Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) User Reviews

Wow, what a movie, fantastic score and choreography

[terry-265 · 6 November 2004]

If you like musicals don't look beyond this one. MGM goofed when it slashed the movie's budget and gave it away to Brigadoon in 1953 but it doesn't matter for the simply stunning songs and choreography shine through. As good as Brigadoon was, it is outclassed by this, for me, the greatest musical of them all.

Howard Keel stars with Jane Powell but for me I cannot look beyond the awesome dancing talent of Matt Mattox as Caleb. Check out the 'polecat scene' and bookmark it on your DVD. It doesn't get any better than this. Thank you Matt, you were great!

Terry

Spectacular dancing and great music..Keel and Powell never did anything better!

[Doylenf · 13 April 2001]

A permanent place in the history of film musicals is obviously the fate of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' the minute Howard Keel begins to sing 'Bless Your Beautiful Hide'. His robust romantic presence and voice are perfectly suited to blend with Jane Powell's sweet soprano--the Nelson and Jeanette of the '50s era. Jane is as perky as can be as the girl who impulsively marries him only to find that she's expected to keep house for him and his seven handsome brothers. (Echos of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' here and a touch of political incorrectness). But all that can be forgiven, for what follows is the most outrageously entertaining musical treat from the MGM factory--singin' and dancin' like you've never seen before! The exuberant acrobatic dancing of the brothers is a special highlight--particularly during the barnraising sequence. And their wistful rendering of the carefully staged 'Lonesome Polecat' is another high point. Powell and Keel get to warble some enchanting tunes and both are totally charming and professional in their roles. Keel probably never had a better role--except perhaps 'Showboat' or 'Annie Get Your Gun', handsome, macho and utterly believable. By all means reward yourself with this gem--either in regular format or widescreen, it's certainly one of the greatest MGM musicals of the '50s. Perhaps, as others have noted, the only drawbacks are some of the obviously painted mountain backgrounds--but this never destroys the overall charm of the film. The songs are splendid and the dances are as zestful as any you're ever likely to see.

Mercer's Lonesome Polecat - wow

[onepotato2 · 7/10 · 7 July 2007]

I enjoyed this in as much as I don't get my morality from Hollywood movies, apparently as some of these P.C. reviewers indicate. The movie is very enjoyable but this review is simply about one song. I knew what were commonly held to be the high points of this movie (Barn Dance etc.) but was pleasantly surprised, moved even, to stumble across "Lonesome Polecat" as both a mournful beautiful Johnny Merecer song, AND as a slowly-orchestrated, atypical production number.

The 6 unmarried brothers are doing winter chores when their efforts become half-hearted & listless. Mercer hands them a trifle with a mournful melody, slight lyrics and haunting chorus consisting mostly of an extended "whooo-ooo-oooooo-oo." And Michael Kidd generated a 'dance' out of slow moves in which barely any work is done, and a bang is incorporated every 4 bars.

I was about to fast forward through it when even the sped-up image revealed synchronized axe movements and that the actors were using real axes. I backed up again, watched it and have been watching it for about the last hour.

Although the scene is constructed out of convention and a phony interior mountainscape, it doesn't matter. It's as beautiful a moment I've ever seen in a musical, and so rare to have slowed the tempo down as much as they do. The orchestration is quite minimal, but a horn swells at a few moments.

Irresistible with its vitality and freshness...

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 9/10 · 28 July 2002]

A former Broadway dancer and choreographer, Donen's initial encounter with MGM was as choreographer on a number of musicals, including 'Cover Girl,' 'Anchors Aweigh,' and 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game.'

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' tells the story of the seven Pontipee brothers, who are living a rough lonely existence on their farm in Oregon... It is also the story of a rugged young farmer, in 1850, who rides into town to trade for some supplies, and pick himself up a comely bride...

In town, Adam finds just what he's looking for—'Pretty and trim, but not too slim. Heavenly eyes and just the right size. Simple and sweet and sassy as can be.' Adam meets the young spirited Milly working at a local inn... He is instantly attracted by her good looks and her cooking... For her part, Milly likes her tall, and self-assured man... Also his directness, and the sound of his good house in the wilderness... After a whirlwind courtship, the two agree to wed...

Millie chirps an engaging 'Wonderful, Wonderful Day' as she welcomes what she expects will be a perfect new life... But when she arrives at the ranch, all her dreams about love and marriage and such, are shattered... She discovers that her new husband has not been entirely truthful... Instead of an idyllic honeymoon cottage just for two, she finds he really wants 'a cook, a washerwoman, a hired girl,' for his small army of six sensitive brothers living in one filthy cabin...

After the shock, Milly immediately sets out to transform the young rowdy men into the region's most eligible bachelors, with an eye to marrying them off as quickly as possible...

Milly's good cooking and stubborn nature inspire the rambunctious young men that they cannot expect to attract wives if they dress and behave the way they do... They have to learn some social graces... At the perfect opportunity, the boys put Milly's teaching to good use, meeting the town girls whose glances express an obvious interest...

Unfortunately, the women are spoken for..

Adam could hardly believe it how his little wife tamed his backwoods brothers... He suggests to the wild and grieving 'Romeos,' reduced to what he can only describe as "a bunch of mamma's boys," forget gentle methods of love, and kidnap the unwilling gals they want, following the actions of the Roman with the Sabine women...

Howard Keel is at his commanding best... He develops an unorthodox solution to his brothers loneliness, much to the chagrin of the town fathers and their romantic rivals... With a voice singularly warm and precise, he rises magnificently to the occasion, singing a firmness 'Bless Your Beautiful Hide,' while he appraises the qualities of womanhood in general...

In her probably best screen performance, Jane Powell had the required amount of grit and spunk that was needed to lay the woman who could tame seven backwoodsmen... She sets about to refine her unkempt brothers-in-law giving them the manners and habits they need to court and to win their own sweethearts... Her clear, high, spring-water voice is just right for the songs, seemingly meant to be heard in the open with the mountains and meadows to echo it...

Unquestionably, the highlight of the motion picture is justly the 'Barn-raising' sequence... It begins as a 'challenge' dance—a truly breathtaking display of acrobatic leaps and ballet steps, in which the brothers compete for the girls with the more 'refined' men of the town, and it ends inevitably in a noisy, undignified fight as the men actually try to raise the four sides of the wooden barn...

The collective presence of the six brothers is simply dynamic... All the players move rhythmically with grace and ease... Russ Tamblyn jumps both forward and backward over an ax held in his hands... Stanley Donen again displays his visual originality and creates a new style of musical, irresistible with its vitality and freshness, lovely to look at and hear...

Quality will always tell

[sharkey197 · 10/10 · 21 July 2005]

Well, I wanted to show a musical to my critical viewing class but knew it would be difficult since the boys were the most unlikely candidates for liking musicals that I'd ever seen. I chose this because of the outstanding dance sequence and because the DVD had such an excellent "making of" which I showed first. It was wonderful to realize at the end of things that they totally got into it, even confessing that they were predisposed against it when I made my intentions known. They found the action funny, the dancing riveting and found lots to comment on in the growth of the relationship between Adam and Millie. One of my reluctant students even confessed to me that he'd found himself singing "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" in the shower one morning! This is a wonderful film for teens today and has the ability to draw them in. While they are totally aware of the sound stage sets and how "stagey" it looks, they also realize why it was filmed that way and manage to get past it. I showed this film only weeks after Howard Keel had died and was so glad that he had done the documentary, which is outstanding because all of the original cast were available to comment. It was charming to see them and how well they had aged.

Real Men Can Sing AND Dance

[jriordon · 10/10 · 31 August 2005]

As an experienced woodsman compounded by being a fan of great music, it is so refreshing to see a perfect musical centered around men behaving like men. So many shows have slim little dandies spinning around and leaping to and fro and the only way you can tell them from a 13 year old girl is their shorter haircuts. I truly enjoyed seeing someone masculine (gay or straight doesn't matter) move in a skilled manner, and disprove the stereotypes of "White Men Can't Dance." Seven Brides for Seven Brothers has the great Howard Keel (the John Wayne of Musicals), supported by a cast of 6 men (some actors, some dancers and some acrobats) and the outcome is nothing short of spectacular. Michael Kidd's choreography is fantastic, demonstrating grace and strength, yet remaining believable in the fact that the skills could be something done by woodsmen. Mercers music, especially "Bless Your Beautiful" and "Lonesome Polecat" is simply awesome and are in my head for days every time I watch it. The cinema-scope and vibrant colors are unbelievably crisp. I watched this with my 2 year old daughter, and aside from her dragging me up to dance with her during the big production numbers, she sat in her chair and watched the ENTIRE 2 hour movie. A two year old that watches an entire 2 hour movie with her dad, you say!?! Do I need anymore proof of the perfection of this movie!? Bless Howard Keel, as he must be smiling down on me whenever I collapse back into my seat, exhausted from dancing with my little girl...who also slept very, very well that night.

This one has grown on me over time

[AlsExGal · 8/10 · 10 July 2018]

Revisiting this film, I was immediately pulled in by Howard Keel's opening song Bless Your Beautiful Hide. Audacious even in it's day, there's a tenderness in Mercer's lyrics that makes it somewhat forgivable-remember suspending your reality for a musical? Handsome Howard Keel's virility doesn't hurt. Instead of recoiling over the idea of "finding a wife" I just rolled with it as a silly plot idea. Once I had put myself in the same fantasy mode as when watching a Busby Berkeley musical, I started enjoying it.

I really paid attention to the musical numbers, most notably the Barn Dance & Lonesome Polecat. Amazing. Not too many dances in movies were designed to actually TELL a story, showing what the characters were feeling so eloquently. The Barn Dance scene is the best example I've ever seen of this. The dancing styles of townies vs mountaineers, the girl's being hoisted up in the air, the colors, the acrobatics all contribute to a very coherent "story" in dance.

Lonesome Polecat is also just extraordinary. It has a low base line of something like 3/4 but the lyrics are sung in some odd time signature like 5/9. (help me here music experts) The choreography too, is just excellent- the men really stand out as athletic, as is typical in many cultures such as Indian & Hawaiian dances.

I was again struck by how awful crazy the story line is, but how easily it's vindicated by Keel's character explaining how tough life is for mountain settlers. And Janie Powell was so perfect as the sweet young pretty girl who makes lemonade out of a bunch of sour lemons. The entire story is really about how she orchestrates a success out of her bad situation. I like that she's physically tiny but controls the fate of everyone in the story, not with weak conniving but with strong confident guidance.

At first you think this is a terribly sexist story, but it's truly a pioneering and feminist story.

One of the truly durable musicals

[petrov-4 · 10/10 · 8 November 2004]

Howard Keel died yesterday bringing a lifetime of energetic and fun films to a close. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was one of those films. It had catchy memorable tunes with strong hooks that stay in the brain for days. It took full advantage of brilliant color, fabulous choreography, and even managed to have that one thing that too many musicals eschew... a plot... complete with character arcs. Adam Pontipee is the eldest of seven brothers who decides that living in a squalor with six other scroungy bachelors and horrible cooking has gone on long enough. When Milly agrees to marry him on the day they meet, everyone's in for a shock.

Adam finds that a wife is more than a cooking and cleaning slave and that his actions can effect others far more than he ever thought. Milly learns that expectations and dreams don't always work out the way you hope, but they can still work out. The six brothers learn that there's more to life than chopping wood, that Adam isn't always right and that you can't just take what you want. And six young women (the brides) discover that there are more choices than the ones people put in front of you.

The movie asks some hard questions and doesn't answer all of them. Initially the brides are all quite take with the brothers, until the bachelors in town chase them back into the mountains. When the bachelors decide to kidnap the brides we have to ask ourselves how such an act could work out well. Before we heap indignities on the writers, we should also ask whether the townsfolk should be allowed to chase off anyone who might contend for the affections of the girls they have their eyes on. That's one of the finest points of this movie. These aren't matters of black and white. This is a story of humanity and of men and women. But mostly, this is a fine musical and part of Howard Keel's enduring legacy.

It still holds up today!

[MovieAddict2016 · 9/10 · 3 November 2005]

Adam Pontipee (Howard Keel) lives with his six brothers in a cabin in a remote area of the woods. He goes to town one day and convinces a girl named Milly (Jane Powell) to marry him. They return to the cabin, where she suddenly realizes he has six brothers.

Milly tries to teach them some manners after her initial shock, but they are not entirely keen to change their ways. They are, however, anxious to get wives of their own.

After Adam reads about Roman capturing of Sabine women, he hatches a plan for his brothers - kidnap whoever they want to marry and bring them back to the cabin.

"Seven Bridges for Seven Brothers" is, today, somewhat of a classic; Stanley Donen adapts the screenplay by Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich and Dorothy Kingsley; their combined efforts are superb.

I have grown up on this film and was surprised at the fact that, after having seen it very recently, it continues to hold up as well as it did when I was younger. I recommend it to everyone of all ages - it's funny, charming, sweet-natured and very enjoyable.

Colorful, Lively, and Well-Choreographed; a Happy Experience

[silverscreen888 · 8/10 · 13 June 2005]

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.

All Singin', All Dancin', All Fighting, All Lovin' Musical

[Bob-45 · 10/10 · 2 February 2005]

How can "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" be such a wonderful musical? While the songs are lovely, they are mostly forgettable. The characters of the six brides and five of the brothers are almost hopelessly underwritten. Credit director Stanley Donen, choreographer Michael Kidd, cinematographer George Folsey, and a perfect cast led by Howard Keel and Jane Powell for creating one of the all time great musicals and an unforgettable motion picture experience even 50 years after its release. "Brides" has never been surpassed for ensemble performance, and that includes "West Side Story". This is largely due to Michael Kidd's choreography and the Donen/Folsey scene composition. Kidd exploited the best elements of each character's dance style (one brother is a ballet star; another, an acrobat) and created the most bravura ballroom/freestyle dance number in motion picture history, the barn dance sequence which formally introduces the "brides" to the "brothers". Kidd's work would have been in vain, however, had not Donen and Folsey so skillfully composed the scene. "Brides" is the best example of scene composition of any wide screen musical I've ever seen; every frame is filled with something visually interesting. Donen frequently, but subtly uses Jane Powell's tiny stature for comic effect by surrounding her with the tall brothers in submissive poses. Powell is clearly always in control, but her size and generally cheery temperament prevent her from ever seeming a bully. Donen also carefully chose to dress the brothers in bright, distinctly colored shirts, which enables the audience to clearly distinguish the characters during key scenes.

The movie also has a subtle feminist slant. Powell is clearly younger than her husband, Howard Keel, but she is also clearly a more mature and dominant character. For the time, "Brides" was also daring in its depiction of "good" women looking forward to enjoying sex. Prior to one song/dance number, bride Julie Newmarr poses on a bed in a position clearly representing "missionary position" sex, legs up and astride an imaginary lover's back.

Though the brides don't get as much screen time or individuality as the brothers, each looks as if she would be a great partner. Both the brides and the brothers get a satisfactory showcasing as couples in the last song, "Spring, Spring, Spring".

I'll leave others to explain the plot. I would like to mention that Donen had an uphill battle with the studio while making "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". The studio had so little faith, they continually cut "Brides" budget to put more money into the lumbering "Brigadoon." Sets and even cast members were loaned out to other movies. Brothers Russ Tamblyn an Jeff Richards, as well as part of the set can be seen in "Many Rivers to Cross." Instead of Technicolor, the studio used Ansco color. Thus, "Brides" looks about as good as "Wizard of Oz," but no where near as good as "Harvey Girls" or "Meet Me in St. Louis." That's quite an achievement being the best photographed, best choreographed and best ensemble acted musical of the last 50 years. I think it's also the most entertaining. I give "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" a "10."

Brilliant!

[laffinsal · 11 October 2000]

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.

An all-time classic, no matter how many times you see it!

[carver-5 · 10/10 · 23 March 2000]

I've seen this movie about ten times over the years, and it is such a joy to watch! This movie was nominated for Best Picture, and rightly so. The snappy, well written, melodic songs, coupled with the first rate dancing is a match made in Hollywood musical heaven. By the way, did you know that the guy playing "Frank" was borrowed from the New York Ballet?

This film will put a warm fuzzy feeling in you throughout the entire two hours. This movie stands up against "Singin in the Rain", and "On the Town" any day!

See it in the wide-screen version for the full effect!

i only wish that it could have continued on forever

[turbo_issa · 10/10 · 11 February 2005]

i love this musical, i have ever since i was 16 yrs old and now i'm 22 going onto 23. i would have loved this musical to continue on forever. its lovely. i love the brothers i love the brides. i think Jane Powell, Howard keel, Russ & tommy were great. its all singing, all comedy fun musical to watch over and over again. but one must face facts, its only one film and not a trilogy. i wish you all to enjoy it.

here is a toast to the cast: Jane, Howard, Jeff, Matt, Marc, Jacques, tommy, Russ, Julie, Miss R. Lee (yes i know your name, but the Internet Movie Database is picking it up as a mistake), Norma, Virgina, Betty and Nancy. and to Micheal Kidd for his wonderful work and for Stanley for fighting to have this musical done. i'm glad this movie got better reviews than the silly Brigadoon, which was supposed to be the hit of that year. if i was you i would have said "in your face" to MGM for not having any faith in you, but hey your not me and you seem to be a good sport. this movie is a classic so thank you for giving it to your generation, my mothers generation, my generation and in future my children's generation. to the cast, i'm sad that i never saw the majority of you in other films, i hope that where ever you are that you are well and are happy. to Jane Powell, i adore your films and to Howard may you rest in peace (hopefully). to Russ i loved you in west side story. tommy - you cracked me up in the movie and made me laugh so hard, and i've seen you in merry Andrew which was a great film too. Jacques, your were the most good-looking of the brothers (along with Tommy), if i was bold enough i would have asked if you had a son (kidding!) and the rest of the brothers who were excellent, Jeff who was great in the bedroom where all the brothers are, Matt and Marc for there dancing as well. to the beautiful brides, i love the song June bride and i think all of you were great.

great job to you all

Suspend disbelief 21st century folk!!!!!

[beresfordjd · 9/10 · 11 November 2004]

Almost at the top of my favourite movies of all time. My second favourite musical after West Side Story. No I am not gay but I have watched this movie hundreds of times since I first saw it at the age of 7 (thanks Mavis for taking me). This was the film which made dancing acceptable as a male pursuit!! Macho routines choreographed by Michael Kidd. Should have won boatloads of Oscars for a groundbreaking musical. All the people who slate it for its outdated values should get a life and take it for what it is - a movie, not a political tract!! Howard Keel (RIP) will live forever through this fantastic showcase for his talents, as will the rest of the cast. I am about to buy the DVD so I can wallow whenever I like. Try it if you haven't seen it-you will not be sorry -if you have any taste!!

Seems to be rather timeless.

[triple8 · 7/10 · 5 April 2004]

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.

Better Dance Sequences Have Never Been Filmed

[LeonardKniffel · 10/10 · 27 April 2020]

One of the best of all the1950s MGM musicals, this film is blessed with danceable original score by Gene DePaul and Johnny Mercer and the inspired choreography of Michael Kidd, which move the story along. Enjoying this move is a guilty pleasure for some people because its take on women makes it politically incorrect these days, even though it is set in Oregon in the mid 19th century. Personally, I always thought the take on men was much more insulting (essentially, they are swine without women). The dance numbers have never been outdone, and what makes them so splendid is the vigor and athleticism of the men and women dancers equally. Howard Keel and Jane Powell star, and they have the voices and vigor to carry the movie. Greater dance sequences have never been filmed. ---from Musicals on the Silver Screen, American Library Association, 2013

One of the Best Musicals Ever

[dougandwin · 10/10 · 15 November 2004]

I am not a great lover of Musicals, but "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' is a major exception - it is a joy from the opening scene to the very end, with great songs, and the highlight of magnificent dance sequences, with the "building" of the barn a real showstopper. As Adam, Howard Keel has his best ever role with songs like "Bless Your Beautiful Hide", and "Sobbin' Women" just great standouts. Jane Powell was excellent, and the supporting cast of the very talented group who played the brothers helped make it such wonderful entertainment. I particularly like Tommy Rall and Russ Tamblyn. The settings were great, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I have seen this film at least 8 times, so if you get a chance to see it again on TV, do not miss it!

Delightfully Funny and Entertaining

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 15 May 2011]

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")

Great Music, great dancing, good-looking people

[rayemarsstarpower2003 · 10/10 · 17 March 2004]

I have been a big fan of musicals since i can remember. This is not like any other i've seen. It is great. If you've seen a musical this is one even for the boys. The men are rough, tough mountain men. They are fights and yes love. It's a very great thing to watch. Their isn't any other like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. You probably say well that isn't me but you have to try it. I didn't describe the girls. They are beautiful, smart, and sassy. They don't take any crap from no one. When the brothers kidnap them they make the boys sleep in the barn. That's the only thing i am giving away. You have gotta see it. The story line goes with the music. You never get bored. You will enjoy it. It not anly a chick flick. It's a family film. The whole family will enjoy it. My two little ones love it. Their ages are 6 (my boy) and 8 (my girl). These two really enjoyed it. You go rent it, like it, buy it.

One of the best movie musicals

[ercolby · 10/10 · 21 February 2006]

I first saw "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" when I was a youngster in the early 70s and immediately fell in love with it. I was a fan of movie musicals, but had never heard of this one before. A few years later, I was shocked to see an extensive clip from it (the barn raising dance, of course) featured in the documentary "That's Entertainment," which showcased all the great old MGM musicals. I had no idea it was so highly esteemed. My guess is that many others who see this film for the first time will have the same reaction -- why haven't I heard of this movie before?

I suppose the fact that it starred Howard Keel and Jane Powell -- rather than bigger, more heralded stars such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, or Judy Garland -- may be the reason why this film is lesser known in general these days (than, say, "Singin' in the Rain," "On the Town," and "Meet Me in St. Louis," etc.). But make no mistake: It is every bit as entertaining and enjoyable as some of the best films from the golden era of movie musicals.

What sets this film apart? In "That's Entertainment," the host who introduces the clip from "Seven Brides" says something along the lines of: "Anybody who thinks dancing is for sissies forgot to tell the cast of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.'" That captures it pretty well. The dancing in this film is so athletic and manly and spirited -- unlike the dancing in almost any other film from that era.

On top of that, you have the power of Howard Keel's bass voice and sturdy frame, the absolute loveliness of Jane Powell in voice, looks and personality, and the impish charm and amazing athleticism of Russ Tamblyn as Gideon, the youngest of the seven brothers. You have an ensemble cast of young actors, dancers, and singers -- the brothers and the brides -- who create appealing characters for whom you want to root. You have an entertaining plot filled with characters who are learning life lessons and falling in love. And, you have a number of very enjoyable, memorable, and hummable songs (such as Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Going' Courtin', and Sobbin' Women) that will stick in your head long after you see it.

It's a winning combination that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Comments rather than a full review - but one of my personal Top 5 Musicals ...

[fiona-webstuff · 10/10 · 20 December 2005]

Despite not having the budgets of the Freed unit - Donen and the whole crew pull off this amazing delight - if you ever ever get a chance to see it at the cinema - go go go!! You will want to see the Barn Raising/Barn dance scene in widescreen on the big screen ... Although the dancer playing Ephraim (Jacques D'Amboise) is from the New York City Ballet, weirdly the one brother who gets a balletic style solo in the snow is Caleb, Matt Mattox (... but there ya go ...) (and that solo is great!!) Frank is played by the talented Tommy Rall - who you can also see in Kiss Me Kate! as Bill (having the great luck to dance with Anne Miller - one of the Big Four, i.e. Eleanor Powell, Cyd Charisse, Anne Miller and Vera Ellen). Russ Tamblyn plays Gideon (you can see him as Riff in West Side Story) was an acrobat as well as a dancer - and boy does it show!! The best thing about this movie is that all the dancers are so good and they all get a chance to shine. The costumes are beautiful without being distracting ... and feel really appropriate, and the dancing sparks with life and energy (One could compare with Oklahoma - where although the dancing is built into the plot and characterisation - it feels much more strait-laced and stiff ... unlike the lightness and elasticity of Seven Brides) I went to see it in Glasgow when I was a student - and the film got a spontaneous round of applause at the end ... (they issued us all with song sheets too ...)

Fantastic Song & Dance

[willrams · 9/10 · 14 November 2002]

This is one of the finest directed by Stanley Donen with great stars like Howard Keel, Jane Powell with wonderful dances. The ensemble dancing takes the show, and I remember Russ Tamblyn so well because that redheaded star shown bright with his athletic tumbling and dance routines, notably the log tumbling. The girls did a great ballet, too! After all these years it's a pleasure to view this once more. I give it 9/10.

Bless This Beautiful Film

[bkoganbing · 9/10 · 19 July 2007]

In his memoirs Howard Keel said he had a rollicking good time making Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and the results certainly do show. If there is a more boisterous musical out there, I haven't found it.

Keel is Adam Pontipee, eldest brother of seven who own a farm way out in a valley that is usually snowed in during wintertime. That fact becomes of singular importance later on in the film. Living with six other brothers in what could be described as bachelor quarters can be mighty stressful. Not to mention certain other needs aren't being met.

So Keel up and decides to get himself a wife and he goes to the nearest town to find one. Amazingly enough he does when Jane Powell decides that with once glance, he's indeed the one.

On the Pontipee Farm she's not only wife to Keel, but a den mother to the other brothers. She's lucky she didn't run into that family of inbreds that Randolph Scott and Joel McCrea rescued Mariette Hartley from in Ride the High Country, they would have expected a lot more.

Those six other brothers see what benefits from married life Keel is enjoying with Powell and decide to take matters into their own hands with a little help from Keel in that Sobbin' Women number. Powell brought up Plutarch's Lives and Keel read about those Sabine women and encourages the Pontipees to be good Romans. At least that's what Plutarch said.

When you think of it Seven Brides for Seven Brothers has one of the silliest plots on record. I mean we are talking about kidnapping and possible rape. But the score is great and the singing and dancing can't be beat. Gene DePaul and Johnny Mercer wrote the music and lyrics for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, the following year they would collaborate on Lil Abner on Broadway which would eventually come to Hollywood.

Curiously enough three songs entitled When You're In Love came out at the same time. The one in this version that Keel and Powell both sing, one that Bing Crosby sang in the television musical High Tor and one that Mario Lanza did on one of his albums. For that matter there's an even older song sung by Russ Columbo in Wake Up and Dream from the Thirties. This one however is the best.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers hasn't aged a bit from its first showing in 1954. It's one of those eternal films that will be enjoyed a millenia from now. At least that's what me and Plutarch say.

Happy 50th Anniversary, SB4SB

[juliafwilliams · 11 February 2004]

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.