How to Marry a Millionaire 1953

     Shatze, Pola and Loco are New York models.  They are living in an exclusive apartment that they can’t afford.  They are tired of dating cheap men and not having any money.  They decide they will marry three millionaires.  One problem is that it isn’t that easy to tell the rich from the poor?  When they find a wealthy man, is it worth it to marry him if you don’t love him?

     I was surprised that I had not seen this film before.  I also thought it was a musical but that’s just the beginning and the end with the Fox Symphony Orchestra.  They are playing an Alfred Newman original composition.  The musicians and the conductor are shown on screen.  This was done for 1950’s audiences to feel like they were at a Broadway musical.  I thought this was good and I enjoyed seeing Monroe, Grable and Bacall in their younger years.  3 ½* (I liked this movie)

95 min, Comedy directed by Jean Negulesco with Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, Lauren Bacall, David Wayne, Rory Calhoun, Cameron Mitchell, Alexander D’Arcy, Fred Clark.

Note:  Imdb 7 out of 10, 83% critic 78% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 228 reviews, TCM Leonard Maltin 3* out of 4* average user rating 4.6* out of 5*.

Special Note:  Filmed in New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California.  Bacall is playing Shatze, Monroe is Pola and Gable is Loco.  Bacall has a line, “I’ve always liked older men, look at that old fellow, what’s-his-name in The African Queen of 1951.  I’m absolutely crazy about him.”  She was referring to her then real-life husband Humphrey Bogart.  Bacall also said it was a challenge to work with Monroe because of her insecurity and total dependence on her personal acting coach Natasha Lytess for approval.  Some scenes took 15 or more takes and Monroe was always late too.  Alexander D’Arcy noticed the relationship between Monroe and Lytess was destructive.  Lytess advised Monroe badly and justified her presence on the set by feeding on Monroe’s insecurity.  Bacall said Grable was funny, outgoing, totally professional and easy to work with.  This was one of the first films in Cinemascope and also with the score recorded in stereo.