7987 Not a bad choice at all. I don't think any baritone could really match Goulet's pipes when he was in his prime but I can live with Howard Keel.
@@Mikep487 I loved all the good singers - Howard Keel, Harve Presnell, Robert Goulet, Ken Curtis, Guy Mitchell, Pernell Roberts and the other 3 on Bonanza, the guy that played Gomer Pyle, Andy Griffith, and on and on. There were so many surprisingly good singers in show business in my time - since 1950 on.
This song blew me away the first time I saw it. Only went to the movie because Clint and Marvin were in it. I was a very young teenager, and musicals were not my favorite form of entertainment. I was hooked and landed by this powerful voice. Top ten all-time favorite movie.
you should give the version that pernell roberts, the actor who played the oldest son on Bonanza, sings a listen. His voice is even lower, if not as well-trained.
@@SSKing-iy8kr I would think this is more in line with a powerful baritone voice like Goulet's. I like Frankie and his snappy voice but it would seem out of place for something like this to me.
I went 2 see this n a date @ the movies. I enjoyed it so much. I sent my parents 4 their anniversary and they loved it! & my dad was not a big fan of musicals. They watched it everytime it came on tv there after.
@@PipBerry That saved you a weeks work. Connie, STOP enabling them. Let them find out on their own. Hot thing burns, wet thing wet. There are no left handed screwdrivers to be found, though, there's many a man still looking for a long stand.
I remember this song from when I was a little kid and it was one of the few songs my parents liked that I did too. The movie doesn't jibe with that timeline; it was written for and sung in the Broadway play of the same name in 1951. Wiki tells how the novel's success led to the naming of storms with female names in the Pacific during WWII, and that it bled-over to the Atlantic, with male names starting in '79.
Thrilling song sung with real majesty by Harve Presnell. What a voice! Let's pay homage too to the outstanding orchestral scoring by the incomparable Nelson Riddle.
Rudolph, you're quite right, and I was mistaken! (It detracts, not, from the glory of the music I believe), but please can you tell me who was responsible for the scoring of this number? It's wonderful. IMDB tells me that Willard Jones was the (uncredited) orchestrator for the movie. Was it he, solely, or were there others?
@@emrot I understand that Nelson Riddle [and possibly Nathan van Cleve and Joseph J Lilley] were also involved. Unfortunately, I've been unable to access the cue sheets due to the fact that no one is working at Paramount Pictures due to you-know-what.
For those comments not familiar with Harve Presnell: long before this movie, I saw him on Broadway, playing with Tammy Grimes in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Swoonworthy looks; and back then you didn't have all kinds of electronic correction for voice, and he filled the third balcony with that fabulous basso. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0UMVKnx9ru0.html Recorded with Eugene Ormandy; devoted most of his career to stage theater instead of movies. "Paint Your Wagon" was very, very lucky to have him.
Harve Presnell is not a basso, not even close. I enjoy him too but let's get real. This is not the best version I've ever heard of Mariah, even though he does a fine job here.
Not to mention the Movie Musical genre was growing less popular during this era. A resurgence not coming back til movies like Moulin Rouge and Chicago many years later.
He's dead. But, problem musicals went out of fashion. Such a shame. I saw him in London in the musical Gone With the Wind. He was great. I had a crush on him.
After Harvey Presnell's version of this, every other singer in world came to a joint decision, that if a song lyric contained any of the words, mountain, wind or fire, Only Harvey Presnell could sing it.
I remember hearing this at about age 6(now 68), I thought it was heartwrenchingly beautiful then still do now. And the magnificent voice of Mr. Presnell, I've been told that is the sound of Heaven.
@@Bernie8330 late response, but this was a Broadway show long before it was a movie. It is a Lerner and Loewe production, it opened 12 November 1952 on Broadway . Don't patronize me with some sort of superiority trip. What I heard at 6 was from the Broadway soundtrack lp which I still have in my collection.
he was so handsome with the black hair and that lovely black beard. Can't believe he didn't keep that look. wow he was such a lovely singer. Natural, a gift from God for sure.
It does really standout, although many of the other tunes weren’t intended to be on that level, having Lee Marvin and Eastwood singing them. Kind of like Peter O’Toole singing in Man of La Mancha. Marvin and O’Toole do lend a certain charm in their renditions, limited as they are.
Well said, goodolzimm. As thrilling as the song is, as majestic as Harve's performance of it is, "They Call the Wind Maria" remains fundamentally spooky, even frightening, as though the notes and lyrics waft upward from a deep grave, as if "folks were up there dying," as if "lonely" were the only word, as though one were lost, "so goldurned lost, not even God can find me." How can such emptiness, such desolation, engender such beauty? That's the mystery of the wind they call Maria.
Harve's song is the only part of the movie that I have never forgotten. With his looks and voice, he should have played and sung the male leads in lots of musicals.
What a great singing voice. Harve owns this song. He was a conservatory trained musician. Not a bad actor either [he plays General George Marshall in Spielberg's "Saving Pvt Ryan"].
Yeah I agree that he sing the song great, but singing a great song in a great voice is not about matching another's voice...I can tell you unbiased that Sam Cooke does a very Unique version of this song, check it out and tell me what you think.
True, but he didn't try too hard did he John? If he'd tried a bit harder he could have stopped it, lets be sure about that. Robert is a stopper, that's what he is known for
You are correct: Harve is number one on this ! I just have a hard time getting past the splendid likes of Richard Kiley and Anthony Newly. And Robert Goulet has had several "signature" songs as well !
I met Harve during the shooting of Bright Shinning Lie, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand... In fact I shared a couple of scenes with him. We returned to Bangkok via van and spent the better part of two hours in conversation.. He was a great story teller and I completely enjoyed his company.
Sadly, Harve Presnall probably came along at the tail end of the popularity of movie musicals. I remember seeing Howard Keel playing a Native American in a b-grade western probably in the late 60s. Still, he may have been grateful to have been working. Although, personally, if I was a performer I would imagine live performances, like Broadway or the West End would be more emotionally satisfying. It's interesting what a great dramatic actor Harve Presnall turned out to be when he had his career resurgence in the 90s
Harve Presnell was in Fargo and in at least 100 films. He played the father of William H. Macy character's wife in Fargo. Also on stage and in commercials plus he did voiceovers in animated films. On a soap opera for many a year. He stayed very busy, a song and dance man, and actor extraordinare!
There are some movies that are just flat out the best thing on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Paint your wagon. Brigadoon Seven brides for seven brothers. Any one of then is an afternoon well spent.
Gawd he was a handsome man! I put earphones on, turn the lights out, and listen to this song. Several times. It stirs the soul. He also starred with Debbie Reynolds in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown"
+Andy Jackson not time to die..Andy .. Time to live!! I am glad you miss Emma even if she is the only one.. She must have been a good one!..music moves us!! In the heart..stay well..x
+Andy Jackson ..... I don't know if you are playing tease, tease or are serious.. If you are teasing ..that's okay.. and if you aren't and feel very very badly.. Get someone to talk to.. Because I guarantee you life changes on a hair pin turn on a daily basis... I was born depressed I swear.. But there is too much to stick around for!! Talk to someone who can help.. I am only a old lady on RU-vid.. .....Take care fellow human being..!
+Andy Jackson How are you doing Andy?? Today is Thursday and I am going to sit with my 88 year old momma.. She is in fifth stage dementia. It is hard to see but I love her so much. She was the best mom .. Xx let me know you are still in there chugging away at life. It is not easy, huh?
I have a letter between Harve’s Mum and my Dad and we’re related! Very proud of Harve’s singing and acting talents. It’s wonderful that his music and films live on after his sad passing.
I loved this movie. I watch it about once a year. Harve Presnell's rendition of MARIA is one of the reasons I keep watching it. His range of talent is under-appreciated and he was under-utilized as an actor.
They could not have come up with a better cast - Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin and Jean Seaberg. What a shame she got so screwed up with that Cleaver character and had to overdose in despair. She was also great in AIRPORT.
