Watch Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a 1953 musical comedy film that features two showgirls who set out on a quest for love and money, while on a luxury ocean liner. The movie features iconic stars, Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in the lead, with Charles Coburn, Tommy Noonan, and Elliott Reid in key supporting roles. The film is directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Sol C. Siegel. The script is loosely based on the 1925 novel of the same name by Anita Loos.

The film follows the story of two best friends, Dorothy Shaw (played by Jane Russell) and Lorelei Lee (played by Marilyn Monroe), who are talented performers in their own rights. The duo is part of a chorus line and performs at a nightclub in New York City. They dream of leaving their small-time performances and wanting to achieve the big stage. One day, Lorelei gets engaged to the wealthy but naive Gus Esmond Jr. (played by Tommy Noonan).

When the two ladies are invited to go onboard an ocean liner to France, they embark on a journey filled with lavish parties, glamorous jewelry, and a glamorous voyage with several eligible bachelors in tow. Lorelei is especially targeted by the wealthy Henry Spofford III (played by Charles Coburn), who is determined to win her affection. However, things go awry when Lorelei is accused of flirtatious behavior with several of the bachelors on the boat, jeopardizing her relationship with Gus.

As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that both Dorothy and Lorelei are fixated on their respective goals. Dorothy is smitten with the ship's diaphragm salesman Ernie Malone (played by Elliott Reid), who she hopes will provide her with the necessary income to open a new nightclub back in the USA. Meanwhile, Lorelei is more direct in her pursuit of wealth and wealthier husbands, choosing to pursue Henry to ensure their financial security.

The movie is a unique blend of comedy, music, and romance, with many memorable songs and dance numbers interwoven into the plot. The film features several iconic sequences, including Marilyn Monroe's sultry performance of "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend", a performance that became a pop cultural phenomenon and defined her on-screen persona.

The film is known for its glossy sets and colorful costumes, which add to the overall frivolity of the proceedings. Hawks made a conscious decision to shoot the movie in vibrant hues, contributing to the overall sense of joy and glamour.

The standout performances were by Monroe and Russell, who shared fantastic comic chemistry and developed an on-screen friendship that felt authentic and substantial. The duo portrayed strong, independent women willing to defy social conventions to achieve their dreams. Monroe's performance as Lorelei brought a whimsical charm to the character while Russell's magnetic presence elevated her performance far beyond being a simple sidekick.

The film offers a glimpse into the cultural atmosphere and gender roles that defined the era of the 1950s. It illustrates the social expectations placed on women and the limited options they had to achieve financial independence. While the film spotlights the objectification of women and the male gaze, it also provides a platform for female characters to subvert their gender roles and ultimately succeed in obtaining luxury, financial security, and love.

In summary, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a classic musical-comedy film that highlights the appeal and talent of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell as two showgirls on a quest for love and money. With stunning color photography and lavish costumes, Howard Hawks delivers a hilarious, upbeat, and thoroughly entertaining movie, that still resonates with viewers over half a century later.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a 1953 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.