Film Review: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Being iconic and being good are two different things. Viewers can be reminded of this when they watch certain iconic films only to discover that its quality doesn’t actually match its historic importance or place in popular culture. One such example can be found with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1953 musical comedy directed by Howard Hawks.

The film had its origins in 1926 satirical novel by Anita Loos, said to have been inspired by Loos' perception of seemingly shallow showgirls' ability to captivate and manipulate men of higher social standing, education, and intellect, akin to her friend, the elitist social commentator H. L. Mencken. The novel was in 1949 adapted into popular Broadway musical, which serves as the basis for the film. The plot revolves around two New York City showgirls - Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe) and her best friend Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell). Lorelei, who has never hidden her attraction to men of wealth, is engaged to young Gus Esmond Jr. (played by Tommy Noonan). The marriage is opposed by Esmond’s father (played by Taylor Holmes) who forbade Gus to travel to France for that very purpose. Lorelei is, however, given letter of credit and ticket for boat trip and she embarks on a cruise ship with Dorothy. They are being followed by Ernie Mallone (played by Eliott Reed), private detective hired by Esmond’s father and two women during the trip get involved in all kinds of comic misadventures, including Dorothy and Ernie discovering that they are attracted to each other.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is best known for establishing stardom of Marylin Monroe, which would become one of the greatest Hollywood icons in history. While the film is entertaining and easy to digest, it falls short of the high expectations set by its iconic status. The oversimplistic script by Charles Lederer lacks the depth and cultural references of the original Jazz Age setting, rendering it somewhat generic. Director Howard Hawks, despite his reputation as one of the most diverse filmmakers of Classic Hollywood, struggles with musical numbers and feels more at home with scenes that shows how screwball comedy style is his forte. The musical numbers, that were actually directed by Jack Cole, fail to impress overall, except for the standout "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," famously performed by Marilyn Monroe in a pink dress. That particular scene, which would be recreated by Madonna in her “Material Girl” and become subject of many homages, actually manages to elevate the film above its shortcomings.

Monroe's portrayal of the "dumb blonde" stereotype, while iconic, at times borders on being overly exaggerated. In contrast, Jane Russell shines as a more nuanced actress, particularly in near-surreal scene near the end where she impersonates Monroe's character. Gentlemen Prefer Bloners boasts a strong supporting cast, with notable performances from child actor Charles Winslow in a hilarious scene. While the film's premise of an unapologetic gold-digger as the protagonist may be viewed as sexist and misogynistic by today's standards, certain scenes, like Russell's lustful musical number surrounded by half-naked men, can be interpreted as surprisingly progressive for its time, showing that men can be sex objects just like as women.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a recommendable film, even for those not deeply entrenched in cinephilia or fans of musical comedy, offering a blend of entertainment, humour, and a touch of social commentary that transcends its era.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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