Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Wonderful character development!

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) is a Comedy/Musical/Romance starring Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei Lee and Jane Russel as Dorothy Shaw. The 2 showgirls, Lorelei and Dorothy, are on their way to Paris via a transatlantic cruise working as showgirls while being followed by a private detective. On their way, they chat up as many eligible men as possible. This movie is a wonderful classic because of the remarkable performances, authentic costume designs, and wonderful musical numbers.Marilyn Monroe will steal your breath away at the start of the show. She is not only stunning. She also portrays her character in an excellent manner. Lorelei is a smooth, soft-speaking, dramatic, well-dressed woman who is very interested in money and all the pretty things it will buy her. She is also able to convince people of her opinions even if they are commonly disapproved opinions. Her best friend, who she considers to be an amazing and loyal friend, Dorothy, is quite the opposite. Dorothy is not interested in money, and especially not in men with money as is shown when she first meets Ernie and she is angered when he tries to brag about his wealth. She also portrays her character as an intelligent, strong- willed and tough woman.The costumes are great. I just love the 1950s era. All of the men are dressed classy in their suit and ties. The women are wearing gorgeous elegant sparkly long dresses and long gloves. In one scene, Dorothy is wearing an expensive looking black dress and her curled black hair and dazzling earrings look so beautiful that you will want to get into a time machine and go back to the 1950s. When she puts the girly white robe around Ernie, it is quite funny.I thoroughly enjoyed all of the songs of the film and I like to listen and sing to them even when the film is over. The songs are sweet and sultry and very clear. As Lorelei and Dorothy sit together at a table in the restaurant, Lorelei begins to sing. After the tempo begins to increase and more people join in the song until Lorelei and Dorothy are singing up-tempo and in unison. The two give a stunning performance together by dancing and acting to this song. By the end of the song, the tempo slows down and the audience is watching them drive off.I would recommend that anybody who enjoys Musicals to take the hour and a half to watch this one. If you enjoyed movies like Grease or Mamma Mia because you like to sing along to catchy and entertaining songs, then this movie is for you. I enjoyed this film as much as I usually enjoy musicals, especially ones that were made decades before I was born. If you like old films, like Breakfast at Tiffany's or other old films that star a beautiful and class maiden like Monroe, then you will probably enjoy it. The film is not just for adults, older children may be able to enjoy this film as well. Overall, I thought that this movie was beautiful and it's among my favourites. The ending was superb and the romances of the lead characters were intriguing and sweet. I'm always a fan of the musical genre and I thought that this movie did it right. It had me rooting for the main characters, imagining their thoughts, singing along to the songs, marvelling at the gorgeous costumes and set designs, and becoming captivated by the performances of Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Shaw.

With its bright, technicolor imagery, slight bawdiness, memorable music numbers, and iconic lead performances, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" has become something of a cinematic legend. Of course, it does not hold nearly the same legacy as a film like "The Godfather" or "Citizen Kane", but it is still among the most iconic and referenced classic film musicals of all time. This has much to do with the lovely Marilyn Monroe's memorable performance. She is certainly highly attractive in this movie, but her performance is memorable for more than just her looks. She's genuinely hilarious in this movie, and her character is so over the top at times that its obvious this film is (at least in part) meant to be highly satirical.While this movie is remembered more for the sex appeal of its leads, its still a great film. It has a sharp sense of humor, and these supposedly objectified women play their comical characters with the greatest timing and wit imaginable. The musical numbers are also fantastic. Hearing Jane Russel and Marilyn Monroe sing is more beautiful and heartwarming than is realistically conceivable.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): Dir: Howard Hawks / Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Charles Coburn, Elliott Reid, Tommy Noonan: Fetching musical about romance as an object to snare its victims. Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell play Broadway sensations who board a cruise. Monroe's current beau worries that she will be targeted for scandal thus threatening their relationship already disapproved by his father. Russell becomes involved with a private investigator out to conclude a case involving missing jewels. Intermixed with various musical numbers, most notably 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" belted out by Monroe. Director Howard Hawks transcends music and humour successfully. His range goes from gangster films with Scarface: Shame of a Nation, to screwball comedies with Bringing Up Baby, to film noir with The Big Sleep. Monroe and Russell exchange hilarious dialogue from Monroe's absent-mindedness to Russell's sarcasm. Russell will protect her friendship at any cost, and Monroe must prove herself. Charles Coburn and Elliott Reid make great foils. Coburn is a married wealthy playboy enamored with Monroe. Reid is the private eye who ends up falling for Russell. Tommy Noonan plays Gus, Russell's previous love who is a nerd controlled by his upper class family. Theme regards spellbinding romance among other things gentlemen don't grasp. Score: 9 / 10

fun for its time, ironic image of society, seductive, it remains charming. not only for inspired script or for the taste of a lost period. but for acting. and for science to be, again and again, a nice story with special glance. Marylin is herself and the nuances of role are pieces of splendid work. Jane Russell gives soul and spirit to a memorable character. and the lovely manner of Charles Coburn to do his role is good occasion to admire old fashion art.but it is something unique in this case who reflects Hollywood trend but, in same measure, represents a little revolution. a song, few words, adorable actresses and science to define comedy more than entertainment. that is all. and perfect excuse to enjoy it. again.