“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953) is a vibrant musical comedy that stars Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell as two showgirls on a journey of romance, humor, and friendship. Directed by Howard Hawks and based on Anita Loos’s 1925 novel and the subsequent 1949 stage musical, this film is an iconic piece of Hollywood history, featuring some of Monroe’s most memorable performances and songs. Her role as the “diamond-loving” Lorelei Lee firmly established Monroe’s comedic chops and contributed to her lasting legacy as a pop culture icon.

Film Details:

• Title: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
• Release Year: 1953
• Genre: Musical, Comedy
• Director: Howard Hawks
• Screenwriters: Charles Lederer (based on the musical by Joseph Fields and Anita Loos)
• Cinematography: Harry J. Wild
• Production Company: 20th Century Fox
• Runtime: 91 minutes

Main Cast:

• Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee
• Jane Russell as Dorothy Shaw
• Charles Coburn as Sir Francis “Piggy” Beekman
• Elliott Reid as Ernie Malone
• Tommy Noonan as Gus Esmond
• Norma Varden as Lady Beekman

Plot Summary:

The story follows Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell), two glamorous showgirls and best friends with contrasting philosophies on love. Lorelei is a charming and materialistic woman obsessed with diamonds and marrying rich, while Dorothy is down-to-earth and values love over wealth. They embark on a luxury cruise from New York to Paris, where Lorelei intends to marry her wealthy fiancé, Gus Esmond (Tommy Noonan), against his father’s wishes. However, things take a humorous turn when Lorelei attracts the attention of wealthy older men, including Sir Francis Beekman (Charles Coburn), and Dorothy catches the eye of a detective, Ernie Malone (Elliott Reid), hired to keep an eye on the women for Gus’s father.

As the girls get tangled up in comedic misunderstandings and diamond-related antics, Lorelei’s obsession with diamonds and Dorothy’s knack for getting into trouble lead to a series of humorous, charming, and heartfelt moments. The film culminates in Paris, where misunderstandings are resolved, and the two showgirls prove their loyalty to each other and their cleverness in outwitting those who try to deceive them.

Marilyn Monroe’s Role:

Monroe’s performance as Lorelei Lee is one of her most iconic. Her portrayal of a “dumb blonde” who is actually witty and resourceful turned the stereotype on its head. She brought humor, charm, and depth to the role, and her rendition of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” became a defining moment in her career and one of Hollywood’s most famous musical numbers.

Themes:

• Friendship and Loyalty: Despite their differences, Lorelei and Dorothy have a strong bond and are loyal to each other, supporting one another through all their romantic and comedic misadventures.
• Love vs. Wealth: The film humorously contrasts the priorities of love and wealth, with Lorelei representing a woman determined to secure financial stability and Dorothy favoring romance.
• Female Empowerment: Lorelei and Dorothy are independent, clever, and fully in control of their lives and choices, subtly challenging the traditional expectations for women in the 1950s.

Reception:

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” was a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its wit, style, and musical numbers. Critics and audiences alike praised the chemistry between Monroe and Russell, as well as Monroe’s scene-stealing performance. The film cemented her status as a top Hollywood actress, and its popularity made it a touchstone in the musical comedy genre.

Legacy:

The film has since become an enduring classic, especially for Monroe’s performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” which has been referenced, recreated, and parodied in countless films, music videos, and pop culture moments. It is celebrated as one of the best musical comedies of its time and is often credited with helping to redefine the female buddy movie genre.

Fun Fact:

The screenplay for “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” was adapted by Charles Lederer, who also co-wrote the classic film “His Girl Friday” (1940). Known for his witty dialogue, Lederer’s adaptation helped capture the sharp humor and charm that became central to the film’s success.

This film marked a significant moment in Marilyn Monroe’s career, showcasing her in a lead role and setting the stage for her stardom. Her performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” became an iconic scene that solidified her image as a Hollywood icon and redefined the “dumb blonde” archetype, portraying Lorelei as both clever and charismatic.

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