GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953)

While never a big Jane Russell fan, I'm further ashamed to admit I wasn't a big fan of Marilyn Monroe until I was an adult - probably from years of seeing her as a "blonde bombshell" in the media, instead of the truly gifted actress I've since learned she could be.  This film is a perfect example; here, Monroe is not only mesmerizing, with the viewer unable to look away from her whenever she is on-screen, but she also does a brilliant job as Lorelei Lee, a singer who values her rich fiancee Gus as much for his money as his love of her, while her best friend and fellow vocalist Dorothy (Russell) tries to keep her out of trouble.  The two board an ocean liner to Paris, on Gus' dime, where Lorelei obsession for diamonds gets her into trouble and a private detective hired by Gus' disapproving father stirs the pot even more.  Add a funny, semi-lecherous aristocrat named Piggy and an all-male Olympic team of athletes to the mix, and the girls wind up in Paris without a dime and the cops after Lorelei.  A great film, and good GOD is Monroe wholly bewitching in it. (not rated)  A

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