Okay, I admit it – I love Marilyn Monroe. I’ve never not enjoyed any film I’ve seen her in, so when I sat down to watch this one, I guessed that I would be in for a good time, and I was right. Marilyn shares star billing with two other major stars, namely Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable. They play three single and broke girls in New York City, who are hoping to land rich husbands. None of them however, account for the possibility that true love might get in the way…
This film is full of laughs, and that is mainly down to Monroe, who plays a ditzy blonde. Maybe not a big stretch for the blonde bombshell, but she does play the role perfectly, and I think she looks at her most beautiful in this film. (Check out her scenes in the fuschia coloured gown, and the red swimsuit – wow!). Betty Grable is also hilarious, and looks stunning too. Lauren Bacall plays Schatze, the brains behind their operation, and is probably the least sympathetic of all the characters. It’s impossible not to like the other two, despite their less than honourable intentions, but Schatze is a colder character. But that’s not to say that Bacall doesn’t play her extremely well. She is pursued by both older widow J.D. Hanley (William Powell), and the younger man Tom Brookman (Cameron Mitchell). Pola (Monroe) meets a mysterious man, who she sets off for a romantic rendevouz with, but – due to her refusal to wear her glasses in public! – things don’t quite go according to plan. Loco (Grable) is courted by an unhappily married man (and frankly it’s a mystery as to how he ever found anyone willing to marry him), but a bout of measles looks set to ruin their plans!
The whole film is very funny indeed, and very light hearted. Grable and Monroe both made me laugh out loud on several occasions, and I adored William Powell’s character. Obviously the storyline is pretty fluffy and silly, but it is very entertaining. I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it now – Marilyn Monroe was a very talented comic actress, and she shows her skills off perfectly. She’s in good company too – Grable and Bacall nail their parts.
Haven’t seen it yet? Want a good giggle? Give this film a try – you might just love it!
Year of release: 1953
Director: Jean Negulesco
Writers: Nunnally Johnson, Zoe Akins, Dale Eunson, Katherine Albert
Main cast: Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall, William Powell, Cameron Mitchell
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