Dir: Howard Hawks
1953
***
Howard Hawks's 1953 musical Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a classic and one of Marilyn Monroe best loved performances. Personally I thought Jane Russell's performance was better, the scene where she impersonated Monroe was almost more convincing than Monroe herself. It's the Diamonds are a Girl's best Friend musical number that people remember best about the film, it is iconic and still very enjoyable. I would say the aforementioned impersonation scene set in the courtroom was just as good but everything else I'm afraid is nothing to shout home about. The comedy is awkward with only two or three genuinely funny scenes (Court room, stuck in the porthole, future father-in-law meeting), the song don't work at all with the story (a pet hate of mine) and it's more nonsensical than it should be. Musical comedies aren't meant to be taken too seriously I know but I think the overall production could have benefited something a little edgier. It's a classic as far as light entertainment can be.
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