Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

It would be difficult, I suspect not to like, "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers". This film boasts an attractive frontier setting, famously excellent dance numbers choreographed by Michael Kidd, powerful Howard Keel as the head of the Pontifee clan and Jane Powell as the lovely girl who is swept off her feet by his charms. Of course when she finds out that he has six brothers, all scruffy backwoodsmen in need of manners and wives, trouble ensues. But all turns out well, with a little help from a lesson in Roman history, hard work, and the willingness of six other local girls to be (finally) swept off their feet. Howard Petrie, Ian Wolfe and such lovelies as Ruta Lee, Julie Newmar and Virginia Gibson contribute to the fun as the girls; the brothers include Russ Tamblyn, non-dancer Jeff Richards and some of the best dancers on the planet. The movie also presents some famous songs including, "Wonderful Day", "I'm a Lonesome Polecat", "June Bride" and, "When You're in Love" as well as "Goin' Courtin'", among others. Well-remembered scenes include the hilarious barn raising, the town dance, the sleigh pursuit and avalanche and the "Spring, Spring, Spring" vocal climax. Forget the acting, which is sometimes a bit potty; the director and the music add to a clearly-defined script a rare sense of frontier life, where taking risks for happiness and facing the precariousness of things where life is less than settled become necessary. Very few films have followed the lead of "Seven Brides" as a frontier or western musical; and none has been as well received nor appreciated. What a pity, its fans say, it was not given an outdoor setting instead of backlot scenery--and an "A" budget...It has a few flaws; but for five decades it has been one of the happiest musical films ever made; and that is quite an enduring achievement.

In 1850, in the Oregon Territory, the provincial farmer Adam Pontipee (Howard Keel) comes to the town to trade supplies and find a wife. When he meets the strong hard worker Milly (Jane Powell) working in a bar, he proposes her. Milly has a crush on Adam and marries him, expecting to have her own place with her husband. However, when they arrive in the distant farm, she leans that Adam is the eldest of seven unsophisticated and rude brothers. Milly educates the brothers, teaching them hygiene, good manners and how to win somebody's heart.

In the annual town picnic, Milly, Adam and his six brothers go to the party and each of his brothers fall in love for a girl. However, they have to return to the loneliness of their farm. In the winter, Adam reads Plutarch and tells his brothers about "The Rape of the Sabine Women", when the Roman men had abducted wives for themselves from the Sabine families. He travels with his brothers to the town and they kidnap their beloved girls. When they cross a gorge, they provoke a snow avalanche and block the narrow passage. However, Milly keeps the girls in the house and sends Adam and his brothers to the barn. But until the spring, when the passage will be open again, many things happen in the farm with Milly, Adam, his brothers and their "brides".

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is a delightfully funny and entertaining musical, with a pleasant feel-good story, wonderful performances and awesome choreographies. Stanley Donen directs this unforgettable and awarded family entertaining with the remarkable support of the choreographer Michael Kidd, and the cinematographer George Folsey and a wonderful cast highlighting Jane Powell with a magnificent performance in the role of a strong young woman. All the six brothers are talented dancer and Jacques d'Amboise was the principal dancer of the New York City Ballet. Just as a curiosity, the catwoman Julie Newmar is the bride Dorcas Gailen. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Sete Noivas para Sete Irmãos" ("Seven Brides for Seven Brothers")

After 50 years, this movie musical still warms the heart and the senses.

It has been alluded to, revived somehow, often imitated but never duplicated.

The songs, the scenery, the dances are the frosting on the cake.

Although by today's standards SB4SB is dated, it nevertheless remains an industry and studio standard.

A great way to chart the early appearances of Ruta Lee and Julie Newmar, who at the time were using their original respective surnames of Kilmonis and Newmeyer. Don't blink or you'll miss Sheila James, who later went on to appear in The Trouble With Father and, of course, Dobie Gillis. Last, but not least, there's Amber Tamblyn's father, Russ, in his famous hatchet dance (Don't try this at home).

Again, happy 50th anniversary to a cool classic.

This is most certainly a candidate for the best movie musical of all time. The story is simple enough to follow, but the musical sequences intertwine between the dramatic scenes with such fluidity that they help to further the story, rather then bog it down. The actors and dancers are all in top form, but special mention should go to Tommy Rall and Russ Tamblyn for their impressive acrobatic stunts which add an extra degree of vibrancy to the whole production. Howard Keel and Jane Powell work well together and make a realistic, and pleasant pair. Among the highlights to be seen are Keel's lively rendition of "Bless Yore Beautiful Hide", Powell's "Goin' Cotin'" sung with the men, and of course the famous barn raising dance sequence, which is truly a sight to behold; a visual feast for the eyes. Also worth noting, and often overlooked, is the "Lament" ("Lonesome Polecat") number which is done entirely in one take. It is charming, graceful, and extremely well executed.

It should also be noted that this silm was shot twice at the same time, once in CinemaScope and once "flat". The scope version is the one generally shown on TV and video. If you see this version, see it "letterboxed". However, the "flat" version is quite unique in its own right, with many of the scenes and dances reframed and in some instances, offering a better, more full view of the proceedings. Definitely a not-to-be-missed film, especially for fans of the musical genre.

Ok-will admit I'm to young to have seen this movie when it first came out-wasn't even born yet! But a friend of mine(who has GREAT taste) pursueded me to watch it one night. She thought, knowing I'm a big fan of musicals that I would like this.

I must confess I fought her on it-mainly because I, being the generation xer I am, prefer, generally more modern musicals. But I gave in and did watch it and am glad I did. This musical was very enjoyable! Despite the somewhat traditional feel to it, there's a quality that's very appealing and you really get into it. I liked it more then I thought I would.

Now, that still doesn't mean that this is my favorite musical but it is a pretty darn good one and appears to have a somewhat timeless quality to-the characters are sometimes zany and full of fun, the story is a clever one and it is the rare moment when your bored. That was good enough for me and I wouldn't be adverse to a second viewing.

I think this musical transcends the age factor and can appeal to people of all ages and that's a plus. I did enjoy this though my faves still run along the line of "Chicago" but this is a wonderfully inviting musical that anyone(as long as they like musicals) can enjoy.