Matinee Monday: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

In honor of Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, this week for Matinee Monday we are highlighting the musical comedy that launched her into stardom: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). Before 1953, Monroe primarily modeled and starred in small roles in noirs and dramas. However, noticing Monroe’s comedic chops after working with her on the film Monkey Business (1952), director Howard Hawks (who would have turned 130 this year) cast Monroe as the diamond-loving blonde Lorelei Lee. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes perfectly captured Monroe’s star power, as she shimmers in costume designer William Travilla’s stunning dresses and steals the show with her charm and humor. To celebrate Monroe’s legacy, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is hosting an extensive exhibit on Monroe’s career, where you can see the iconic pink dress from the musical number “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” on display.

Surprisingly, modern for its time, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes subverts the traditions of romantic comedies by focusing on the friendship of two women, over their love interests. Monroe and her co-star Jane Russell share wonderful chemistry, as girlfriends always looking out for each other.

Read more about this Hollywood gem below:

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