Dorothy and Lorelei, two distinct singers, showcase contrasting traits in their pursuit of love and wealth. The article also explores the production history of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” highlighting Marilyn Monroe’s rise and the iconic “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” scene. It discusses the last-minute design changes to Monroe’s pink dress, originally intended to be more revealing, due to concerns over her past nude photos, ultimately leading to the creation of the now-famous gown.
Dorothy and Lorelei: A Tale of Two Singers
Dorothy and Lorelei are two captivating singers whose contrasting personalities make for an intriguing story. Dorothy, a tall brunette with a hint of cynicism, has a tendency to fall for the first man she encounters. On the other hand, the blonde Lorelei plays the role of the naïve damsel, cleverly masking her intelligence to assess the wealth of her suitors. Currently, she has her sights set on a new target…
The Evolution of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”
When Fox secured the film rights to the play “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” the initial plan was to cast Jane Russell and Betty Grable. However, following the remarkable success of “Niagara” featuring Marilyn Monroe, the studio shifted gears to enlist the rising star, who was a more budget-friendly option at $18,000 compared to Grable’s $150,000.
Unbeknownst to the production team, Marilyn Monroe would soon present challenges with her insistence on reshooting scenes, even when the director was satisfied. In a moment of frustration, Howard Hawks proposed three drastic solutions to expedite filming: replace Marilyn, shorten the script, or change the director!
A standout moment in the film is the iconic “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Dressed in her unforgettable pink satin gown, Marilyn’s performance has been emulated by numerous stars over the years, including Madonna and Margot Robbie in “Birds of Prey.” This scene remains a timeless classic.
The Controversial Pink Dress
Interestingly, the legendary pink dress was a last-minute alteration. Initially, Marilyn was meant to wear a daring ensemble comprised of black velvet strips and rhinestones, designed to create the illusion of a shimmering river of diamonds. However, the studio deemed it too risqué, largely due to the controversy surrounding Marilyn’s past nude photographs.
Four years prior, as a budding actress, Marilyn had posed nude for renowned pin-up photographer Tom Kelley, resulting in a series of photos intended for a calendar. She was compensated a mere $50 for this shoot, which captured her lying gracefully on red silk sheets. When the calendar was released in 1952, Marilyn had begun to establish a reputation and was quickly recognized, sparking a minor scandal in the conservative atmosphere of America.
In a four-part CNN documentary titled “Reframed: Marilyn Monroe,” the actress recounted how the photographer had assured her that her identity would remain concealed. However, upon the calendar’s release, she was famously identified, leading to significant media attention. In her defense, she candidly explained to journalist Aline Mosby that she had posed for the calendar during a difficult financial period, highlighting her resilience and authenticity.
As “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” approached its release, Fox executives pressured Marilyn to deny her involvement in the controversial photos. However, she stood her ground, stating, “Oh, the calendar is hanging in every garage in town. Why deny it? You can get one anywhere. Besides, I’m not ashamed of it. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Costume designer William Travilla, who collaborated with Marilyn on eleven films, shared his experience of the panic that ensued among studio executives, fearing the photos would derail her career and deter investors. Initially, he was tasked with creating an outfit for “the sexiest, most exciting woman, almost naked, ever seen on screen.” However, as the release of Marilyn’s nude calendar loomed, the design had to be changed.
Prior to shooting, Travilla’s original design was a pink net draping her body, adorned with diamonds covering her curves. But after the calendar’s reprint hit the market, Fox’s management ordered the costume be discarded. This led Travilla to create the now-iconic pink satin dress, which tastefully covered Marilyn while still showcasing her allure. Fortunately for the studio, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” became a box office hit, propelling Marilyn’s stardom into the stratosphere.