Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Director: Stanley Donen 
Screenplay: Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrick, Dorothy Kingsley
Minutes: 102
Year: 1954
Score: 5.60
Release: Warner Archive
I am sorry, but I could not finish the movie. I had to bow out before six of the brothers looked for six other brides. Likewise, if you want to bow out now that is fine with me. I am going to base my scores on what I watched.
From WBShop.com:
Things are different for the Pontipee men now that big brother Adam’s fetched a bride and 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, everything fits right in this rugged whoop-for-joy directed by Stanley Donen, choreographed by Michael Kidd and featuring an exhilarating Gene dePaul/Johnny Mercer score that won an Academy Award®*. Jane Powell and Howard Keel star, supported by a cast of buckskinned dancers and petticoated danseuses. And what steppin’! The barnraising sequence alone – backflipping, plank-leaping athleticism – leaves a daylong smile. “Bless Yore Beautiful Hide,” all you brides and brothers!
The basic premise of the movie doesn’t work for me. I get it, I can see the intent, but there are too many great musicals out there to give much time to a mountain man standing tall among slobbering, greasy, oafs only to charm a hausfrau into marrying him while casually failing to mention that he is only looking for his own hausfrau to take care of him and his brothers. No thanks.
What I watched, story aside, was a mildly average movie. The set design and costumes might be the high points. The two main characters sang well but that would only end up making up for a lack of charm (and a kidnapping plot).
I really did want to like it and I am definitely a fan of Stanley Donen, so what I will do is recommend either Singing in the Rain or Two for the Road instead. The former for a great musical and the later for a movie dripping with charm. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is available on blu-ray at the above link and it is available to stream (along with Singin’ in the Rain) on Filmstruck. Two for the Road is available from Twilight Time and is worth every penny.
It is worth noting that the Warner Archive went above and beyond on this release, aside from a few unavoidably blurry cuts it looks tremendous and the color explodes off the screen. It sounds terrific and is stacked with extra features.
Special Features:
- Commentary by Stanley Donen
- Sobbin’ Women: The Making of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
- 7/22/1954 Radio City Music Hall Premiere
- MGM’s 30th Anniversary Newsreel
- Vintage Short Subject: MGM Jubilee Overture
- Trailer
- Alternate Widescreen Version
Director: 5 – Cinematography: 6 – Edit: 4 – Parity: 3 – Main performance: 7 – Else performance: 5 – Score: 4 – Sound: 5 – Story: 4 – Script: 5 – Effects: 5 – Design: 7 – Costumes: 8 – Keeps interest: 5 – Lasting: 0