How to Marry a Millionaire Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three models try to bag millionaires, but accidentally fall for nice guys, proving that love is more valuable than a fully stocked trust fund (unless that trust fund is REALLY impressive).

🍿 How to Marry a Millionaire: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Plan is Hatched

Schatze Page, Loco Dempsey, and Pola Debevoise, three New York models, decide they’re done with broke men and cheap dates. They pool their resources to rent a luxurious apartment with the intention of attracting and marrying millionaires. Their plan involves attending high-society events and making themselves appear as attractive and available as possible to wealthy bachelors. They sell off the furniture in the apartment to cover rent, hoping their scheme pays off before they’re left with nothing.

Complications and Romantic Entanglements

The women quickly find that identifying and attracting wealthy men is not as simple as they imagined. Schatze finds herself pursued by Tom Brookman, whom she dismisses as a ‘gas pump jockey’ despite his persistence and genuine affection. Loco mistakenly goes to a married man’s ‘lodge,’ thinking it’s a social gathering, and winds up quarantined with the measles, where she falls for a forest ranger. Pola, nearsighted and reluctant to wear her glasses, boards the wrong plane and meets the charming Freddie Denmark.

Choosing Love Over Money

As the women navigate their relationships, they begin to question whether money is truly the key to happiness. Schatze finds herself drawn to Tom’s genuine affection, despite her initial determination to marry a millionaire. Loco realizes that her feelings for the forest ranger are more important than his lack of wealth. Even Pola, blinded by her vanity, discovers a connection with Freddie that transcends financial status.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Schatze Page (Lauren Bacall): A determined and sophisticated model who orchestrates the plan to marry a millionaire, ultimately choosing love over wealth.
• Pola Debevoise (Marilyn Monroe): A nearsighted and endearingly ditzy model who is reluctant to wear her glasses in public, leading to humorous situations and unexpected romance.
• Loco Dempsey (Betty Grable): A spunky and somewhat naive model who initially seeks a wealthy husband but falls for a seemingly less affluent forest ranger.
• Tom Brookman (Cameron Mitchell): A wealthy but unassuming man who persistently pursues Schatze, despite her initial rejections due to his perceived lack of wealth.
• J.D. Hanley (William Powell): A charming and sophisticated older millionaire who becomes a love interest for Schatze, grappling with their age difference.
• Freddie Denmark (David Wayne): The owner of the penthouse apartment and a man evading the IRS, who later unexpectedly finds love with Pola.
• Eben Salem (Rory Calhoun): A handsome and rugged forest ranger who captures Loco’s heart, challenging her initial pursuit of wealth.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Schatze Page: “I’m not going to marry for love. I’m going to marry for money.” – Schatze declares her pragmatic approach to finding a husband, setting the film’s premise.
• Pola Debevoise: “Men aren’t attentive to girls who wear glasses.” – Pola explains her reluctance to wear glasses, highlighting her insecurities about attracting men.
• Schatze Page: “I’ve always liked older men… Look at that old fellow, what’s-his-name, in ‘African Queen’; absolutely crazy about him!” – Schatze makes a self-aware joke referencing Lauren Bacall’s real-life marriage to Humphrey Bogart.
• Tom Brookman: “Keep the change.” – Tom casually reveals his immense wealth at the diner, leaving the women in shock.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.87M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $8M

💥 How to Marry a Millionaire Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore this movie! It’s such a fun and glamorous escape. Marilyn Monroe is hilarious as Pola, and Lauren Bacall is just so effortlessly cool. I love the scene where Pola gets on the wrong plane because she can’t see without her glasses – it’s classic! The ending is so satisfying; it proves that love really does conquer all (even if it comes with a hidden fortune!). It makes me wish I lived in a Manhattan penthouse looking for a millionaire.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood comedies”
  • “Admirers of Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, and Betty Grable”
  • “Viewers interested in early CinemaScope films”
  • “Those who enjoy lighthearted romantic stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mildly sexist themes (by modern standards)”
  • “Some dated cultural attitudes”
  • “No graphic violence or nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Film Review Daily: “A delightful screwball comedy elevated by its iconic cast. Monroe shines as the nearsighted Pola, but Bacall truly steals the show with her sharp wit and sophisticated charm. The film’s commentary on wealth and love is surprisingly insightful, making it more than just a fluffy rom-com.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A sparkling showcase for three of Hollywood’s most luminous stars. While the plot is simple, the performances are captivating, and the costumes are divine. The film’s use of CinemaScope is visually stunning, providing a glimpse into the glamorous world of 1950s New York.

Audience Reactions

Marilyn Monroe’s comedic timing is perfect, especially when she stumbles around without her glasses.: Viewers consistently praise the chemistry between the three leading ladies and the film’s overall charm.

Lauren Bacall’s sharp wit and sophisticated portrayal of Schatze are highlights for many viewers.: Fans appreciate the film’s glamorous costumes and stunning New York City backdrops.

Overall Consensus: A delightful and glamorous romantic comedy that showcases the talents of its iconic leading ladies and offers a charming glimpse into 1950s New York.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “How to Marry a Millionaire was the second film released in CinemaScope, but the first to be shot in the format. The Robe was released prior, but filmed after.”
• “The opening overture, featuring Alfred Newman’s ‘Street Scene’, was specifically designed to showcase CinemaScope’s stereophonic sound capabilities and the wider aspect ratio.”
• “Lauren Bacall’s character, Schatze, references ‘that old fellow, what’s-his-name, in The African Queen,’ which is a direct nod to her real-life husband, Humphrey Bogart.”
• “This was one of Betty Grable’s last major film roles, marking a transition in Hollywood’s leading ladies.”

🖥️ How to Watch How to Marry a Millionaire?

How to Marry a Millionaire is available for purchase or rental on various platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed How to Marry a Millionaire, you might like these similar films:

• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953): Similar themes of gold-digging and finding love, also starring Marilyn Monroe, making it a direct comparison.
• Three Coins in the Fountain (1954): Three women seeking romance in a foreign country (Rome), with a focus on finding wealthy partners.
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961): A woman navigating high society and searching for financial security, similar to the characters in ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’.
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): A modern rom-com with a similar premise of someone trying to manipulate relationships for personal gain, with comedic results.

🛒 How to Marry a Millionaire Related Products

• How to Marry a Millionaire [Blu-ray]: Experience the glamour and wit of this classic film in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray edition features restored picture and sound, bringing the elegance of 1950s New York to life.
• Marilyn Monroe: The Illustrated Life: A beautifully illustrated biography exploring the life and career of Marilyn Monroe, featuring rare photographs and insights into her iconic roles, including her performance in ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’.
• 1950s Women’s Fashion: Inspired by ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’: Recreate the iconic looks from the movie with a vintage-inspired dress reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s red gown, perfect for themed parties and events.
• The Complete Betty Grable DVD Collection: Dive into the complete filmography of Betty Grable featuring ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’ and other great hit movies.

🎧 Soundtrack

How to Marry a Millionaire features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Street Scene” – performed by The Twentieth Century-Fox Symphony Orchestra

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall: How to Marry a Millionaire #shorts

Ever wonder about the real-life stories behind the stars of ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’? This video dives into the lives of Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall, and it’s honestly fascinating to see how their paths intersected!

Marilyn Monroe – How To Marry a Millionaire – Flying with Glasses

Remember that hilarious scene with Marilyn Monroe and the glasses? This clip highlights a favorite moment from the movie and it is so funny, you have to watch it again!

Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart at the “How To Marry A Millionaire” premiere Nov 1953. #shorts

Want to see what the ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’ premiere was actually like? This rare footage shows Marilyn Monroe with Humphrey Bogart, and it’s a cool little peek into classic Hollywood glamour!

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