Answer
In the film "The Music Man," a young Ron Howard portrays Winthrop Paroo, a shy, awkward, and impressionable young boy. The story follows traveling salesman Harold Hill, played by Robert Preston, who arrives in River City, Iowa, and convinces the townspeople to start a boys' band, despite having no musical talent himself. Winthrop's transformation from a timid boy to a confident performer highlights Howard's early acting skills.