Rarely are we graced with the presence of royalty, however in Howard Hawk's 1953 version of the musical by Anita Loos and Joseph Fields, we are indulged by two love goddesses of the 1950s. Lorelei (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy (Jane Russell) are a pair of cabaret artists looking for love and money. They form an odd couple of sorts but with killer looks. At times, they don't always see eye to eye when it comes to choosing a mate.
They end up on a cruise to Paris among a bulky men's Olympic team, and wealthy African diamond miner (and his wife), a private detective, and any other rich gentlemen that Lorelei can get her mittens on. Conflicts arise when Lorelei begins chasing after other men's money while Dorothy falls in love with the wrong kind of man. They end up having to decide between a a life full of money or happiness.
Monroe and Russell are knock-outs in this film; full-bodied, sassy and sultry, thanks to Hawk's sharp direction. They each play off each other's assets - Monroe, fully utilising her bodily assets playing the ditsy blonde, while the more level headed Russell provides the cynic of the pair.
The script is a laugh-out-loud riot showcasing Monroe's ability to deliver dead pan lines and demonstrating she never shies away from an opportunity to make fun of herself. Plus there are many classic screwball moments that bounce the farce along.
The limited amount of musical numbers are slickly directed by Hawks, well orchestrated and toe-tappingly fun, vibrant with colours, utilising a large crew of back-up singers and dancers. The music & lyrics by Styne & Robin are joyous and lively diversions.
I recently watched this film in a small public screening as part of a "Goddess" art exhibition. It was quite an experience to have the entire theatre erupt in riots of laughter, even applauding during certain moments. While at times implausible and absurd, it's far too easy to overlook this for it's charm and opportunity to see Monroe and Hawks at their comical bests.
They end up on a cruise to Paris among a bulky men's Olympic team, and wealthy African diamond miner (and his wife), a private detective, and any other rich gentlemen that Lorelei can get her mittens on. Conflicts arise when Lorelei begins chasing after other men's money while Dorothy falls in love with the wrong kind of man. They end up having to decide between a a life full of money or happiness.
Monroe and Russell are knock-outs in this film; full-bodied, sassy and sultry, thanks to Hawk's sharp direction. They each play off each other's assets - Monroe, fully utilising her bodily assets playing the ditsy blonde, while the more level headed Russell provides the cynic of the pair.
The script is a laugh-out-loud riot showcasing Monroe's ability to deliver dead pan lines and demonstrating she never shies away from an opportunity to make fun of herself. Plus there are many classic screwball moments that bounce the farce along.
The limited amount of musical numbers are slickly directed by Hawks, well orchestrated and toe-tappingly fun, vibrant with colours, utilising a large crew of back-up singers and dancers. The music & lyrics by Styne & Robin are joyous and lively diversions.
I recently watched this film in a small public screening as part of a "Goddess" art exhibition. It was quite an experience to have the entire theatre erupt in riots of laughter, even applauding during certain moments. While at times implausible and absurd, it's far too easy to overlook this for it's charm and opportunity to see Monroe and Hawks at their comical bests.