GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES: DVD (1953)

SYNOPSIS:
Showgirls Dorothy (Jane Russell), and Lorelei (Marilyn Monroe) leave on a boat trip to Paris, where Lorelei intends to marry millionaire Gus Esmond (Tommy Noonan). But Esmond's father (Taylor Holmes) has hired private detective Malone (Elliot Reid) to go along to make sure Lorelei isn't just another gold-digger. Dorothy falls for Malone, while Lorelei meets precocious youngster Henry Spofford III (George 'Foghorn' Winslow) and flirts with elderly diamond merchant Sir Francis Beekham (Charles Coburn).

Review by Louise Keller:
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is probably best remembered as the film that brought us the unforgettable routine Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, which subsequently became synonymous with Marilyn. But, there are plenty of other delights in this frothy, thoroughly enjoyable frolic, largely due to the seductive performances, amusing script and easy-to-listen-to tunes. In fact you could be forgiven for watching this charmer simply to goggle at the fabulous figure-hugging outfits and dazzling couture worn by Monroe and Russell, the most famous Hollywood blonde and brunette of the day.

While most identify this title with Monroe, in fact it was Russell who enjoyed top billing. Both girls ooze glamour from top to toe: from their coiffed hairdos to the perfectly manicured nails and designer clothes. Monroe is ravishing as the dumb blonde obsessed by wealth and diamonds, making the most of every opportunity to pout and seduce with body language. Her philosophy? 'It's just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is a poor man.' And Monroe is very convincing, stunning in crimson, emerald, violet, scarlet, charcoal and indeed every colour of the rainbow.

The story is straightforward with a pretty predictable outcome, but along the way we are entranced by comical exchanges, delightful routines and a handful of beguiling characters that are so darned likeable. There are plenty of great lines - like Russell's 'I think you're the only gal in the world who can stand with a spotlight in her eyes and still see a diamond in a guy's pocket.' When nerdy but rather likeable millionaire Esmond presents Loreilei with a diamond ring, he asks 'Is it the right size', to which Monroe replies 'Oh a diamond can never be too big!'

I love the musical numbers - from the opener of Two Little Girls From Little Rock (in scarlet sequins slashed to the waist), Remember You're My Baby, When Love Goes Wrong (in a Paris Café) and Russell's memorable routine Ain't There Anyone Here For Love when she surrounds herself with skimpily clad muscly men flexing muscles in a rather interesting routine in the ship's gym. But of course the showstopper is Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, with Marilyn draped in a candy pink gown, long matching gloves and enough diamonds to warm anyone's heart on a chilly winter's night. The epitome of allure, she wiggles, she struts and every man is putty in her hands.

Comedic banter becomes slapstick and there are plenty of memorable moments, like Russell's Diamonds reprise in the Paris court, wearing a platinum blonde wig and showy, showgirl outfit. Or the scene when Monroe is stuck in a porthole and the youngster George 'Foghorn' Winslow helps her out of a pending jam with Charles Coburn's lecherous diamond collector.

The film itself is the star feature with a couple of extras - namely the theatrical trailer, a couple of one sheet posters and a short Movietone news clip featuring Monroe and Russell leaving an imprint of their hands and foot prints in concrete.

Published July 18, 2002