Review of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) by Ralph R — 10 Apr 2008

Anita Loos's story about the golddiggeing Lorelei Lee was written in 1926. The musical play was made in 1949. This famed film was made in 1953. Don't go see Gentlemen Prefer Blondes expecting to see the treatment of women today - it's a museum piece, allowing us to see how women thought and behaved to survive in an era before feminism.

AND YET. In her way, Lorelei Lee may have been one of the first feminists. She survived it all and always came out on top. Just take a look at the brilliant Monroe's scene where she asks the wealthy father of her intended "if you had a daughter wouldn't you want her to marry a rich man? Why is it wrong for me to want those things for myself?" And when he says "they told me you were stupid" she replies "I can be smart when it's important.".

It's funny to think that this role created by the waifish Carol Channing on stage would be made universally famous by the most voluptuous sex symbol of the last century. Both women created entirely different views of Lorelei Lee - each one extremely valid.

Howard Hawks changed some of the play to put it onstage, including the removal of several Jule Styne songs and the addition of new ones by Hoagy Charmichael. The new songs are wonderful and they present great opportunities for Monroe's co star, the underrated and extraordinary Jane Russell. Both women are beautiful and both women as skilled actors. Hawk's directs them wonderfully and creates a glittering setting for the diamonds that they both were.

It is easy to write off this movie and the performances as fluff but I urge people to take a more open mind and go a little deeper. It'll surprise you.