Saturday, June 29, 2013

Funny Lady Blogathon: Jane Russell in GPB

I've been a little absent from the blog scene for the better part of this year, so the Funny Lady Blogathon over at Movies, silently was the perfect jumping point for me to get back into the groove of things. It wasn't too hard for me to pick out a subject for this event... I knew right away it would have something to do with my favorite film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). While this film is billed more for its musical content, both of the leading ladies offer some comedic relief. I chose to highlight Jane Russell's performance as Dorothy Shaw. Her one liners are short, to the point, and manage to make me giggle every time I watch the film.


In this Howard Hawks Technicolor spectacle Dorothy Shaw is the friend and chaperon of Lorelei Lee (played by Marilyn Monroe) on their cruise to Paris. Dorothy has been given the task to keep an eye on Lorelei to make sure she makes it 'safely' to Paris. Needless to say the Olympic team and Mr Malone become a sort of distraction for love starved Dorothy and as a result she must help Lorelei get out of the mess she gets into on board the ship. The climax of the film comes when the police come for Lorelei and Dorothy dons a blonde wig posing as Lorelei and excites all the men in the French court room. And you'll just have to watch the film to see more!


Below are some of my favorite lines from the film...



Dorothy Shaw: You know I think you're the only girl in the world who can stand on a stage with a spotlight in her eye and still see a diamond inside a man's pocket.


Lorelei Lee: Dorothy. Mr. Esmond and I are getting married.
Dorothy Shaw: To each other?
Gus Esmond: Of course to each other. Who else to?
Dorothy Shaw: Well, I don't know about you Gus, but I always figured Lorelei would end up with the Secretary of the Treasury.


Gus Esmond: Dorothy Shaw. I want you to remember you're supposed to be the chaperon on this trip.
Dorothy Shaw: Now lets get this straight, Gus. The chaperon's job is to see that nobody else has any fun. Nobody chaperon's the chaperon. That's why I'm so right for this job.


Lorelei Lee: [Lorelei is holding a tiara] How do you put it around your neck?
Dorothy Shaw: You don't, honey, it goes on your head!
Lorelei Lee: You must think I was born yesterday.
Dorothy Shaw: Well, sometimes there's just no other possible explanation.


Dorothy Shaw: If we can't empty his pockets between us, then we're not worthy of the name Woman.


Dorothy Shaw: Remember, honey, on your wedding day it's All right to say "yes."

Quotes were taken from IMDB.

8 comments:

  1. The film showcases Jane Russell's wonderfully funny personality… in this light-hearted story about when a woman goes bad and men do not seem to really care… The dance numbers are what make this film so popular. I also loved her wardrobe in this film..

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  2. I love Jane Russell - she is so under rated. She is superb in this film and really knocks it out of the park. it's hard to share the screen with Marilyn in top form, but Jane holds her own and shines in her unique and sexy way.

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  3. Good Lord, I love this movie! And Jane! And Marilyn! The first time I watched this movie, I honestly couldn't stop laughing - it's got some really good one-liners (just like you said)! Thanks so much for reminding me just how great this film is! I might have to go watch it now :D

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  4. Jane knew how to sell a good line. Every once in a while we need reminding of that fact.

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  5. Hi there! Thanks for a fantastic take on a classic film. I especially enjoyed your collection of quotes from the film! Thank you for sending a little love Jane Russell's way, she truly deserves more credit!

    Fritzi, MoviesSilently.com

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  6. GREAT ARTICLE ON "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes!!!!!! Very happy to see your articles back and as great as before. Cheers!

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  7. Thanks for reminding us of the great lines Jane delivered in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. They are classics!

    Vienna's Classic Hollywood

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  8. In my opinion, Jane is even funnier than marilyn in Gentlemen Prefer Blodes, especially in the court scene! She has so many witty lines that never fail to make me laugh.
    Don't forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! :)
    Greetings!

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