~~ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers ~~
This has to be one of my favourite musicals and is most definitely one of the classics of the 1950's. I love the Baritone voice of Howard Keel and the innocent charm of Jane Powell who also happens to have a wonderful voice.
The film was based on ... Read review
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, starring MGM soprano Jane Powell and handsome baritone ... more
Howard Keel, has retained a remarkably loyal following among fans of the musical film ever since its release in 1954. Although it was filmed in state-of-the-art Cin...
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Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, starring MGM soprano Jane Powell and handsome baritone ... more
Howard Keel, has retained a remarkably loyal following among fans of the musical film ever since its release in 1954. Although it was filmed in state-of-the-art Cin...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Things are different for the Pontipee men now that big brother Adam's fetched a bride and ... more
brought her to their cabin. Indeed, the unwed brothers are so inspired they raid the town and carry off brides of their own!Like a favorite flannel shirt, everyth...
Production Year: 1999 - Music / Performing Arts - Original Language: English - Classification: Exempt - Starring: Donny Osmond, Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough
Advantages: A good easy going family musical Disadvantages: non that I can see
~~ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers ~~
This has to be one of my favourite musicals and is most definitely one of the classics of the 1950's. I love the Baritone voice of Howard Keel and the innocent charm of Jane Powell who also happens to have a wonderful voice.
The film was based on a short story by Stephen Vincent Benet called 'The Sobbin' Women' and was adapted by the husband and wife team Albert Hackett and Frances ... ...the title A Bride for Seven Brothers was put forward, it was felt that this title was a little bit suggestive and so they came up with the title Seven Brides for Seven Brothers were chosen.
The producer Jack Cummings got Stanley Donan to direct the movie, Stanley previous hits with Singin' in the Rain and On The Town both successful movies. Cummings really wanted to do the movie completely on location, but MGM had other ideas, they ... more
~~ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers ~~
This has to be one of my favourite musicals and is most definitely one of the classics of the 1950's. I love the Baritone voice of Howard Keel and the innocent charm of Jane Powell who also happens to have a wonderful voice.
The film was based on a short story by Stephen Vincent Benet called 'The Sobbin' Women' and was adapted by the husband and wife team Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich alongside Dorothy Kingsley. At first the film was going to be called Sobbin' Women, but MGM hated this so the title A Bride for Seven Brothers was put forward, it was felt that this title was a little bit suggestive and so they came up with the title Seven Brides for Seven Brothers were chosen.
The producer Jack Cummings got Stanley Donan to direct the movie, Stanley previous hits with Singin' in the Rain and On The Town both successful movies. Cummings really wanted to do the movie completely on location, but MGM had other ideas, they only thought of the film as a B movie, they were not impressed by the initial story, so they halved the budget which meant that they would have to film the whole movie in the studio.
~~ The Movie ~~
Our movie starts with Adam Pontipee the eldest of the seven brothers riding into town to pick up supplies and this includes a wife that will be able to look after him and his brothers. Whilst looking through the town and singing our first song of the show the he spots Millie, who is chopping wood and cooking for the towns men in the local Inn where she works and after sampling her cooking he asks her to marry him. Millie being quite taken by him and not being aware of his family waiting for her at home accepts his proposal.
So Adam has got what he came to town for including a wife, they make their way back through the pass Millie happily dreaming and singing about what is ahead of her, little does she know!
The story goes on and we meet all the brothers and watch them grow under Millie's guidance. You can't help feel for Millie and the challenges she has ahead of her, but remember this was filmed in the era where men respected women and women allowed them to, where men had their roles and women had theirs. Millie teaches the brothers how to treat a lady and how to dance, ready for when they go to the local Barn Building Competition. The barn building competition is where we get to see some spectacular dance sequences and where the brothers discover the meaning of love at first sight, all six of them.
How does it all work out? Do they settle down happy ever after? You will have to watch the film to find out.
~~ The Cast ~~
Millie: is played by Jane Powell who is very petite, with a powerful voice, she plays a woman of amazing character and strength.
Adam Pontippe: Howard Keel plays the arrogant eldest brother who marries Millie, his 6ft 4in frame towers above Millie's dainty 5ft, making him appear big and strong and making Millie appear small and feminine.
~~ The Brothers ~~
Benjamin: Jeff Richards, you will notice through the film that apart from Howard Keel he was the only one of the brothers that did not dance.
Caleb: Matt Mattox he did some stunning gymnastics in the barn scene.
Daniel: Mark Platt had a ballet training background.
Ephraim: Jacques D'Amboise again came from a ballet trained background.
Frank: Tommy Rall, like some of the others he had a ballet trained background, he also had an accident during the filming of the barn dance when he lost his footing and his leg slipped between two planks, skinning his shin.
Gideon: No other than a young Russ Tamblyn who was a wonderful dancer and gymnast very well known in classic musicals, one of them being West Side Story.
~~ The Brides ~~
Dorcas: Julie Newmar
Ruth: Ruta Lee, she like Tommy had an accident during rehearsals on the barn dance, not wearing the correct non slip shoes she slipped and fell, knocking herself unconscious.
Martha: Norma Doggett
Liza: Virginia Gibson
Sarah: Betty Carr
Alice: Nancy Kilgas
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer and Music by Gene de Paul
Chorographer: Michael Kidd.
~~ Songs ~~
Bless Yore Beautiful Hide: Adam Pontipee telling us about the kind of bride he is looking for.
Wonderful, Wonderful Day: Millie speculating on her future on the journey to her new life as Adam's wife.
When You're In Love: Millie sings on their wedding night.
Goin' Co'tin: A fun song where Millie teaches the boys a little social etiquette
Barn Dance: Spectacular and should not be missed, some brilliant dance sequences which also depict the competition between the brothers and the lads from town.
When You're In Love (Reprise): Adam sings this part to his youngest brother Gideon.
Lonesome Polecat: Sung by the love sick brothers, it has a nice easy rhythm to it, with nice slow enhanced dance movements that match the tempo and mood of the song.
Sobbin' Women: Adam Pontipee gets the brothers all hyped up about those Sobbin' Women.
June Bride: Our six prospective brides are letting there imaginations runaway with them or are they?
Spring, Spring, Spring: Everyone is included in this song as we celebrate the coming of Spring and the flowers and sunshine.
~~ DVD Extras ~~
Scene Selection: Where you can skip to the scene you want, with a choice of 38 with little pictures of the scene to help you find your way.
Languages: there are 3 sound tracks and a choice of 12 subtitles in various languages.
~~ Special Features ~~
This is a documentary of the making of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with speakers including Howard Keel, Stanley Donen, Saul Chaplin, Michael Kidd, Russ Tamblyn, Tommy Ball, Jane Powell, Julie Newmar, Virginia Gibson and Ruta Lee.
This is very informative and full of trivia that goes with the movie; it lasts for approx 30 minutes.
Theatrical Trailer: this runs for approx 3 minutes and shows highlights from the show.
~~ Trivia ~~
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was one of MGM's first ventures into Cinemascope. Not all cinemas had the equipment to run to the new wide-screen format, so this meant that everything had to be shot twice, once with a Cinemascope lens and once without it.
Although MGM had made this movie as a B grade, they were surprised at the response to the previews it received. Due to the very positive reports MGM altered their sales strategy and pushed it to open at New York's Radio City Music Hall on 22nd July 1954 instead of their big budget movie of that year Brigadoon.
On the documentary with the movie you see a clip of President Eisenhower urging the country to go and see the film.
It received five Oscar nominations, winning one for Best Music.
They used to release real birds to fly across the screen to make the painted backgrounds look authentic. The poor birds got all confused and would often fly into the screen itself.
~~ My Thoughts ~~
I really do recommend this film to all musical lovers; it has to be a must. It is easy going and does not tax your brain to think and follow any complicated plot. You can simply sit down, relax and enjoy, with your feet tapping to the music, or even joining in with the lovely well known songs.
If you haven't guessed by now, yes I did really enjoy the film, thank you so much for taking the time to read this review.
Advantages: The music, the dance numbers, cute story, great acting, wonderful effects (for 1954) Disadvantages: Too bad most of this was filmed in a studio - Oregon is beautiful country!
Imagine, if you will, seven strapping, handsome, young men - all brothers - living high up in the mountains of Oregon with not even one woman on site since their mother died many years before. Imagine also, if you will, what that home would look like? Can you also imagine how their manners would be? And I bet you can imagine that they’re getting pretty… um… lonely, as well. This is the basis of the film “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” - an amazing ... ...Based on the ancient story of the Rape of the Sabine Women (where a group of men capture a bunch of women but when their families come to reclaim them, the women refuse to return home). This parallel isn’t even slightly veiled for this movie, except that they never mention the words “The Rape of the… ”. Stephen Vincent Benet’s short story “The Sobbin’ Women” was inspired by that legend, and became the basis for the musical, and that was actually ...
TheChocolateLady 08.01.2003 (25.03.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (DVD)
Advantages: Good songs, good choreography, good storyline. Disadvantages: None.
...though!), is 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'. It was originally going to be called 'Sobbin Women', but changed the name. Good job really!
THE FILM
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Adam Pontipee (Howard Keel) is the eldest of 7 brothers. He wants a wife, and sets out on a journey to get one. In the village he goes into the store to get supplies and says he is looking for a wife. He is told in no uncertain terms that he won't find one in this town! He goes in the village ... ...song 'Bless your beautiful hide', you see him looking at what he hopes to be his future wife. She's chopping wood across the road from where he's standing.
Her name is Millie (Jane Powell). They quickly arrange their wedding. The Reverend and people close to her try to discourage her from marrying him. They did want her to marry someone better than Adam. But Millie has made her mind up and is determined to marry Adam. So the marriage went ahead.
...
Louise90 04.02.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (DVD)
Advantages: A true classic Disadvantages: With a classically bad storyline!
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The true 'they don't make 'em like that anymore' musical. This op is an op of the famous Cinemascope film version - not any particular DVD, soundtrack or video purchase.
This is NOT your classic hearts and flowers loved up MGM musical - nope not this one!
It has to be said that this can be looked at as a social comment on the fifties - the fact that this was considered a perfectly reasonable plot makes modern girlies ... ...is lucky enough to have seven - count them - seven leading men who can dance?! The credits are an eye opener - at least two of the brothers appear 'courtesy of' some very eminent ballet companies.
Once the dancing is over, time for the barn raising. Teams are assembled and we see everyone really going for it to be the first side raised. As things are nearing completion, we see a number of nasty tricks played on the brothers, things being dropped, ...
Justine 03.01.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (DVD)
Advantages: Great songs and dance numbers, awesome casting Disadvantages: Dissapointingly studio bound
This is one of the key movies I remember from my childhood, and having seen well over 100 musicals it remains one of my all-time favourites.
The plot is a little weak and very unrealistic (though it was nominated for an screenplay Oscar). The screenwriters aren't to blame for this, as the film is based on a book, and there are alot of great one liners. Some might think the film is sexist because the main character (Adam) chooses his wife (Millie) ... ...him, and though disappointed, she settles for cooking and cleaning for him and his 6 brothers. However, Millie is impowered in the film, disciplining the men and teaching them how to be sociable and courteous, so I don't think this is an issue.
The best songs in my opinion are Lonesome Polecat (Lament) and Spring, Spring, Spring, but other notable songs include Goin' Courtin, Bless Yore Beautiful Hide, and Sobbin' Women. Every musical has a dud ...
codebluebelle 13.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent songs & dancing Disadvantages: Not long enough!
...spectacular .
A story of seven brothers who stumble across the chance to find love and romance in unusual circumstances.A heartwarming journey through seasons and emotions. Its great to see how the brothers have to learn to change their ways to keep the ladies happy.
Having seen this musical on screen and stage this is always my preferred choice.A joy to watch.
If you enjoy other classic musicals this should come high on your list of must sees!I ...
gypsyangel 10.12.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (DVD)
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Advantages: good story and acting, some good songs Disadvantages: very bad backdrops!
and I much preferred her taking the role of the mother.
The film was set way back in the 1890?s in America and I think that the settings and scenery for the film were all very suitable but the one problem with this film was the backdrops. They were truly awful and at one point when the brothers were giving us a song in the snow the backdrop was so clearly painted and hung behind them, it did actually make me laugh. Also the shots when they were travelling on the horse and cart through the mountains was bad and noticeably added at a later date. These bad effects can be forgiven though as the film was made in 1954 when they did not have all the technology which is widely available now.
The DVD which we have does have some bonus material which includes:-
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Trailer
Making of SevenBrides for Seven ...
Advantages: Endless entertainment for the whole family Disadvantages: The songs get stuck in your head
In a house hidden away, there lives seven single brothers, who work hard on the farm. Adam Pontipee, the oldest, comes to town to try and find a wife to cook and clean, and generally look after the boys, however, when he meets the sassy Milly he's taken on more than he thought. Milly agree's to marry him and travels back with him only to be met by the other six, rather hungry brothers. Milly sorts the brothers out and teaches them about women. The men, eager to try out their new courting skills, go to the town to meet some pretty gals to bring back with them before they get snowed in for winter and spend another long cold few months. During a barn raising, the boys meet the six girls of their dreams and do all they can to win them. When it seems like they have lost them to six young men from the town, they come up with a plan: they are ...
Advantages: LOTS OT SINGING AND DANCING Disadvantages: NONE
If you like Howard Keel, you'll love this film.
From start to finish your eye's will be glued to the tv.
Old fashioned though it may be it will still keep you entertained.
Coming from a very musical and dancing background, it suited my way of thinking.
As the title say's it's about sevenbrides for severn brother's
Howard Keel playing the eldest brother, Adam, who trys to find his younger brothers suitable wives.
Adam himself is only realy trying to find someone to look after the family, finds himself falling in love.
I don't want to tell you to much about this film so not to spoil things for those of you that want to see it, but i will say it has a happy ending and that if you like singing and dancing you will like this film as there is lots of both in it .
If you like this sort of film, this is one that you can ...
Musicals & Music Films - Musicals & Other Music Films
Classification
Universal
Production Year
1954
Running Time
1 hour 38 minutes
Plot
Toe-tapping musical in which mountain man Adam Pontipee comes to a small town to woo himself a wife. But the object of his affections, Milly, is preoccupied with getting her seven unruly brothers married off and out of her hair.
Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical, Featurette - 1. THE MAKING-OF SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Aspect Ratio
2.55 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
DVD Description
In the Oregon Territory, mountain man Adam Pontipee (Howard Keel, acting and singing with gusto) comes to town to sell his crops and woo a woman to be his wife, succeeding with spirited Milly (Jane Powell), who is tired of feeding and waiting on so many men at the local inn. Her dreams of keeping house for just one man are shattered when she discovers that Adam shares his pigsty cabin with six brawling brothers. Milly's good cooking and stubborn nature whip the young men into shape and inspire them to seek women of their own. But after a disastrous barn raising during which the brothers snare the attention of the town girls only to be taunted into fighting with the town men, Adam suggests his brothers forget gentle methods of love and follow the actions of the Roman with the Sabine (Sobbin') women. The kidnapping of their six sweethearts spurs Milly to throw the men out of the house, but enforced proximity caused by winter and the brothers' good intentions just might help love bloom again.
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