Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: The Classic Musical and Its Star-Studded Cast

The 1954 classic musical 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' is a cherished piece of entertainment history, famous for its vibrant musical numbers and its colorful cast of actors. This timeless film tells the story of seven brothers in Oregon in 1850, each searching for a wife. The movie stars Howard Keel as Adam Pontipee, the eldest brother, and Jane Powell as his fiancée, Molly or Milly Pontipee. Other notable actors include Jeff Richards as Benjamin Pontipee, Russ Tamblyn as Gideon, Tommy Rall as Frank, Marc Platt as Matt, and Julie Newmar as Dorcas Pontipee.

Star of the Show: Howard Keel and Jane Powell

Howard Keel portrays Adam, the eldest brother, with a strong and determined character. Jane Powell is the main female lead, Milly, who is captured by Adam and his brothers. Howard Keel and Jane Powell's chemistry on screen makes their characters relatable and endearing to audiences. Their roles form the central plot of the film, with Adam convincing a town girl named Molly to accept his marriage proposal.

Youngest Brother Russ Tamblyn

Russ Tamblyn stands out as the youngest brother, Gideon. His character is notable not only for its musical and choreographic elements but also for his future recognition in other notable film roles. Tamblyn's performance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is just one of the many highlights of his diverse career. He is known for his role as Riff in the iconic musical West Side Story and his portrayal of Dr. Jacoby in the series Twin Peaks.

Choreography and Dance

The film is renowned for its intricate choreography and musical numbers, which are a hallmark of the golden age of musicals. Many of the brothers are well-known for their dancing prowess and have contributed significantly to the film's energy and entertainment value. For instance, Matt, played by Marc Platt, is a skilled dancer, adding to the film's overall appeal.

The TV Spin-off Here Come the Brides

After the success of the movie, a family-oriented television series, Here Come the Brides, was created in 1968. This spin-off follows the lives of three brothers who sail to the East Coast to find prospective brides. The series features Robert Brown, David Soul, and Bobby Sherman as the brothers. The show starred Bridget Hanley as Joan, Bobby Sherman's character's love interest, Joan's romantic entanglements make for compelling storytelling. Joan is a relatable character, showcasing a love interest and the complexities of romantic relationships during that era.

Around the Stars

Julie Newmar, known for her role in the campy television series Batman, also starred as Dorcas Pontipee in the film. Newmar's character adds depth and charm to the story, contributing to the film's overall entertainment factor. Her role in Batman is a popular reference today, adding a layer of nostalgia and cultural significance to the character.

Trivia: Bobby Sherman and Star Trek

Bobby Sherman, who played Joan in Here Come the Brides, was an incredibly popular teen idol. His fame led to additional roles, including Walter Koenig, who transitioned from playing Chekov in Star Trek to Sulu in Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Motion Pictures. Bobby Sherman's roles in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Here Come the Brides, and later in Star Trek have become enduring parts of American television and science fiction history.