Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two girls sing and dance their way to Paris, collecting admirers and diamonds like Pokémon cards, but mostly proving that even gold diggers need a good lawyer.

🍿 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Two Little Girls From Little Rock

Lorelei Lee, a blonde showgirl with a penchant for diamonds, and her brunette best friend Dorothy Shaw, embark on a transatlantic cruise from America to Paris. Lorelei is engaged to Gus Esmond, Jr., a wealthy but somewhat dimwitted heir, but she’s more interested in the promise of jewels than true love. Dorothy, on the other hand, seeks love and adventure, often finding herself exasperated by Lorelei’s gold-digging schemes. Their journey begins with the dazzling musical number “Two Little Girls from Little Rock”, setting the stage for a comedic and romantic adventure.

Spies, Diamonds, and Olympic Athletes

Unbeknownst to Lorelei, Gus Esmond Sr. disapproves of her and has hired a private detective, Ernie Malone, to gather evidence of her supposed gold-digging ways. Malone boards the same ship, and his attempts to spy on Lorelei are constantly thwarted by Dorothy, who finds herself increasingly attracted to him. Meanwhile, Lorelei sets her sights on Sir Francis Beekman, a wealthy diamond mine owner, and his wife’s dazzling tiara. Dorothy, surrounded by a team of muscular Olympic athletes, performs the hilarious number “Ain’t There Anyone Here for Love”, showcasing her search for a genuine connection amidst the chaos.

Parisian Escapades and a Stolen Tiara

Arriving in Paris, Lorelei finds herself embroiled in a series of comical mishaps, including the alleged theft of Lady Beekman’s diamond tiara. With her reputation tarnished and her engagement threatened, Lorelei relies on Dorothy’s wit and resourcefulness to clear her name. The women find themselves working as nightclub singers to make ends meet, leading to the iconic performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” where Marilyn Monroe embodies the spirit of a woman who knows her worth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe): A blonde showgirl who prioritizes marrying a wealthy man and acquiring diamonds above all else.
• Dorothy Shaw (Jane Russell): A brunette showgirl and Lorelei’s best friend who seeks love over money and often tries to keep Lorelei out of trouble.
• Gus Esmond Jr. (Tommy Noonan): Lorelei’s wealthy but somewhat naive fiancé, eager to please her and unconcerned about her gold-digging tendencies.
• Ernie Malone (Elliott Reid): A private detective hired by Gus Esmond Sr. to spy on Lorelei, but ends up falling for Dorothy.
• Sir Francis ‘Piggy’ Beekman (Charles Coburn): An elderly, wealthy diamond mine owner who becomes infatuated with Lorelei, causing complications.
• Mr. Esmond Sr. (Taylor Holmes): Gus’s disapproving father who believes Lorelei is only after his son’s money and hires a detective to prove it.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lorelei Lee: “I can be smart when it’s important, but most men don’t like it.” – Lorelei explains that she downplays her intelligence to appeal to men.
• Lorelei Lee: “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” – The iconic line from the movie’s most famous musical number, encapsulating Lorelei’s materialistic view.
• Lorelei Lee: “Don’t you know that a man being rich is like a girl being pretty? You wouldn’t marry a girl just because she’s pretty, but my goodness, doesn’t it help?” – Lorelei defends her preference for wealthy men, comparing it to the advantage of a woman being beautiful.
• Dorothy Shaw: “I always say, keep emotion out of this; it only gets in the way.” – Dorothy expresses her practical and somewhat cynical view on love and relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,260,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $5,100,000

💥 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this with my grandmother and being completely mesmerized by Marilyn Monroe. The ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ scene is iconic, and even now, it gives me chills. Jane Russell is just as amazing, and their friendship feels so real. It’s pure escapism and a whole lot of fun; it’s one of those movies that just makes you feel good!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell”
  • “Lovers of classic Hollywood musicals”
  • “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted comedies”
  • “Those interested in films that explore gender roles and societal expectations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mildly suggestive themes”
  • “Stereotypical portrayals of women”
  • “Some outdated attitudes towards relationships and wealth”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A timeless classic that sparkles with Monroe’s charisma and Russell’s wit. The musical numbers are as captivating as the dazzling costumes, making it a pure delight for fans of golden-age musicals.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Hawks’ direction brings out the best in Monroe and Russell, showcasing their comedic timing and musical talents. While the plot is simple, the film’s energy and charm make it a must-see for any classic film enthusiast.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a candy-colored confection that delivers plenty of laughs and memorable musical numbers, all anchored by the undeniable chemistry between Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell.

Audience Reactions

Marilyn Monroe’s iconic ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ performance is still a showstopper.: Viewers praise the chemistry between Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, calling it a perfect pairing.

Jane Russell’s comedic timing and wit provide a perfect counterpoint to Monroe’s ditzy charm.: Audiences love the film’s colorful visuals, extravagant costumes, and catchy musical numbers.

Overall Consensus: A beloved classic celebrated for its star power, memorable musical numbers, and timeless appeal.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Marilyn Monroe reportedly clashed with director Howard Hawks during filming, as he wanted her to be more comedic and less serious, but she preferred a more nuanced portrayal of Lorelei Lee.”
• “The film is based on Anita Loos’ novel of the same name and a subsequent Broadway musical. Some of the songs from the stage production were cut and replaced with new ones for the film.”
• “Jane Russell’s salary was significantly higher than Marilyn Monroe’s, a fact that caused some tension during production.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules on classic movie channels.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, you might like these similar films:

• How to Marry a Millionaire (1953): Another glamorous 1950s comedy featuring women seeking wealthy husbands, highlighting similar themes of love, money, and ambition.
• Some Like It Hot (1959): Starring Marilyn Monroe, this film also features comedic situations and memorable musical numbers, showcasing Monroe’s comedic talent.
• Moulin Rouge! (2001): A modern musical that incorporates ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ and explores themes of love, money, and performance in a theatrical setting.
• The Women (1939): A classic film featuring an all-female cast, focusing on their relationships, rivalries, and social dynamics, offering a similar exploration of female friendships and society.

🛒 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Related Products

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes [Blu-ray]: Relive the glamour in stunning high-definition. The Blu-ray edition brings out the vibrant colors and enhances the classic musical numbers, a must-have for collectors and fans alike.
• Marilyn Monroe: The Illustrated Life: Dive deep into Marilyn Monroe’s life with rare photographs and behind-the-scenes stories. A comprehensive biography covering her career, personal life, and lasting impact on pop culture.
• Diamond Painting Kits for Adults, ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ DIY: Unleash your creativity and recreate the iconic scene with a Diamond Painting. Includes everything for a dazzling display.
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Movie Poster: Adorn your walls with a high-quality reproduction of the classic movie poster. A timeless piece of art that celebrates a beloved film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Two Little Girls From Little Rock” – performed by Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell
• “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
• “Bye Bye Baby” – performed by Marilyn Monroe & Jane Russell
• “Ain’t There Anyone Here for Love?” – performed by Jane Russell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Marilyn Monroe Sings “Bye Bye Baby” – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Jack Benny Show And In Korea

Love Marilyn Monroe? Check out this video! It’s a compilation of her singing “Bye Bye Baby” in different settings, from the movie to a performance for troops in Korea. It’s amazing to see her in action!

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