Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Circuitously derived from the tale of the rape of the Sabine women, this rather archly symmetrical movie musical is best seen as a dance-fest, with Michael Kidd's acrobatic, pas d'action choreography well complemented by ex-choreographer Donen's camera. Gene De Paul and Johnny Mercer's score is cosy ('Spring, Spring, Spring' and all that), and Keel, avoiding even the odd faked toe-step, is at his least expressive, but it's vigorous and colourful if you can watch the Anscocolor process which also marred Brigadoon. The bearded Matt Mattox went on to become something of a legend for his jazz classes at London's Dance Centre.