40 must-watch movies to consider yourself a film buff

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

The 1950s became the decade of va-va-voom, and no one embodied that better than the blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe. Monroe owned the 1950s, creating some of her most incomparable work that has delighted fans for decades. One of her best is this 1953 Howard Hawks-directed gem that’s one of the best stories of female friendship you’ll ever witness.

Gold digger Lorelei Lee (Monroe) is determined to get her rich daddy’s boy beau to marry her, and decides to sail away for Europe to convince him. Along for the ride is her best friend, Dorothy (Jane Russell) who isn’t looking for romance, but she’s definitely got love on her mind. Based on a stage show co-written by Anita Loos, it’s easy to see why the women of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes are so frank and progressive. Loos was well-regarded for writing women who weren’t just waiting around to get married (go back and see her 1932 film Red-Headed Woman with another famous blonde, Jean Harlow).

Dorothy and Lorelei are best friends first, and it’s refreshing to see them not fight over a shared love interest or throw their friendship away when things get tough. This is also the feature where Marilyn performs her immortal “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” number.

Where to Watch It: Google, PlayStation, YouTube, Apple, and Vudu have it to rent.