Museum Movie Night features 1954 musical

The Northwest Montana History Museum’s next Movie Night at the Museum will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23. The 1954 classic musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” will be shown, with an introduction from Brit Clark of the Conrad Mansion Museum.

Milly (Jane Powell) is excited to move in with her new husband Adam (Howard Keel ), picturing a life of domestic bliss. She is less excited by what she finds, a pig sty occupied by Adam and his six rough-and-tumble brothers. After living with Milly, the brothers decide they want to find wives of their own; apparently, there is a fine line between “finding” and “abducting.”

Though still very much considered a great work of classic cinema, much of the discussion around “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in recent decades has been of the themes of sexism and women's rights. In fact, in a more modern lens, elements of the film are more easily viewed as satire than actual plot points. To illustrate, the following alliterative slogan was used to promote the film in 1954:

• Adam abducted Milly

• Benjamin brought Dorcas

• Caleb caught Ruth

• Daniel detained Martha

• Ephraim eloped with Liza

• Frank fetched Sarah

• Gideon grabbed Alice

There is no charge for the film, but donations will be accepted to help defray the cost of showing the films. Popcorn is also free; wine, beer, pop and water will be for sale. Seating is provided, but film fans can bring their own floor pillows, portable chairs, or whatever is comfortable for viewing the film.

If you have a cough, a fever, or are just feeling under the weather, you are asked not to attend.

The Northwest Montana History Museum is located at 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 406-756-8381 for more information

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