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The story concerns the Pontipee brothers, rugged mountainmen who are all in need of wives. When Adam (Howard Keel) meets the lovely and vivacious Milly (Jane Powell) on his annual visit to town, he impetuously proposes and marries her. Milly's romantic dreams are shattered when on arrival at his farm, she discovers that she also has to keep house for his six rowdy brothers. Milly has her work cut out for her as she instructs her brothers-in-law in the finer points of courtship and manners. The musical takes place amidst the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies.
Jane Powell, in probably her greatest musical role, is a delight as Milly, singing the lilting ballad "Wonderful, Wonderful Day", and the soft "When You're in Love". Howard Keel adds his strong voice to the buckskin-wearing Adam and the jaunty "Bless Yore Beautiful Hide".
The brothers (led by Russ Tamblyn, Tommy Rall and ballet star Jacques d'Amboise) lead the charge in "Going Co'tin" and "Sobbin' Women", as well as the winsome "Lonesome Polecat". The brides (led by Julie Newmar, Ruta Lee and Broadway star Virginia Gibson), shine in the gorgeous "June Bride" number.
The original soundtrack album is a must-own for any show music lover. Highly-recommended.
However, most outstanding of these 6 bonus gems are the Academy Award-winning lyricist (for "Moon River") Johnny Mercer's original lyrics, heard in the demo recordings of "Goin' Co'tin'" and "Sobbin' Women". PRICELESS!!! Stanley Donen, who directed the film, performs the former, and audibly collapses into laughter at some of "Goin' Co'tin'"'s words, as will you.
But the highlight is Johnny Mercer himself, performing (with composer Gene De Paul) the original "Sobbin' Women". Mercer must have been planning on the Hays Office being closed on the day he intended to submit his lyrics, for there is no doubt whatsoever that the censorship bureau would NEVER have permitted those words to be heard in an entertainment aimed at families. One rather thinks Mercer wrote these words only to be sung at stag parties, and this demo track does sound as if it were performed at one. IT'S A RIOT! Go directly to Track 27.
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