Review of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) by Daniel P — 09 Jan 2013

I had no idea what to expect from this one, I have to admit: it's famous for the scene that Madonna and Moulin Rouge ripped off, and for putting Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell (the latter being my preference if you must know) into Hollywood cement.

Monroe's acting was weak - yes, this is new to me, it's the first of her movies I've ever seen - but her transition from (1) doe-eyed bombshell available to the highest bidder to (2) gold-digging show girl to (3) all-singing, all-dancing cabaret star was notable.

Though it's watchable (as all movies made before about 1965 seem to be), the problem with this movie is that you just can't buy into the motives of your heroine, and her growth as a character in the end is questionable at best. The resolution is ridiculous, but these two on screen at the time? Who cares a lot? Fun songs, and no, I probably shouldn't beat on movies meant to be senseless vehicles for their stars...