🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: George Cukor
- Genre: Comedy, Musical, Romance
- Release year: 1960
- Runtime (length): 1h 59min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (8.3K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Billionaire goes undercover as himself in a play to get with Marilyn Monroe, and somehow it works, despite being the plot of every other rom-com ever.
🍿 Let’s Make Love: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Billionaire’s Discovery
Jean-Marc Clement, a French billionaire residing in New York, learns that he is to be satirized in an off-Broadway revue. Clement is more known for his playboy lifestyle than his business acumen. Clement’s publicist, Alexander Kaufman, informs Clement that the revue, “Let’s Make Love”, will satirize his playboy status. Initially, Clement considers shutting down the show or buying the theater. However, he decides to attend a rehearsal to assess the situation. Clement then realizes that he might be able to handle this without resorting to heavy-handed methods.

Mistaken Identity and Pursuit
At the rehearsal, Clement sees Amanda Dell rehearsing the song “My Heart Belongs to Daddy”. He is captivated by her. When the director, Oliver Burton, mistakes him for an actor auditioning for the role of Clement, he decides to play along in order to get closer to Amanda. Under the guise of “Alexander Dumas”, Clement attempts to woo Amanda, who is initially unimpressed by his efforts. Clement learns that Amanda attends night school to complete her high school diploma. She considers the real Clement a playboy with no sensitivity towards women.

Lessons in Showbiz
Jealous of Amanda’s interactions with her co-star, Tony Danton, Clement seeks to improve his acting skills. He enlists the help of Milton Berle, Gene Kelly, and Bing Crosby, who play themselves and mentor Clement in comedy, dance, and singing, respectively. Throughout this process, Clement finds himself falling in love with Amanda. He attempts to impress her, but his attempts often backfire due to his unfamiliarity with the world of show business and his genuine lack of talent in the performing arts.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Amanda Dell (Marilyn Monroe): A beautiful and kind-hearted off-Broadway star who captures the attention of a disguised billionaire.
- Jean-Marc Clément (Yves Montand): A wealthy French billionaire who disguises himself as an actor to win the affections of Amanda Dell.
- Alexander Coffman (Tony Randall): Jean-Marc’s loyal publicist who advises him on how to handle the satirical revue.
- Tony Danton (Frankie Vaughan): Amanda’s co-star and love interest, who feels threatened by Jean-Marc’s presence.
- George Welch (Wilfrid Hyde-White): Jean-Marc’s company man and godfather who expresses concern over Jean-Marc’s actions.
- Oliver Burton (David Burns): The director of the off-Broadway revue who mistakenly hires Jean-Marc.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Amanda Dell: “No, don’t turn TV on. Instead just turn me on. I light up like neon.” – Part of a musical number in the off-Broadway revue.
- Jean-Marc Clément: “I want to be loved for myself, not my money.” – Expresses his motivation for concealing his identity and trying to win Amanda’s affection.
- Amanda Dell: “My heart belongs to Daddy.” – Sung by Marilyn Monroe in one of the most famous scenes.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $3,585,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Let’s Make Love Reviews
Personal Review
I have to admit, I went into this movie mostly for Marilyn, and while it’s not her best, she’s still magnetic! I loved the ‘My Heart Belongs to Daddy’ number, and the scenes with Bing Crosby and Gene Kelly are classic. The whole plot is a bit silly, but it’s a fun, lighthearted watch that made me smile. Yves Montand wasn’t my favorite, but the overall vibe is just pure old-Hollywood charm. I would rewatch.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Marilyn Monroe”
- “Lovers of classic Hollywood musicals”
- “Viewers seeking lighthearted romantic comedies”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild innuendo”
- “Some dated humor”
- “Suggestive themes”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “While not a career highlight for either Monroe or Montand, ‘Let’s Make Love’ offers a pleasant, if somewhat predictable, cinematic experience. The musical numbers are enjoyable, and the cameos provide a nostalgic charm.
- Variety: “A lightweight romantic comedy elevated by Monroe’s screen presence. The storyline is thin, but the pairing of Monroe and Montand, despite lacking chemistry, provides enough star power to keep viewers engaged.
- Film Monthly: “George Cukor’s ‘Let’s Make Love’ is a charming, if somewhat uneven, musical comedy. Marilyn Monroe’s performance is radiant, though Yves Montand feels miscast. The film’s highlight lies in its memorable musical sequences and witty dialogue.
Audience Reactions
Marilyn Monroe’s performance and musical numbers steal the show.: Viewers appreciate the film as a lighthearted, feel-good movie with classic Hollywood charm.
The cameos from Bing Crosby and Gene Kelly are a highlight for many viewers.: The film is nostalgic and entertaining despite its predictable storyline.
Overall Consensus: ‘Let’s Make Love’ is a lightweight but charming musical comedy, carried by Marilyn Monroe’s star power and memorable musical numbers. It’s a fun, feel-good movie despite its predictable plot.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Marilyn Monroe and Yves Montand reportedly had an affair during filming, which created tension on set as both were married.”
- “Arthur Miller, Monroe’s husband at the time, was brought in to rewrite some of her lines to deepen her character, but the collaboration was reportedly strained.”
- “Gregory Peck was originally cast as Jean-Marc Clement, but he dropped out after Monroe was cast and her part was built up.”
- “The film’s plot bears similarities to the 1937 film ‘On the Avenue,’ where a wealthy family is satirized in a Broadway revue.”
🖥️ How to Watch Let’s Make Love?
Currently, ‘Let’s Make Love’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these and other online retailers for availability in your region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray might be available through online retailers and used marketplaces.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Let’s Make Love, you might like these similar films:
- Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): Another Marilyn Monroe classic, showcasing her comedic talent and musical performances.
- How to Marry a Millionaire (1953): Features a similar theme of romance and wealth, also starring Marilyn Monroe.
- Some Like It Hot (1959): Another iconic Marilyn Monroe comedy with mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.
🛒 Let’s Make Love Related Products
- Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox: A captivating biography about Marilyn Monroe, exploring her life, career, and the complexities behind the glamorous image. Dive into the untold stories and gain a deeper understanding of this iconic figure. Perfect for fans and those new to her story.
- Marilyn Monroe 12-Inch Figure Collectible: A beautifully crafted 12-inch Marilyn Monroe figure, capturing her iconic style and beauty. This collector’s item is perfect for display, showcasing her timeless appeal and adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to any collection.
- Yves Montand: A Life in Music: This digital collection showcases Yves Montand’s most memorable performances and songs. Experience his unique blend of French charm and musical talent, perfect for fans and those discovering his work.
- My Heart Belongs to Daddy (Sheet Music): Sheet music for the iconic song “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” as performed by Marilyn Monroe in the film. Recreate the magic of the movie through music.
🎧 Soundtrack
Let’s Make Love features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Let’s Make Love” – performed by Marilyn Monroe and Frankie Vaughan
- “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
- “Specialization” – performed by Marilyn Monroe
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Reviews are mixed. While Marilyn Monroe is charming, the film is generally considered less impressive than her other works like ‘Some Like It Hot’. Some find it a light and enjoyable romantic comedy, while others criticize the plot and lack of chemistry between the leads.
The film features cameo appearances by Milton Berle, Bing Crosby, and Gene Kelly. They appear as themselves, providing comedic mentorship to Yves Montand’s character.
The film follows a French billionaire who pretends to be a struggling actor to win the heart of a performer in an off-Broadway revue, leading to a series of humorous situations and romantic entanglements.
🔥 Bonus Content
Yves Montand Interviewed About Marilyn Monroe And Lets Make Love
Ever wondered what it was like working with Marilyn Monroe? Yves Montand spills the beans in this rare interview, giving us a fascinating peek into their time filming ‘Let’s Make Love’—it’s definitely a must-watch for any fan!
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