User Reviews

Anita Loos's famous novel and play Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was done as a musical and ran for 740 performances during the 1949-1951 season. It was the breakout role in the career on Broadway for Carol Channing. But for the screen version a pair of pulchritudinous sex symbols were cast as the showgirls looking for husbands, Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe.

Two things were done for the film, most of the Jule Styne-Leo Robin score was scrapped and two numbers written by Hoagy Carmichael and Harold Adamson were added. Retained from the original score was Bye Bye Baby, Two Little Girls from Little Rock and the famous theme of goldiggers everywhere, Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend.

The second thing was to update the story from when it was originally written during the Roaring Twenties to the current Fifties. Still the two basic characters of Russell and Monroe remained the same. Both would like husbands, but Russell wants to marry for love, money would be nice though, but Monroe it's strictly mercenary.

The two men they have an eye on are millionaire son Tommy Noonan for Monroe and Russell has her eye on Elliott Reid. Monroe's mercenary ways nearly sink the two of them, but it all kind of works out in the end.

Lorelei Lee was Marilyn's breakout role as well. No big male star names are opposite here, she's only in a friendly competition with fellow sex symbol Jane Russell. Russell's contribution to the film is too often overlooked with Marilyn's legend looming over all. She more than holds her own against Marilyn and in fact unlike in some of her films, there was no friction at all with the two women.

I can see why Howard Hawks was attracted to this film. The women he has in his films are tough minded and more than capable of dealing in a man's world. That Jane and Marilyn are in abundance and boy do those women have a lot of abundance.

And in all the right places too.

Marilyn's "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" was one of the classic musicals of the 1950's... She comes into it looking like a winner, and leaves as one… The picture has been set fully by the tone of her personality… Her personality infuses every corner of the film as if she has even picked the scenery to work for her…

The movie rises above its pretext, its story, its existence as a musical, even its music, and becomes at its best a magic work, yet it is a light-hearted satire of the old adage that when a woman goes bad, men go right after her…

The film crowned Monroe in her position as the nation's new 'Love Goddess' with the promise of many sparkling hits to come, and Jane Russell's career continued, with less fanfare, but very successfully for several more years…

The story was simple: Dorothy (Jane Russell) and Lorelei (Marilyn Monroe) work together as entertainers and are also good friends… Lorelei's millionaire fiancé Gus Esmond (Tommy Noonan) sends the girls to France, but his father (Taylor Holmes) hires a private detective, Malone (Elliott Reid) on the same boat to spy on her during the trip… When the three meet, Dorothy falls for Malone, much to the chagrin of Lorelei, who cannot understand Dorothy's indifference to men with money…

On board, the girls get into trouble when they meet an old playboy Francis Beckman (Charles Coburn), a diamond merchant

Anyone who's ever written off Marilyn Monroe as "just" a dumb blonde are directed to this film immediately. Yes, at first glance, Lorelei Lee is a brainless piece of fluff, given to such malapropisms as "Pardon me, please, is this the boat to Europe, France?" But upon closer inspection, this girl is no dummy. Rather remarkably for the chauvinist times, Lorelei and Dorothy (played by the incredibly underrated Jane Russell) do things on their own terms, and when Lorelei "plays dumb," it's because she knows that's what men expect--and she uses it to her advantage. But enough of the heavy analysing; above all, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is FUN! It's clearly of the Fox, rather than the MGM, school of musicals--MGM made the "art" musicals ("An American in Paris," "Singin' in the Rain"), while Fox made the "vulgar" ones ("There's No Business Like Show Business"). From the opening number ("Two Little Girls from Little Rock"), we know we're in for a visually opulent, noveau riche zircon of entertainment--witness the gaudy black, red and blue color scheme. Lorelei and Dorothy's costumes are at the extreme end of 50's fashion; designer Travilla will never go down as a contemporary of Dior or Balenciaga, but as a precursor to Bob Mackie. And yet, this is still a very funny (and essentially very warm) movie. There are few screen friendships as believable and as lovable as Lorelei and Dorothy's--maybe only Lucy and Ethel's on the small screen really surpasses it. "Let's get this straight," Dorothy warns, "nobody ever talks about Lorelei except ME." And Lorelei returns the compliment: "Dorothy is the best, loyalest friend a girl could ever have." Pretty heartwarming stuff! In a nutshell, Lorelei and Dorothy are nightclub entertainers who head for Paris when Lorelei's romance with millionaire Mr. Esmond (Tommy Noonan) flounders due to his father's interference. Shipboard, Dorothy is romanced by Malone (Elliot Reid), who, unbeknowst to the girls, is a private detective hired by Esmond to keep an eye out for potential scandal. Meanwhile, Lorelei meets Lord Beekman, aka "Piggy" (Charles Coburn), probably the dirtiest dirty old man in the history of film. Piggy just happens to own the 2nd largest diamond mine in South Africa, and soon enough, Lorelei is coveting the gorgeous diamond tiara owned by Piggy's wife, Lady Beekman (Norma Varden). Various mixups and mayhem ensues, with Lorelei and Dorothy eventually stranded in Paris. And that's where Marilyn Monroe gives her penultimate performance: the legendary "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" sequence. Even today, after scores of parodies and tributes, this number captivates. Not since Rita Hayworth's "Put the Blame on Mame" in "Gilda" was there such an intoxicatingly sexy marriage between star, song and persona. In this number, Marilyn is by turns playful, alluring, seductive and charming, but NEVER conniving or hard-edged. And therein lies her appeal: even when proclaiming "I prefer a man who lives and gives expensive jewels!", Marilyn is never anything less than adorable. She's not a gum-snapping, man-eating golddigger; she wants pretty things, and knows how to get them--but not at the expense of being nice. She may peruse passenger lists with single-minded focus ("Any man with '...and valet' after his name is definitely worthwhile"), but she's still a likable character WITH a motivation behind her actions--which always remain entirely innocent. Special note must be made here, too, of Jane Russell's contributions to this film (not the least of which is her seen-to-be-believed solo, "Ain't There Anyone Here for Love," in which she's surrounded by posterior-pumping beefcake). It would've been very easy for Russell to either throw the film entirely to Monroe, or push too hard for her own spotlight at the expense of onscreen warmth and camraederie. Wisely, Russell does neither. She simply turns in a snappy, effortless comic performance that more than holds its own, and projects a marvelous sense of sisterhood in her scenes with Monroe. This is a small comic, musical gem; the sum is greater than its parts (the songs themselves are weak; the comedy is sometimes obvious), but you cannot deny its sheer entertainment value. This is a perfect example of star power (Monroe's AND Russell's) turning a rhinestone into a diamond.

A gold-digging, or rather diamond-digging, "dumb" blonde, played by Marilyn Monroe, and her singing gal pal, played by the vivacious Jane Russell, provide mutual support on a love boat cruise, where they flirt with, and woo, eligible and preferably rich, men, in this musical comedy from the early 50's. The story is thin and nonsensical. But that's OK, because the film's strengths lie in its comedic script, its dazzling musical numbers, and the inclusion of the visually stunning M. Monroe, as Lorelei Lee.

Superficially, Lorelei "seems" like a not very bright "babe", especially in some of her comments. For example, she counsels Russell's character by saying: "I want you to find happiness --- and stop having fun". But there is a subtle quality about Lorelei that suggests that she may be smarter than she lets on. One wonders if Monroe, who was quite intelligent and bookish in real life, was really acting in this film, or just being herself.

While there are several lively, and memorable, musical numbers, they are all lead-ins to the lavish, eye-popping musical finale. On a stage adorned in garish colors (orange, pink, and black mostly), a breathtakingly glamorous Monroe belts out the popular song: "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend". Her singing (partially dubbed) is not quite as credible as the performance of Carol Channing in the Broadway version. Still, the film's finale is a cinematic spectacle, a veritable feast for the eyes and ears. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is not a heavy weight "message" film. It is instead a pleasant and entertaining bit of fluff, where the emphasis is on fun, music, and glamour.

While it will never compete with the likes of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, GIGI, or MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, this 1953 confection is nonetheless a real charmer. Based on a popular Broadway show which was itself based on the famous novel by Anita Loos, GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES tells the story of two cabaret performers--blonde bombshell Loreli Lee, who is determined to marry for money, and brunette beauty Dorothy Shaw, who prefers to marry for love. When Loreli's engagement to a millionaire's son goes awry, the two set sail for Europe, and comic complications ensue. The story is traditional fluff, pure and simple, and there is nothing in the least innovative or unexpected about the film as a whole--but it is all extremely, extremely well done.

The score is bright, including such tunes as the famous "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"--and all the musical numbers are cleverly staged and filmed. The overall look of the film is also eye popping: the ladies are dressed to perfection and the color cinematography is truly joyous. The script is full of comfortable wit, director Hawks keeps it moving at a nice clip, and the cast includes such enjoyable performers as Charles Coburn, Tommy Noonan, Norma Varden, and George Winslow. But what really makes the film memorable are Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, who simply sparkle with star quality and play their with roles in a twinkle-in-the-eye style.

Monroe and Russell have remarkable chemistry on screen, and although neither were really singers they each had enjoyable and very distinctive singing voices; their performances are so pleasantly amusing that you can't help but smile. Both also had a way with comedy, with Monroe offering her quintessential 'not so dumb blonde' and Russell matching her all the way as the wise-to-you brunette determined to keep Monroe out of trouble. And so well do they work together it is hard to pick a favorite between the two. Call it fluff, froth, foolish--but even jeweler Harry Winston couldn't refuse this good time, even at the risk of a diamond or two. Thoroughly enjoyable for any one still capable of a smile.

Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer

I think some people are too harsh on this movie. No, it doesn't saying anything revelatory about the human condition but that's not its intent. It is very good escapist fare. Monroe and Russell keep us enthralled with their glamor, song and dance numbers, and the occasional sharp one-liner. The plot is perfunctory. While Monroe is obviously the one most associated with the film in the public's consciousness, I personally think Russell is just as good if not better (I'm not saying that because I'm a brunet as well!) A question many Monroe fans ask is whether at this point onward in her career Monroe was playing Lorelei or whether in real life she 'was' Lorelei? Whatever the case, I recommend this movie if one is in the mood for glitzy glamorous Hollywood spectacle, 7/10.

Imperishible like a diamond, sharp, stunning, priceless. The rough and tough Howard Hawks knew how to establish contact with his feminine side and when he did, wonderful things took place. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is a perfect example of that. One of the rarest. The women, as made abundantly clear by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, are divided in two very specific categories: blonds and brunettes. The blonds are always trying to find new places where to wear diamonds, the brunettes may fall for the wrong guy just because love gets in the way. The men are old rich predators, sneaky pros or children, no matter how old. The film goes by at an incredible pace and you can't help but surrender to the charm, the beauty and the knowing innocence of this masterpiece.

Date: August.12, 2012 -First Time Watch- With the fiftieth anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death, TCM ran a marathon of Marilyn Monroe's movies and this happened to be one of the movies they picked. The story follows two showgirls, Lorelei (Monroe) and Dorothy (Russell). Lorelei is engaged to a wealthy guy (a bit of a nerd if you ask me) who's father does not approve. While her fiancé tries to convince his father to let him marry Lorelei, Lorelei and Dorothy take a cruise to France. Of course nothing goes as plans and the two girls are launched into a series of laughter. To be honest, Jane Russell steals the show. She seems like the kind of person you would want to be around you. She's fun, crafty and smart, everything that Lorelei needs to help her getting through this cruise. I can also see why in real life Monroe and Russell became friends. They had such good chemistry in the movie that it's unfortunate that didn't do another movie together. This movie provides plenty of laughter and you have to check out Monroe's iconic 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend' part.

7/10

Classic musical comedy directed by the great Howard Hawks and starring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. Marilyn's determined to marry a rich heir but his father has hired a private detective to prove the beautiful blonde's just after his money. Jane tries to protect Marilyn and keep her out of trouble while the two travel to Paris.

Marilyn's pitch-perfect as the gold-digging Lorelei Lee. She played the 'dumb blonde' better than anybody in movie history. It's impossible not to like her, even when she's doing things you might not agree with. Jane's never been better than here playing Marilyn's sassy man-crazy best friend. Charles Coburn is the horny owner of a diamond mine. Child actor George Winslow steals every scene he's in. Tommy Noonan is fun as Marilyn's fiancé. Elliott Reid is the weakest part of the cast as the private detective who falls for Jane. He's just so stiff and corny that I couldn't see what a great dish like Jane Russell could see in him. He looks like a Fed.

Lots of great lines and scenes. Possibly the best thing about the movie is just how gorgeous it looks. I'm not just talking about the leading ladies, who are both stunning. The Technicolor just pops off the screen. One of my favorite movies of all time. It'll make you smile from start to finish. Colorful, funny, sexy, with enjoyable performances and wonderful songs. Includes one of Marilyn's defining moments - "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." An absolute must-see classic.

Other than Ridley Scott's brilliant Thelma And Louise 1991, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes has to rank as one of the finest films where the girls actually out buddy buddy the men!!

It would seem that a chief complaint with the film is that it has no similarity to Anita Loo's Broadway musical? And whilst I'm one for pounding on films for missing out crucial parts of source novels, I have no frame of reference as regards this films original source so therefore view with untainted eyes as it were.

Viewing it these days you have to admire the cheek of it all. I mean it really shouldn't work because on the face of it this is just a couple of showgirls taking a trip, but the blatant use of stereotypes for these two ladies is deftly funny. Monroe is absolutely perfect for the role of Lorelei, a woman purely out for the sparkle of diamonds and a man's bank balance, she is as much shallow as she is to die for gorgeous. Jane Russell is also sublime here, her Dorothy Shaw is witty and sophisticated and very protective towards her friend, yet she also needs to be loved and this shines out amongst the sarcasm and sharpness dripping off of her tongue.

The film works on more than one level, it's a sugar and sweet musical with glamour girls to feast my eyes upon, but also it works as a sharp piece of work when taking into account the era it was made. The 50s (my research and my parents led me to believe) were very much the time of family values being paramount, yet around the time of this pic's release, sex was becoming more of a topic to the people of the street. Playboy with Marilyn on the center was about to turn heads, and of course Kinsey and his report was just around the corner. So upon watching Gentlemen Prefer Blondes now I can't help thinking that Howard Hawks had his finger firmly on the pulse by throwing away the big show time of the source, and then making a film that saw the wind of change with people's attitudes.

Not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but we get some tidy numbers from the girls and some sharp dialogue coupled with hilarious visual comedy. A very smart and astute film that's knowing of the times that were a changing, and featuring a dynamic female duo to rank with the best that cinema has to offer. 7/10

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" is a much loved and incredibly popular film from a Golden age of Hollywood which saw such screen icons as Marilyn Monroe become household names across America, and indeed, the world. This film represents Monroe's big breakout role and is movie that made her a worldwide icon of the big screen and secured her place in Hollywood's Most Exclusive of Halls of Fame. Even looking at the film now, so many years after it's release, it's easy to see why. Everything about this film sparkles - and that's not just because it's in colour. Script, Acting and the Musical aspects are all outstanding contributors to the movie's success. Obviously some of the dialogue is dated by now, but that's hardly the film's fault when you consider how much the world has changed since it's release. No, the film still sparkles, that's for sure. And there's one big, platinum-blonde reason why this is - Marilyn Monroe. Her comic timing in this movie is simply outstanding, while it's true she does have some of the film's best lines it's also the case that she truly makes the most of them - her character is a joy from start to end. Praise too must be awarder to her co-star Jane Russell, who has equally commandeering comic skills and who hit a career high in this movie.

Baisically, this film is a classic from it's era and is highly recommended. I'm currently studying Media and also Cinema and so this was a very worthwhile film to watch to learn more about it's era and I really enjoyed it. Memorable moments include, of course, the iconic performance of "Diamonds are a girl's Best Friend" courtesy of Monroe (It inspired Madonna's music video "Material Girl" - which is basically a carbon copy of the entire scene in this movie), the classic line "I Just Love Finding New Places to Wear Diamonds!" and so much more. I've also become really interested in the life and work of Marilyn Monroe as a result of seeing the movie. A must see if you're interested in Classic Hollywood or Marilyn Monroe

I'm one of those gals who's addicted to style. So I confess........I watched this movie for the fashion, which is positively stunning. Russell's and Monroe's clothing and jewelry are sublimely chic high fashion. The vibrant colors, rich textures, lovely lines, and gleaming stones and metals are mesmerizing. JR and MM are so striking, the costumes and jewels illuminate the two beauties rather than overpower them. I know Monroe's pink dress in the DAAGBF number has received most of the attention over the years, but my absolute favorite is Monroe's gorgeous orange beaded gown with scarf.

The plot is simple, and not terrifically riveting. However, Monroe skillfully plays her 'ditzy' role with charm and irony. And, no one can deny Monroe's poise and elegant movements. Russell also wonderfully plays her part as the smart, wisecracking, and more grounded friend. She also has an enchanting singing voice, as does MM, but I do find Russell's dancing rather clunky and graceless. That aside, the movie is an enjoyable escape with lively musical numbers and dazzling fashion.

It's a mystery how this is seen as fun, after giving it some thought I'm all but done, is it the dialogue, the words, the non-events that have occurred, I just don't get it, perhaps I'm missing all the puns. One song aside all of the others are quite awful, the portrayal of greediness doesn't have the pull, fawning fogies all but drool, make themselves look such a fool, although one lady seems to want to grab a handful. Perhaps the visuals are what most folks can see, they're more specifically, hypnotised by Lorelei, as she's an everlasting icon, men (and women) would like to get a hand on, with performances that are often quite, dreamy.

Marilyn needs no introduction. Suffice it to say that she is perfect in what is probably the best of her "dumb blonde gold digger" roles, looks great, (As if it were possible for her to look less), has plenty of great and funny quotes, and sings the most famous of the Jule Styne-Leo Robin songs wonderfully. But let's not forget the brunette in the picture, Jane Russell, who has plenty of talent, comic timing, and yes, sex appeal herself. Her performance has a great sense of irony, she makes a great foil for Marilyn (Although it certainly is obvious that she really likes the girl), and gets ample oppurtunity to show off her own vocal chops in such songs as the low-key, showstopping duet "When Love Goes Wrong" and the somewhat kitschy "Ain't There Anyone Here For Love," sung while she wanders through a sea of Olympic atheletes wearing nothing but flesh-colored swimming trunks as they lift weights, etc., and then finishes off with a dunk in the pool that wasn't planned but was kept in the film upon viewing the rushes of the sequence. She herself is really great in both. And just how she manages to do a dead-on impersonation of Marilyn in a hilarious courtroom scene, then launch into a take-no-prisoners reprise of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" while still keeping her blond wig and hat squarely on her head, I'll never know.

With such as these to hold out attention, the rest of the film doesn't seem like much, with the usual humdrum romantic plotline, the uninteresting supporting cast, and everything. But it's still a great musical comedy, based on the Broadway show that was in turn based on the famous Anita Loos novel. Howard Hawks' direction, while not as inspired as his "Bringing Up Baby" or "His Girl Friday" work, is lively, the costumes are great, the songs (Those that were retained from Broadway and those added for the film) are all great, and the script, while probably not including much of the wicked satire that the novel is praised for, (Unless I missed it), is funny enough. I should also mention the many classic shots of Marilyn and Jane walking side by side. What a contrast! Marilyn gives it all she's got, and Jane is so low-key about the whole thing she's reviting. What a great team these two ladies were! And, all things considered, what a great movie!

Showgirls Lorelei and Dorothy take a break from their age act, and head to Paris, via a translator cruiser, one has ambitions of love, the other has ambitions of nabbing a rich man, the trouble is, she already has one.

An incredibly charming, sweet and fun piece of 1950's cinema. It's light hearted and fluffy, but it's a film from the time with two very strong female leads.

I'll start with the visuals, it's a gorgeous looking film, from the sets and costumes, to the very glamorous cast.

Russell and Monroe, though both jaw dropping beauties offer so much more than that, their performances are enchanting, the pair appear to run along well together.

What has always struck me is how leading lady Jane Russell isn't afraid to stand aside and allow Monroe to steal scenes, Monroe delivers the laughs, Monroe gets to wear brighter outfits, and those comments that say that Monroe overtakes, I urge you to rewatch the courtroom scene, you get to see the talent of Jane Russell.

There is no denying the presence of Marilyn Monroe, you cannot help but be dazzled by her remarkable beauty. I adore Lorelei, she presents as a money grabbing airhead, but I've always thought her to be quite perceptive, and not quite the fool she makes out.

It's funny, there are quite a few laughs, hard not to chuckle at the effect the girls have on the men. The courtroom scene is a real hoot.

It's famed for its musical numbers, and of course Diamonds are a girl's best friend is perhaps the best known, and it still looks as charming as ever.

Surely it's fluff and a little daft at times, but as a feel good film, Gentlemen prefer blondes is still well worth seeing.

8/10.

Rarely are we graced with the presence of royalty, however in Howard Hawk's 1953 version of the musical by Anita Loos and Joseph Fields, we are indulged by two love goddesses of the 1950s. Lorelei (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy (Jane Russell) are a pair of cabaret artists looking for love and money. They form an odd couple of sorts but with killer looks. At times, they don't always see eye to eye when it comes to choosing a mate.

They end up on a cruise to Paris among a bulky men's Olympic team, and wealthy African diamond miner (and his wife), a private detective, and any other rich gentlemen that Lorelei can get her mittens on. Conflicts arise when Lorelei begins chasing after other men's money while Dorothy falls in love with the wrong kind of man. They end up having to decide between a a life full of money or happiness.

Monroe and Russell are knock-outs in this film; full-bodied, sassy and sultry, thanks to Hawk's sharp direction. They each play off each other's assets - Monroe, fully utilising her bodily assets playing the ditsy blonde, while the more level headed Russell provides the cynic of the pair.

The script is a laugh-out-loud riot showcasing Monroe's ability to deliver dead pan lines and demonstrating she never shies away from an opportunity to make fun of herself. Plus there are many classic screwball moments that bounce the farce along.

The limited amount of musical numbers are slickly directed by Hawks, well orchestrated and toe-tappingly fun, vibrant with colours, utilising a large crew of back-up singers and dancers. The music & lyrics by Styne & Robin are joyous and lively diversions.

I recently watched this film in a small public screening as part of a "Goddess" art exhibition. It was quite an experience to have the entire theatre erupt in riots of laughter, even applauding during certain moments. While at times implausible and absurd, it's far too easy to overlook this for it's charm and opportunity to see Monroe and Hawks at their comical bests.

Well, what can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed this. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes may be fluff, but my goodness, it is enjoyable fluff. The men may be underused, and the third act is rather flat and contrived. However, the whole film is superbly photographed, with some eye popping costumes. The music is wonderful too, Diamonds are a Girl's best friend is iconic and for a reason but every other song is well done too. The choreography is also sprightly and enjoyable, while the script is snappy and witty and the story well-structured. The pace rarely lags either, and Howard Hawk's direction is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of the two leads. Jane Russell is a great match, but it is Marilyn Monroe's movie. Classy, beautiful and entrancing, she really gives it her all and gives a superb performance in the process. All in all, thoroughly enjoyable and worth watching for Monroe alone. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Best friends Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell) are nightclub singers traveling to Paris on a transAtlantic cruise. They encounter many enamored men including the US Olympic Team, a Private Eye, and a diamond rich man.

Based on the Broadway musical, director Howard Hawks is able to coax a truly fun performance from Monroe. Her magnetism is undeniable. Her bubbly personality outshines even Jane Russell.

There are some fun jokes mostly sexual in nature as expected. The songs are good including the iconic "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend". That particular song production is especially fun. It makes the movie. And it's especially great to have Monroe and Russell actually sing most of the songs.

Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw are two showgirls from Little Rock; Dorothy is bored by money but her friend Lorelei is determined to net a man who is rich and will shower her in diamonds. She believes she has found her man in the form of Gus Esmond, a rich but awkward character. They are to be wed in Paris. Lorelei and Dorothy catch a ship across the Atlantic; along with Ernie Malone, a private investigator employed by Gus's suspicious father; the US Olympic team; and Sir Francis "Piggy" Beekman, an owner of a diamond mine who catches Lorelei's eye. As the voyage gets underway Dorothy and Malone develop a relationship but that appears to be over when she learns she has been spying on her friend. Their situation only gets worse when they arrive in France.

I must admit that while I'd obviously heard of this film I knew nothing about it when I sat down to watch... I didn't even realise it was a musical! If you aren't a fan of musicals don't be put off though as between the musical numbers there is a fun story with plenty of laughs. These laughs are, as one might expect, fairly gentle with no material that is likely to offend anybody. Marilyn Monroe is a lot of fun as the not-as-dumb-as-she-appears Lorelei and Jane Russell is equally impressive as her friend Dorothy. Elliott Reid is really solid as Malone; the closest thing the film has to a non-comic main character. The musical numbers, including the famous 'Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend' are fun enough although they are probably the areas of the film that feel most dated thanks to changing musical styles... this isn't really a problem though as they are still rather fun. Overall I'd recommend this for anybody looking for some inoffensive fun.

Not quite the cheesecake farce the ads made it out to be, this tuneful adaptation of the musical stage hit (via Anita Loos' book) is a very good comic vehicle for Marilyn Monroe, ostensibly playing a mercenary ditz--but with a brain after all. Pal Jane Russell gets most of the sarcastic lines, yet when it's Marilyn's turn to deliver a put-down, she does it dryly and delightfully. MM's rapport with Russell is carefully manufactured (they never step on each other's lines); still, they're a colorful showgirl team, cruising to Paris and tangling with a rich old coot and a private detective. Fox musical has costume changes galore (curiously with many of them in black), although the snappy witticisms can only take the picture so far. It runs out of steam in the final reel (right about the time Russell impersonates Monroe in court, an idea which falls flat). For most of the sojourn, a fast-paced frolic with funny retorts, enjoyable bits of nutty business, and Monroe singing "Diamond's Are a Girl's Best Friend". She may be a man-trap, but she's a savvy one. *** from ****

Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell team up for "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," also starring Charles Coburn, Elliot Reid, Tommy Noonan, and George Winslow. Marilyn and Jane are Lorelei Lee and Dorothy, two showgirls and best friends en route to Paris. The gold-digging Lorelei intends to marry her rich, nerdy, beloved beau, Gus, but his father has a detective on board hoping to get something on her. Meanwhile, an older, wealthy man (Coburn) takes an interest in her while she takes an interest in his wife's tiara, and Dorothy starts to fall for the detective. The result is a delightful musical comedy.

Jane and Marilyn are in top form, both traffic-stopping, sexy, stunning women and wonderful performers. Russell is leggy and earthy, with a good singing voice and nice line delivery as the more grounded Dorothy. Monroe is exquisite, really shining in the number later copied by Madonna for "Material Girl," "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." All the numbers are energetic and great.

This film really solidified Monroe's position at Twentieth Century Fox, and it's easy to see why. Though she wanted to do drama, for this viewer, her very careful enunciation limited her somewhat, though she is excellent in "Don't Bother to Knock" and "Niagara." Her characterization of Lorelei is marvelous - the dumb blonde who's not so dumb. "I can be smart when it's important," she says with a sly smile. No matter what the role, Monroe always had a sweetness about her - you could hear it in her voice and see it in her smile. It's a shame she was so insecure. During "Some Like it Hot," Billy Wilder noticed that she kept looking at Paula Strasberg for approval after every scene, and Strasberg would give her some sort of a sign. Wilder pretended not to notice until after one take, when he turned to Strasberg and yelled, "HOW ABOUT YOU, PAULA? WAS IT OKAY?" Poor Marilyn. She had it all. She just didn't know it.