Review of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) by Jessica F — 17 Jun 2009

Glorious! I've always made fun of my mother for her attachment to this movie, thinking her love for it grew from the singing, dancing, and costumes -- it probably did! But, perhaps despite appearances, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is remarkably progressive for its time and setting, and those who dismiss the film as "sexist" are missing some very important points. While Adam insists he is "head of the family," he never exercises or displays any power whatsoever, deferring to Milly in all affairs. Milly breaks her husband and his brothers like wild stallions. At the end, the brides essentially have the brothers, the fathers, virtually everyone in town in the palm of their hands, and are therefore have the freedom to make the most pivotal decisions of their lives.

Great singing, dancing, and costumes to boot!