Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

It is not very often that you see a Western musical with a frontier setting. Then came along MGM’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. If you can forgive the film’s plot (boy, some things did not age well) or the lackluster acting, this film will rank relatively high on the list of best musicals. The film’s tone is so happy and endearing and also very infectious. More often than not, the tone will leave you smiling or tap-dancing. Or you just might need to sing along with some of these songs. I never heard of this picture until the film caught my eye, but I actually knew some of the songs. Great songs are scattered throughout, but my favorites are “Wonderful Day” and “I’m a Lonesome Polecat.”

When the film was in production, MGM did not really believe in the film’s success. It was filmed in a studio backlot and the budget was not on par with lavish musicals of the time period. In fact, the budget was often trimmed, and cash was transferred to studio productions they did feel more confident in. I enjoyed the vibrant colors that cinematographer George F. Folsey made good work on, but I can imagine how the natural beauty of the American West would enhance the film.

The plot point where the men kidnap the women to be their brides would certainly not fly by today’s standards. There was no malevolence or harm behind the intent and was all done in good fun, but I was a bit surprised how casual this plot point was. Anyhow, Stanley Donen’s film takes place circa 1850 in the Oregon Territory. Our main character is Adam Pontipee (Howard Keel) the eldest of seven brothers. He lives outside of town in the woods and the brothers are in need of manner lessons. Adam heads to town to trade for supplies and find a wife. He falls for Milly (Jane Powell). They quickly get married, and they head to Adam’s house…but Milly does not know he lives with his brothers. Now as the lady of the house, she has to take care of these men and teach them a thing or two. The six brothers go to a barn raising party where each one falls in love with a girl. Quickly, they become lonely without them. Taking inspiration from the Roman story, “The Rape of the Sabine Women,” the brothers decide to kidnap their loved ones and bring them to the farm, after which an avalanche blocked everyone in.

If you expect great Shakespearean performances, look away. If you are looking for the actors to show excellent choreography and great singing voices, look no further. Howard Keel and Jane Powell are good in their respective roles. The youngest brother is played by Russ Tamblyn who would get accolades for 1961’s West Side Story. The rest of the cast is meh. You know that is the case when Jeff Richards, a minor-league baseball player, gets a fair amount of screentime. This movie is all about the happiness, dancing, and songs. Choreographer Michael Kidd had his hands full (and he reportedly did not want to do this movie) but he managed to create vibrant musical sequences.

Overall, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers should be seen for the songs and dancing. And that barn dancing scene. Even if the plot can be ludicrous and problematic, the tone is just too happy and infectious to dislike. I was smiling often and humming along to the songs. MGM had little to no faith, but this picture ended up being nominated for Best Picture. Is this movie underrated? Perhaps a little. I do not think its well known as other musicals from the studio. Just keep an open mind and be aware of the time the film came out.

My Grade: B+