Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Howard Hawks

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - a charming musical staring Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe and directed by Howard Hawks. The film is based on the musical which is based on the book. The story is classic miscommunication, misread comments, etc that lead to problems. Very 1950's comedy - gold digging girl on a boat trip to Paris, hijinks ensue, all ends happily.

The movie/show is probably best known for the song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" as performed by Marilyn Monroe. While Marilyn sings the song and performs it so well, the recently passed Marni Nixon was there to get the high notes for her. I think this film should also be known for one of the gayest production numbers I have seen in a long time - Jane Russell's song "Ain't There Anyone Here for Love." As choreographed by the amazing Jack Cole, it features the half-naked Men's Olympic team doing who knows what around Jane Russell as she sings. Lucky for all of us, the boys include the incredible George Chakiris. Also in the film is an uncredited Larry Kert, and an actor named Roger Moore...but not the one you're thinking of.

Charming movie that should be seen at least once. And if you like the music, there are a few recordings out there as well - the musical "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" with Carol Channing, the encores cast of "Gentleman" with Megan Hilty, and a few others. It may also drive you to look into the films of Howard Hawks a bit more - he seems to have a great list.

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