Film Review
As far as classic Hollywood film musicals come, they don't come much better than
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, a
colourful western-themed romp that stands head and shoulders above most
other offerings in the genre. Once you've accustomed yourself to
the jarring mismatch between the sumptuous scenic location photography and the
children's storybook studio equivalent the film is a delight, with
songs and dances that can hardly fail to please. Director
Stanley Donen had previously performed musical magic with
Singin' in the Rain (1952),
aided and abetted by Gene Kelly, and here he is just as inspired, ably
supported in his endeavours by the legendary choreographer Michael
Kidd. The chemistry between the principals Howard Keel and Jane
Powell is spot on and you wonder why they were never partnered again.
The film is probably best remembered for the famous barn-raising scene,
one of the most ambitious sequences ever attempted in a Hollywood
musical. The sheer physicality of the action and dance sequences
prompted Kidd to cast a gymnast (Russ Tamblyn) and a professional
baseball player (Jeff Richards) as well as professional dancers for the
roles of Adam's six brothers. Although the film was nominated for
no less than five Oscars (including one for Best
Picture), it won only one award, in the Best Score category. The
energy, pace and originality of some of the film's musical numbers are
quite unlike anything seen in other MGM musicals, making this a
standout entry in a genre that has withstood the passage of time
better than most.
© James Travers 2010
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.
Film Synopsis
Adam Pontipee is a woodsman who lives a rough life in the Oregon hills
with his six equally rough brothers: Benjamin, Caleb, Daniel, Ephraim,
Frank and Gideon. One day, on his next trip into town, Adam
decides to go out and get himself a bride. As luck would have it
he finds the perfect mate in Milly, an attractive young thing who is
all too willing to be whisked off into the hills by a handsome
stranger. Milly's illusions are soon shattered when she realises
that she has not one man, but one man and six slovenly brothers to
scrub and bake for. Now that Adam is wed, his brothers are just
as keen to tie the connubial knot, but first Milly has to civilise them
to give them a chance of finding a bride. At an outdoor fete, the
six brothers, now transformed into eligible young bachelors, each finds
a suitable wife. Unfortunately, they disgrace themselves by
getting into a fight with the townsfolk during a barn-raising
contest. After this humiliating setback, Adam comes up with an
idea that cannot fail. The brothers must abduct their prospective
brides, bring them back to the family home and marry them in the
presence of a pastor. All goes well until Milly steps in and
tells the brothers that on no account will they be betrothed to a party
of kidnap victims...
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.