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How To Marry A Millionaire

How To Marry A Millionaire

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Money alone doth not a good husband make
Review: How to Marry a Millionaire made a pretty big splash when it was released in 1953. Not only was this the first comedy to be filmed in widescreen CinemaScope, it pooled the talents of three of Hollywood's most famous actresses: Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall, and Marilyn Monroe. In a sense, this film represents the passing of the sex symbol baton from Grable to the up and coming Monroe. Personally, Betty Grable has never struck me as attractive at all, and Lauren Bacall, while possessed of a classic beauty, has never looked young in her life, yet they have a screen presence that Marilyn, as striking as she is in this picture, doesn't yet quite possess. This film is probably not very high on the favorite movies lists of feminists, as it revolves around each of the main characters trying to snag a rich husband, but it is really just good, clean comedy that, in the end, shows that money is certainly not everything.

Schatze Page (Bacall) is the brains behind this covert operation, leasing a swanky apartment in New York to serve as the base of operations from which she and her two friends can lure rich men. Of course, the refrigerator is always bare and there is nowhere to sit because all of the furniture has been sold, but the girls make do. Loco Dempsey (Grable) has a knack for getting poor men to help her along in life, but eventually the trio receives an invitation to a little get-together of oil men, at which point each meets an eligible fellow. As you might expect, the best-laid plans of mice and women fray around the edges, and the magic of true love enters the equation in a most decided fashion. Marilyn gives a memorable performance as Pola Debevoise, a young lady so worried that her eyeglasses make her unattractive that she stumbles and bumbles her way through scene after scene as blind as a bat. As David Wayne's character Freddie Denmark informs her, though, she is the last person on earth one would associate with the image of an old maid. Truer words have never been spoken. There's a surprise or two toward the end, of course, but it's nothing the audience is not aware of from the very start.

There are plenty of reasons for watching this well-made comedy, not the least of which is the fact that it marks Marilyn's imminent jump from popular Hollywood newcomer to legendary goddess of cinema. The acting is top-notch, the comedy is light-hearted and fun, and the combination of three stars of this magnitude in the same movie is a rare treat indeed; plus, the film offers Marilyn in both widescreen and gorgeous color.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Innocent years
Review: HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE was made in the "innocent" years before movies became cheap and sensationalized. If it were made today, well, I'd hate to think how it would be made. Nothing and no one could beat the three stars of yersteryear. Marilyn, Betty and Lauran were one of a kind and each has a great scene of their own. Together they are really delightful. It's a shame they didn't share more scenes. The Fox look in those days was well...quite wonderful as well as a nice background score. Does the picture hold up today. Yes, but barely. It's just too innocent and clean fun. That's not for todays audiences. Thank God we have DVD. These memories down nostalgia can last forever. The DVD is clear and sharp with nice stereo sound. Too bad the extras weren't better. Someone should have given a commentary. Miss Bacall would have been an excellent choice. Would have been nice to hear how the filming went, how certain shots were established and what scenes were cut from the final print. I think she's the lone survivor who had anything to do with the film, at least as of this date. This is a must see for Marilyn fans as this is my second favorites of her films.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: classic Marilyn
Review: HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE was the first non-musical comedy to be released in the CinemaScope ratio. The film was released in 1953, which proved to be Monroe's breakthrough, watershed year, with the success of MILLIONAIRE, GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES and NIAGARA cementing her place as one of the top box-office attractions of 1953.

MILLIONAIRE is one of Monroe's most delightful offerings. She plays the visually-challenged Pola, who, along with Chotzi (Lauren Bacall - KEY LARGO, THE BIG SLEEP) and 'Loco' (Betty Grable - MOTHER WORE TIGHTS) rents a Manhattan penthouse in the hopes of snagging rich husbands.

Of course, Fate often hands you things totally unexpected, and soon the girls realise that money can't be a substitute for happiness. There are plenty of pin-sharp observations about the opposite sex, a good 50-odd years before "Sex and the City" decided to make a whole TV show about women in the Big Apple.

Marilyn, Lauren and Betty make a colorful trio, and the CinemaSope picture is indeed a treat to the eyes.

The DVD includes restoration comparisons and trailers. Available separately or as part of the Marilyn Monroe Diamond Collection.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Review of How to Marry a Millionarre
Review: How To Marry A Millionarre is a movie about three fashion models who rent an expensive Manhattan apartment in hopes of marrying a millionarre. Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, and Betty Grable star as Pola, Shatze, and Loco in this romantic comedy that has delighted movie watchers for decades. The girls don't meet very many millionarre's but they do meet plenty of other men who they assume to be rich. The movie moves through a hilarious series of twists and turns as the women realise marrying a millionarre is not an easy task. The movie co-stars William Powell, David Wayne, Rory Calhoun, Cameron Mitchell, Fred Clark, and Alex D'Arcy as the various suitors. I adored this movie not only because it was humerous but because it had a real plot and meaning unlike many of today's comedies. The charactors were real and believable and the end of the movie made me feel wonderful inside. The ending is a happy one for all the charactors and will delight moviewatchers of all ages. This movie is a viewing treat for the entire family. I would recommend it to anyone who is in want of a good laugh. Happy viewing! If you enjoyed this movie you might also enjoy Frank Capra's It Happended One Night with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert or Bringing Up Baby with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I think this may be my favorite Marilyn Monroe movie. It has three of the BEST actresses of the time, Marilyn, Betty Grable, and the incomparable Lauren Bacall. All three have come up with a plan to catch millionaires. It doesn't quite work out that way, but it's a fun ride on the way!

A great movie with cute twists and a satisfying ending.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: the classic movie i loved, but alas....
Review: I was unable to understand the sexy and funny plot lines of this movie. This is due to the regrettable absence of the actors' lines upon the screen. So sad, I saw the whole movie, and never figured out if she married a millionaire or not. I love closed captioned movies, and it's unfortunate that not every single classic movie sold by warehouse internet companies aren't captioned. I would buy more classics if they were captioned.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: High Society Fun
Review: Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe & Betty Grable are highly entertaining in this tale of models who set out to land a millionaire. Not having any of their own money, they come up with some off the wall schemes to live the lifestyle they are dressed for! All 3 are gorgeous and funny to watch. Each does a great job of playing the quirkiness of their characters. This is a timeless classic that's as appealing today as it was in it's day. A great girly movie. Lauren Bacall has a flair for humor that is delightful to watch.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Marilyn should get the millionare
Review: Marilyn Mnroe shines in this movie and all three ladies add a great comedic touch. Definately worth your money, you'll want to watch it many times

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: In Awe
Review: Marilyn Monroe is beautiful and portrayed her slightly blind, ditzy, character beautifully. Lauren Bacall is equally brilliant in her role as a wealth obsessed model. Betty Grable is also memorable in her role. This is one movie you can watch over and over again and never become tired of it! It is humorous and entertaining. It is beautifully scripted and acted. Watch it by yourself or with friends!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Fun Comedy
Review: Marilyn was quite funny in this film. This is the first time she was in control of her comic ability.


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