Review of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) by Chris H — 27 Mar 2011

Passable as a movie, in general, but probably among the better choices in the genre of screwball musicals. Monroe is at least as annoying as alluring in fare like this, being a caricature of a bombshell. (Though she doesn't play much better/differently in dramatic roles like "Don't Bother To Knock".) Russell is natural (by design, for dramatic contrast) and charming, if a little stilted.

There isn't any more or less depth than you might expect, and it's a classic only in the sense that it's a classic example of the kind of movies that made me think I hated musicals until I saw superb ones like "Meet Me In St. Louis" and "West Side Story".

I don't go so far as to say I hate many musicals these days, and this wouldn't be among the few. But I can only see recommending it to people who know quite clearly that this style of filmmaking is the sparkle that catches their eye.