Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 1953

Bosley Crowther, New York Times: There is that about Miss Russell and also about Miss Monroe that keeps you looking at them even when they have little or nothing to do. Call it inherent magnetism. Call it luxurious coquetry. Call it whatever you fancy. Read more

David Fear, Time Out: You won't find a more elegant take on '50s va-va-voom vulgarity or a more joyous paean to the cheesecake self-empowerment of two little girls from Little Rock. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: A landmark encounter in the battle of the sexes. Read more

Richard Brody, New Yorker: Howard Hawks adds sly sexual insinuation to the blatantly sexual antics of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell in this scintillating 1953 adaptation of the stage musical based on Anita Loos's novel. Read more

TIME Magazine: For all the three-dimensional attractions of its two leading ladies, this is a rather flat cinemusical. Read more

Time Out: Smashing. Read more

David Jenkins, Time Out: If camp comedy capering (don't call it a social satire!) isn't your thing, it's worth the ticket to see Monroe's iconic and flawlessly choreographed performance of Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (TM): a perfect four minutes of film. Read more

William Brogdon, Variety: A strong play to the sophisticated dialog and situations is given by Howard Hawks' direction and he maintains the racy air that brings the musical off excellently at a pace that helps cloak the fact that it's rather lightweight, but sexy, stuff. Read more

Nick Pinkerton, Village Voice: There's more warmth in [Russell's] fondly bemused looks at Monroe, whose friendship is a front-row ticket to the best show in town. Read more