Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
-
88% of critics liked it
(24 reviews) -
83% of users liked it
(53,466 ratings)
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,… More 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. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Stanley Donen
- Written By
- Stephen Vincent Benét, Albert Hackett
- Genres
- Western, Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jul 22, 1954 Wide
- Studio
- MGM Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
-
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
A profoundly sexist and eminently hummable 1954 CinemaScope musical with some terrific athletic Michael Kidd choreography and some better-than-average direction by Stanley Donen.
-
Variety Staff, Variety
This is a happy, hand-clapping, foot-stomping country type of musical with all the slickness of a Broadway show.
-
Stephen Garrett, Time Out
This rather archly symmetrical movie musical is best seen as a dance-fest, with Michael Kidd's acrobatic, pas d'action choreography well complemented by ex-choreographer Donen's camera.
-
A.H. Weiler, New York Times
Although the powers at M-G-M are deviating from the normal song-and-dance extravaganza in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, it is a gamble that is paying rich rewards.
-
, Film4
The songs are not classic and the cast is exuberant rather than charismatic, but Kidd's energetic choreography triumphs.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
UltraViolet Retailers
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Howard Keel
as Adam Pontabee
-
Jeff Richards
as Benjamin Pontabee
-
Russ Tamblyn
as Gideon Pontabee
-
Tommy Rall
as Frank Pontabee
-
Marc Platt
as Daniel Pontabee
-
Jane Powell
as Milly Pontabee
-
Matt Mattox
as Caleb Pontabee
-
Howard Petrie
as Pete Perkins
-
Julie Newmar
as Dorcas
-
Jacques d'Amboise
as Ephraim Pontabee
-
Nancy Kilgas
as Alice
-
Betty Carr
as Sarah
-
Virginia Gibson
as Liza
-
Ian Wolfe
as Rev. Elcott
-
Earl Barton
as Harry
-
Dante DiPaolo
as Matt
-
Kelly Brown
as Carl
-
Matt Moore
as Ruth's Uncle
-
Dick Rich
as Dorcas' Father
-
Marjorie Wood
as Mrs. Bixby
-
Russell Simpson
as Mr. Bixby
-
Larry J. Blake
as Drunk
-
Tim Graham
as Father
-
Lois Hall
as Girl
-
Sheila James
as Dorcas' Sister
-
I. Stanford Jolley
as Father
-
Ruta Lee
as Ruth
-
Jarma Lewis
as Lem's Girl Friend
-
Anna Q. Nilsson
as Mrs. Elcott
-
Phil Rich
as Prospector
- Russell Saunders
- Terry Wilson
-
George Robotham
as Swains
-
Walter Beaver
as Lem



