Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Two showgirls and best friends, a brunette  (Jane Russell) and a blonde (Marilyn Monroe), travel by luxury liner to Europe. Unknown to them a private detective (Elliott Reid) is on board to keep an eye on the blonde by her fiance's father (Taylor Holmes) who suspects she is a gold digger. Based on the 1949 Broadway musical (by way of Anita Loos) and directed by Howard Hawks. One of the most enjoyably entertaining movies of all time. Blazing three strip Technicolor, Monroe and Russell, a witty screenplay and wonderful songs, what's not to love? In an iconic performance, Monroe bloomed into a full fledged star but Russell matches her every step of the way. Normally, Hawks' movies focus on male bonding but here he turns his eye to female bonding and it's refreshing to see a film about female friendship rather than rivalry. Musical highlights include, of course, Monroe's rendition of Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend and Russell's impudent homoerotic production number, Ain't There Anyone Here For Love?. Also in the cast: Charles Coburn, Tommy Noonan, Norma Varden, Marcel Dalio and George Chakiris.