Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Seen it?1953 | 91 min | Comedy, Romance
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (88% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved How to Marry a Millionaire or Ninotchka, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 31 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1953: an older pace and style.
Lorelei Lee is a beautiful showgirl engaged to be married to the wealthy Gus Esmond, much to the disapproval of Gus' rich father, Esmond Sr., who thinks that Lorelei is just after his money. When Lorelei goes on a cruise accompanied only by her best friend, Dorothy Shaw, Esmond Sr. hires Ernie Malone, a private detective, to follow her and report any questionable behavior that would disqualify her from the marriage.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 WGA Award.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$5 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 201K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
How to Marry a Millionaire Saturday SpecialAlso stars Marilyn Monroe, in another musical romantic comedy that's easy to miss.
The Curse of the Jade Scorpion
Weeknight WatchAnother heist romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Ninotchka
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy that fewer people know today.
Sabrina Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Along Came Polly Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Howard Hawks
- Jane RussellDorothy Shaw
- Marilyn MonroeLorelei Lee
- Charles CoburnSir Francis 'Piggy' Beekman
- Elliott ReidErnie Malone
- Tommy NoonanGus Esmond Jr.
- George WinslowHenry Spofford III
- Marcel DalioMagistrate
- Taylor HolmesMr. Esmond Sr.
- Norma VardenLady Beekman
- Howard WendellWatson