Seven Sweethearts

source: Seven Sweethearts

Trailer—Seven Sweethearts

Seven Sweethearts

This story was set in Delft, Michigan and oddly enough resembles the tulip time in Holland, Michigan, unlike what was previously written, there are a lot of dutch families in Holland; There is few Spanish families there. This movie is cute, it doesn't lack any informality of its time, it delights in the old ways of the dutch. The characters are genuine and the set is typical of its era, it has the quality of film noir. A delightful classic that should be appreciated. It is Not desensitized by propaganda films or shoved into a shelf with out consideration for shadow, camera angles, and well played out script.

If I called 'Seven Sweethearts' not a bad little film I would be damning it with faint praise and that is not my intention. It is a nice film. It is slow and enjoyable, a pleasant fantasy for wartime with a happy ending for everyone. On the other hand: Kathryn Grayson is no Deanna Durbin, not by a long chalk. Her soprano is too thin for my taste; I could have done with less of her singing. Van Heflin tries too hard to be the tough newspaper man; as a result he comes across as distinctly unlikeable. Then again, S. Z. Sakall gives a convincing anxious father. On balance, there are more up- than downsides to this film - but only just.

Tulips have no scent, Kathryn Grayson says in "Seven Sweethearts," and oddly enough neither does this film. Despite the charms of S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall, Grayson's lovely voice, and Van Heflin's strangely cynical turn as a reporter who ends up in Holland, Michigan, during the tulip festival, the movie proves to be monotonous and predictable with little clever or witty dialogue coming to the rescue. Cute maybe. Great not all.

. . . for parents to pop out five, six or even seven daughters (with nary a son). The state's reproductive philosophy seems to be based upon the current Wolverine football coach's attitude toward the Buckeyes: Even after losing four or five in a row, you must try, try again. Though SEVEN SWEETHEARTS valiantly attempts to put a positive spin on its catastrophic plethora of skirts for one hapless dad, this film details how having so many wenches underfoot does NOT make for a happy household. If you can imagine filling your bathtub with half a dozen plus sharks, you can see why no such sorority dads would feel safe dipping so much as a toe into the roiled water. Families overrun with girls are NOT known for their serene sewing circles. In baseball it's "Three strikes and you're out." Why-not dads should take this Golden Rule to heart, or at least move to the so-called "Mitten State," since Misery loves company.

I helped restore a boat that Van Heflin,and Kathryn Grayson were on.The movie was made in Saugatuck,Michigan.This boat was named the "Karab" at the time.Was owned by Karl Irwin. In 60 yrs this boat has only had 4 owners ! It is listed as the third oldest boat still on the Great Lakes. The picture shows the movie crew on the boat,and the other sisters that were in the movie when it was docked at the "Badlands" hotel which burned down. This boat was a 1923 Defoe built in Bay City,Michigan. I looked for over a year to find the movie.Didn't know it was a musical. I had to get help from MGM to find out what type of movie it was. I have a poor quality of the movie,and the boat was not seen in the movie. I like good musicals with a good story line,and this was done just right.

This wartime musical comedy is very charming, in part due to its unusual story line. Credit to director Frank Borzage and the writers for including many whimsical elements. Songstress Kathryn Grayson plays the youngest daughter (Billie) of a Michigan family and carries the biggest load due to her vocalizing. When a New York photojournalist (Van Heflin as Henry Taggart) comes to their small town to cover the local tulip festival, he is caught off guard by the innkeeper's seven daughters, each a stunning beauty. "Cuddles" Sakall is the father who runs his inn in an unconventional manner, but still clings to traditions. He is a lovable character with plenty of personality. Though the story has its conflicts, it never feels heavy. This is a quirky film that is fun to watch.

An American man from NYC arrives in a small town where Dutch people live.This is a very strange place to be ,predating Minnelli's "Brigadoon" .A place where time stood still:you do not pay when you are staying at the hotel,the girls all bear boys' name -cause dad wanted boys-and they can 't get married till the eldest does.By no means one of multi-talented Borzage's greatest achievements (most of them were behind him at the time),his movie retains freshness , a "Carpe Diem" spirit ,a good antidote to stress .My favorite scene takes place in the church.Good performances by the whole cast,particularly Van Heflin who learns to like another way of life.