GENTLEMEN (STILL) PREFER BLONDES

I recently watched the Hollywood classic - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, watching it for the first time in it's entirety and in HD.   I now have a whole new appreciation for this gem.  Released in 1953, it is amazing how well the film looks 57 years later (even in HD!).  Stunners - Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe star as best friend show-girls Dorothy Shaw & Lorelei Lee.   The two look more like cartoon dreams than real life flesh and blood!   This dynamic duo are basically singing and dancing good cop / bad cops.  DOROTHY & LORELEI HATCH A PLAN Russell plays the street smart Dorothy, a brunette with the tough exterior.   Monroe is the bubbly  Lorelei, a platinum blond who is sly like a fox when it comes to the bottom line.   The film is a study in fashion 101 for any aspiring designer or stylist.   Of course, even if you don't know the movie, MARILYN SINGS "DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND"you know the most famous musical number from the movie " Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend".   Monroe's performance cemented her legend, and also influenced the most famous blond since Marilyn - Madonna.  (Madonna has payed homage to Monroe's style in so much of her work).   Russell and Monroe had the on-screen chemistry that movie makers dream of.  Think Lucy & Ethel.MARILYN TAKES THE CALL

Much of the wacky adventure takes place on the high seas, as the duo head to Paris aboard a luxury liner jam packed with millionaires, Olympic athletes, and the two sexiest troublemakers in musical history!    Things only go from kooky to crazy once the gals hit Paris.   First up, an all day shopping spree that is intoxicating.  Legendary French fashion houses  Schiaparelli, Dior, & Balenciaga all get a shout out.  (Talk about amazing marketing).  What follows has to be seen to be believed, but lets just say - the two take "singing for your supper" to an extreme! 

Of course the third co-star of the film is the amazing wardrobe.   Impeccably created and styled by Billy Travilla, both women take your breath away scene after scene.   It is no surprise, as Mr. Travilla left his thumbprint on countless Hollywood classics such as Flamingo Road starring Joan Crawford.  He also contributed to Dynasty, which was one of the most image conscious shows in television history.   Nolan Miller was officially the man in charge of creating that world of big shoulders and big color for the imaginary Carrington clan.   The show was known as much for fashion as it was for hair pulling drama!    

As for the title of this film, the allure of the platinum blond never ceases to amaze me.   Me and the rest of the world that is.   The film pokes fun at the hypnotic effect that golden tresses have on everyone of the male persuasion.   The courtroom scene is not to be missed!  Don't let the title fool you however,  there is a happy ending for most aboard this love boat!

JANE RUSSELL & THE ATHLETESJane Russell was also as famous for her figure as she was for her acting ability.   Her wide shoulders, generous endowment ( that later earned her a lucrative Cross Your Heart bra campaign) and legs that look longer than Marilyn's body, make her one co-star that's hard to upstage!   The pool scene with Russell and the U.S. Olympic athletes in speedos, that just happen to be on board, is one of a kind to say the least!   Russell was many things - but a great dancer was not one of them ( think Whitney Houston in any of her videos).  It is amusing to see her keep up with Monroe when they shake, shimmy, and high kick their way from NY to Paris!

Rent this classic today.   If you are a fan of Hollywood musicals, it will become one of your favorites.   If you work in the fashion industry - it should become one of your favorites!

Oh, and if it is any consolation to all the brunette readers out there- they made a follow up film two years later with Russell titled - "Gentlemen Marry Brunettes".   So there you have it!