As an only child, I would spend a lot of time entertaining myself. If I was not hunkered down with a good book I could be found watching some truly timeless classic movies. I was limited to an hour of TV time, a day because my mother was concerned about what I was gleaning from the screen. However, if I watched TMC or AMC (before they re-branded) I would have more screen time. This paved the way for a love of classic movies. As an adult, my love for “old moves” has grown and I have amassed a number of movies in a variety of genres. And as a parent, it has been fun introducing them to my family. During my down time recovering from carpal tunnel and thumb & middle finger release I will have about 6 weeks of limited activity. Because this is on my dominate hand most of my hobbies like painting and writing will be put on hold. One thing my husband said I could do was watch movies. So, he asked for a list of any that I might want. I gave him few new titles, but I am most excited about watching some of my truly favorite movies. In anticipation of this down time, I thought I would share with you my thoughts on some of my favs!
To start this off it only seemed fitting to take a look at my most favorite move…. “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” At 4 I discovered this fun energetic musical and as the years have gone by it remains in my top spot. My love of color, gingham, and a good romance story all came from this movie.
In the golden age of Hollywood musicals, few films captured the hearts of audiences quite like MGM’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Released in 1954 and directed by Stanley Donen, this vibrant and energetic production remains a beloved classic to this day, known for its catchy tunes, dynamic choreography, and timeless love story. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the magic of this iconic movie.
Set in 1850s Oregon, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” follows the story of Adam Pontipee, played by Howard Keel, a rugged frontiersman who marries Milly, portrayed by Jane Powell, after a whirlwind romance. Milly soon discovers that Adam has six unruly brothers who are sorely in need of wives themselves. Determined to bring order to the chaotic Pontipee household, Milly takes on the challenge of civilizing Adam’s brothers and helping them find suitable mates.
At its core, the film is a celebration of love, family, and the transformative power of companionship. The chemistry between Howard Keel and Jane Powell is palpable, and their performances anchor the film with warmth and charm. Powell shines as the resilient and resourceful Milly, while Keel exudes rugged masculinity as the headstrong Adam.
Of course, no discussion of “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” would be complete without mentioning its show-stopping musical numbers. The film features an unforgettable score by composer Gene de Paul and lyricist Johnny Mercer, including classics like “Bless Your Beautiful Hide,” and the toe-tapping “Lonesome Polecat.”
But perhaps the most iconic sequence is the barn-raising dance, choreographed by Michael Kidd, which remains one of the most exhilarating and technically impressive dance sequences in cinematic history.
“Wonderful, Wonderful, Day” played a key part in my most special day. When Stephen and I were planning our wedding one thing was for sure, as soon as the minister said “ I now introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Davis” I wanted to have played “Wonderful, Wonderful, Day”! I was willing to settle for a recording but a lovely soprano at our church was gracious enough to sing it. It truly was one of my favorite parts of our “Wonderful, Wonderful, Day!”
The film’s timeless appeal lies in its exuberant spirit, infectious energy, and undeniable entertainment value. Its colorful characters, catchy songs, and breathtaking dance numbers continue to captivate audiences of all ages, making it a perennial favorite for generations of moviegoers.
As we look back on the legacy of MGM’s “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” let us remember it not only as a cinematic masterpiece but also as a timeless reminder of the joy and wonder that movies can bring into our lives.
