Exclusive“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954): First Broadway-Style Musical

Broadway musicals are greatly enjoyed by many because of their catchy tunes, lively dance numbers, and engaging stories. The style of show we know today as the Broadway musical, in which song and often dance numbers develop characters and further the plot, really began with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1943 hit “Oklahoma!” After that, Hollywood made many original musical films in the same style. One movie which seems like a Broadway work but which originated on the screen before becoming a stage musical is “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” from 1954. This Technicolor MGM extravaganza stars two classical-style singing stars, sprightly soprano Jane Powell and booming bass Howard Keel in their only collaboration. This score features one memorable tune after another, but what really makes it stand out is the powerful ensemble of seven male performers as the seven backwoodsmen brothers. Oregon in the pioneer days might seem like an unlikely setting for a musical, but it offers plenty of opportunities for charming costumes, outdoorsy dancing, charming rustic activities like barn-raising and wood-chopping, and impressive snowy shots. Any man’s man who thinks he doesn’t like musicals needs to see this film to change his mind!
#moviestar #romantic #classicalmusic #Americantraditions #Hollywood #theatermagic #cinematic #entertainment #celebrity #moviefacts #classicfilms #drama #artshow #performance #movieanalysis