Singin' and Dancing Back in Time.: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) is classic Marilyn

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) is classic Marilyn

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the 1953 musical that paired Marilyn Monroe with Jane Russell, recently aired on TV and I watched a little of it. This is one of my favorite musicals and one of Marilyn's best films in my opinion. I own it on DVD but I will always pause to watch it when it plays on TV. The story has two singers and best friends Lorelei Lee (Monroe) and Dorothy Shaw (Russell) who travel to Paris pursued by a private detective hired by Lorelei's fiance's disapproving father to keep an eye on her. Dorothy ends up falling for the detective while Lorelei deals with unwanted suitors such as Sir Francis "Piggy" Beekman, a wealthy old codger, and a very young and infatuated kid. This movie is delightful with several great songs such as Is There Anyone Here For Love? which is knocked out of the park by Russell. She gives a energetic performance amid a team of gymnasts and winds up in the swimming pool. Monroe of course sings the signature song, Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend and she is equally as good. As a matter of fact, these two women really have great chemistry together. It's a shame they didn't make more films together. Monroe nails the ditsy blonde to perfection but throws in some wisdom every now that makes a lot of sense. Russell gets to deliver all the wisecracks and she will remind you of Eve Arden a little bit. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a terrific movie that is great to watch in glorious color with great songs and wonderful comedy.

B+

1 comment:

DawnDecember 2, 2010 at 2:31 AM
Monty, Also one of my favorite films. What I loved most about the film was the a sisterhood between Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe.
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