Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

( 35 )

Overview

Based extremely loosely on the Stephen Vincent Benet story Sobbin' Women, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of the best MGM musicals of the 1950s. Most of the story takes place on an Oregon ranch, maintained by Adam Pontabee Howard Keel and his six brothers, played by Jeff Richards, Russ Tamblyn, Tommy Rall, Mark Platt, Matt Mattox, and Jacques d'Amboise it is no coincidence that five of those six boys are played by professional dancers. When Adam brings home his new bride Milly Jane Powell, she is appalled ...
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Overview

Based extremely loosely on the Stephen Vincent Benet story Sobbin' Women, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of the best MGM musicals of the 1950s. Most of the story takes place on an Oregon ranch, maintained by Adam Pontabee Howard Keel and his six brothers, played by Jeff Richards, Russ Tamblyn, Tommy Rall, Mark Platt, Matt Mattox, and Jacques d'Amboise it is no coincidence that five of those six boys are played by professional dancers. When Adam brings home his new bride Milly Jane Powell, she is appalled at the brothers' slovenliness and sets about turning these unwashed louts into immaculate gentlemen. During the boisterous barn-raising scene, the brothers get into a scuffle with a group of townsmen over the affection of six comely lasses: Virginia Gibson, Julie Newmeyer later Newmar, Ruth Kilmonis later Ruth Lee, Nancy Kilgas, Betty Carr, and Norma Doggett yep, most of the girls are dancers, too. Yearning to become husbands like their big brother, they ask Adam for advice. Alas, he has been reading a book about the abduction of the Sabine Women or, as he puts it, the Sobbin' Women; and, in order to claim their gals, Adam explains, the boys must kidnap them--which they do, after blocking off all avenues of escape. Vowing to remain on their best behavior, the boys make no untoward advances towards their reluctant female guests--not even during one of the coldest winters on record. Comes the spring thaw, the angry townsfolk come charging up the mountain, demanding the return of the stolen girls who, by this time, have "tamed" their men. A happy ending is ultimately had by all in this delightful if politically incorrect concoction.
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Editorial Reviews

Barnes & Noble - Donald Liebenson
Two discs for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! Fans of Stanley Donen's rowdy, lusty MGM musical will kick up their boots for this truly special edition. It contains not only a close approximation of the original CinemaScope version but also the rarely seen full-screen version that MGM insisted Donen make simultaneously, so it could be shown in theaters that lacked the then-revolutionary widescreen equipment. Howard Keel stars as Adam, an Oregon mountain man in the market for a bride. Jane Powell is Milly, who accepts the proposal, only to find herself playing cook and maid to Adam and his six boisterous, brawling brothers. She attempts to civilize her new husband and her lovelorn brothers-in-law, all of whom want wives of their own. Adam proposes a more direct approach than "goin' co'tin" -- kidnap the prospective brides! According to Donen's commentary and an entertaining documentary about the making of the film, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was budgeted as a B-movie by MGM, forcing Donen to film on sound stages rather than on location. But it endures as one of the last great MGM musicals, and one of the most beloved. The high-spirited performances are infectious, especially during the classic barn-raising extravaganza, and the Saul Chapin-Gene de Paul score, while it did not produce any hits, remains a delight, with such tunes as "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" and the haunting "Lonesome Polecat." A decided improvement over previous pan-and-scan versions, this features-laden set is the one to have and to hold, from this day forward.
All Movie Guide - Craig Butler
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is one of the screen's most exuberant musicals -- no small feat considering that the stolid Howard Keel plays the male lead. Fortunately, Keel is looser and livelier here than in many of his roles. Whether it's the part or director Stanley Donen, he seems inspired to have fun, whether cockily blustering through the town looking for a bride or sulking after a good reprimanding. He's well matched by Jane Powell, who achieves a fine blend of perkiness and motherliness. Both leads sound great, with Keel's rich baritone bursting forth in "Bless Yore Beautiful Hide" and Powell's soprano trilling nicely in "Wonderful, Wonderful Day." What makes the film, however, is the dancing. Michael Kidd's choreography is among the most athletic and exciting on film. The barn-raising sequence in particular is a rousing classic, with leaps, turns, and log rolls that leave the audience thrilled. Special mention must also be made of the lovely, gentle "Lonesome Polecat" ballet, in which minimal movement is used for maximum impact. The screenplay is solid and well-constructed, although contemporary audiences may find aspects of the story dated. Donen, already respected for such earlier musicals as Singin' in the Rain and On the Town, would go on to direct It's Always Fair Weather and Funny Face.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 9/19/2000
  • UPC: 012569506534
  • Original Release: 1954

    • Rating:

  • Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
  • Format: VHS

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Howard Keel Adam Pontabee
Jeff Richards Benjamin Pontabee
Russ Tamblyn Gideon Pontabee
Tommy Rall Frank Pontabee
Marc Platt Daniel Pontabee
Jane Powell Milly Pontabee
Matt Mattox Caleb Pontabee
Julie Newmar Dorcas
Howard Petrie Pete Perkins
Jacques D'Amboise Ephraim Pontabee
Nancy Kilgas Alice
Betty Carr Sarah
Virginia Gibson Liza
Ian Wolfe Rev. Elcott
Earl Barton Harry
Dante DiPaolo Matt
Kelly Brown Carl
Matt Moore Ruth's Uncle
Dick Rich Dorcas' Father
Marjorie Wood Mrs. Bixby
Russell Simpson Mr. Bixby
Walter Beaver Lem
Larry Blake Drunk
Tim Graham Father
Lois Hall Girl
Sheila James Dorcas' Sister
I. Stanford Jolley Father
Ruta Lee Ruth
Jarma Lewis Lem's Girl Friend
Anna Q. Nilsson Mrs. Elcott
Phil Rich Prospector
George Robotham Swains
Russell Saunders
Terry Wilson
Technical Credits
Stanley Donen Director
Saul Chaplin Score Composer, Musical Direction/Supervision
Alexander Courage Musical Arrangement
Jack Cummings Producer
Gene de Paul Songwriter
Adolph Deutsch Musical Direction/Supervision
George Folsey Cinematographer
Cedric Gibbons Art Director
Frances Goodrich Screenwriter
Albert Hackett Screenwriter
Hugh Hunt Set Decoration/Design
Michael Kidd Choreography
Dorothy Kingsley Screenwriter
Urie McCleary Art Director
Johnny Mercer Songwriter
Walter Plunkett Costumes/Costume Designer
Edwin B. Willis Set Decoration/Design
Ralph Winters Editor
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 35 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(32)

4 Star

(2)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

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1 Star

(1)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 35 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 6, 2012

    Growing up with movie made me appreciate the "underdog"

    Growing up with movie made me appreciate the "underdog" and seeing it as an adult knowing my niece will grow up with it on dvd is awesome. The songs and the dancing were magical and now knowing that these kinds of movies don't get made with the same kind of story and feeling, it is worth it to watch it and watch it and watch it. =D

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

    I absolutely love this movie! Its something to watch with the whole family.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    The Gay Divorcee
    Singin' in the Rain
    Easter Parade
    Auntie Mame
    It Happened One Night

    Great music, great dancing, fantastic film

    Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is my absolute favorite movie musical. There isn't one scene that I want to skip or that I groan through, as there is in many of my most-loved musicals. The music is catchy and I love to sing along to it. The dancing is beautiful---Michael Kidd's choreography truly does create a kind of frontier ballet. And the story is at once comedic and goofy and sweetly romantic. I enjoy Howard Keel in any of his films, but of all his roles, the character he plays in this film is the one I love best...especially when he's singing, "Bless Yore Beautiful Hide." Just be sure to watch the widescreen version, as the pan-and-scan cuts out an alarming amount of the film.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Seven Brides for Seven Brothers [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

    Better than I remembered

    I used to have the full screen VHS and watched it so much that I wore it out. I bought the wide screen DVD and absolutely love it. It was like watching it for the first time because there are a lot of things that happen on the sides that get cut out of the full screen version. I recommend this to anyone, especially if you have kids. My 1 year old niece dances all over the living room when we watch this movie.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great movie!

    I watched this movie years ago when I was a kid and was very excited to see it on DVD. It's a good classic, lots of singing, and just an overall good movie.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    A Classic Musical

    This is a story about 7 brothers living alone on their farm and their decision to find brides. Sounds kind of boring until you hear the music and watch the awesome dance sequences. Jane Powell and Howard Keel are the leads and both give superb vocal performances. But for me the dance sequences featuring the other 6 brothers are the most enjoyable and unforgettable parts of this film. The barn raising dance has become a classic and is shown frequently on retrospective type shows. But the choreography for the dance to "I'm a Lonesome Polecat" is fantastic. Even if you aren't a fan of old Hollywood musicals I think most people can find some enjoyment in watching this film.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Hairspray
    The Complete Thin Man Collection
    Astaire and Rogers - The Complete Film Collection
    The Music Man

    Toe Tappin' Fun!!!

    I absolutely love this movie! It is my favorite musical of all time! I've seen live versions, and though fun, they can't compare to the movie. Although there are glaring errors, particularly in the obviously fake sets, it just serves to make it more fun. Anyone who loves musicals should definately see this. Sobbin' Women and Lonesome Polecat are the best songs.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A true family film...

    My husband and I fell in love with this movie the first time we saw it! It's wonderful and we've purchased it on DVD to have in our collection for our child who is on the way. I suggest it for any with a growing family. It's definately clean and child-friendly.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Delightful Musical

    Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is a delightful musical with excellent dancing. The story line is fun to watch. You never know what is going to happen next.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Top Choice!

    My dad took us to see this at an old theatre when I was a kid. I bought it on VHS and now I'm getting it for him on DVD. It is so great and classical and gives me such a great hope in working as a team!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Family Favorite!

    My dad recently purchased this movie for me and my seven brothers. We all fell in love with it immediatly; it has a certain charm to it that makes you want to see it over and over again. Actually we've seen it so many times my 7 brothers have adopted the names of the 7 brothers from the movie! It is surely a movie for all ages; my father grew up on it and enjoys it still, while my two year old sister sits facinated by the dancing and singing displayed by the extremely capable cast. I highly recommend this musical to any viewer who enjoys a purely fine film!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    one of the best musicals ever made

    Seven Brides For Seven Brothers is one of the best musicals that were ever made. it has a terrific cast.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Sweet Romance

    I just bought the dvd and I am glad I did. It reminds me of a simpler time. The characters make you wish you were apart of the action. I think the boys are cute.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    The Best Movie

    I love this movie. I have probably seen this movie over 200 times. It is a great musical and great for the family.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Play Version

    I am 16 and our school, just today did the play, ''Seven Brides, for Seven Brothers'' despite some bad acting, I thought the scheme, plot, and the whole setup of this wonderful movie, is outstanding. I just found out today as well, that we have the movie, which I have yet to see, so that going to be my next movie I see.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Remarkable...

    I've been watching this movie only once and I can tell everybody that i really took to like it I really enjoyed this movie and I'm trying to get one on dvd so I recomended that great movie for everybody... Peace

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    The Perfect Love Story

    This is the best movie! The acting and singing is so cute! I was brought up on this movie and have just bought the DVD to make sure I never lose it!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    MY FAVORITE

    I LOVE THIS MOVIE, I HAVE WATCHED IT SO MANY TIMES. MY SON IS 20 AND MY DAUGHTER 19 AND WE ALL LOVE TO WATCH THIS MOVIE. MY SON GOT HIS GIRLFRIEND TO WATCH IT ALSO. IT IS SUCH A GREAT MOVIE,I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Positively Enchanting

    I have watched this movie over and over and I still love it. The dancing is incredible and the singing melts your heart away.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Looooooooooovvvvvvvvvvve IT

    Oh my god how I loved this movie it is so funny and yet so romantic.

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 35 Customer Reviews