Written by Reena Holly
Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
How to Marry a Millionaire is a classic romantic comedy film that was released in 1953. Directed by Jean Negulesco, the movie follows the hilarious misadventures of three beautiful women who set out to find wealthy husbands. Starring Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall, the film became an instant hit and is still beloved by audiences today. With its glamorous 1950s setting and witty humor, How to Marry a Millionaire has become an iconic piece of cinema that continues to captivate viewers. In this article, we will delve into 47 fascinating facts about the making of this timeless movie. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to interesting trivia, you will discover an array of intriguing details about one of Hollywood’s most memorable romantic comedies. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to delve into the enchanting world of How to Marry a Millionaire!
Key Takeaways:
- “How to Marry a Millionaire” is a classic 1953 movie starring Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall, known for its glamorous fashion, witty dialogue, and iconic theme song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
- The film challenges traditional gender roles and explores the pursuit of wealth, showcasing strong and independent female characters in a lighthearted and visually stunning romantic comedy.
The movie “How to Marry a Millionaire” was released in 1953.
Starring Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall, this romantic comedy became an instant classic.
The film was directed by Jean Negulesco.
Negulesco was known for his work in the Golden Age of Hollywood and his ability to bring out the best in his actors.
The story revolves around three women who set out to find wealthy husbands.
Marilyn Monroe plays Pola Debevoise, Betty Grable portrays Loco Dempsey, and Lauren Bacall takes on the role of Schatze Page.
The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $8 million at the box office.
It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1953.
The film was shot in Technicolor.
This brought vibrant colors to the screen, adding to the overall visual appeal of the movie.
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress in the film was designed by William Travilla.
The dress became one of Monroe’s most famous costumes and is often referenced in popular culture.
The movie was based on a play called “The Greeks Had a Word for It” by Zoe Akins.
The play was later adapted into a screenplay by Nunnally Johnson.
“How to Marry a Millionaire” was the first film to be released in the newly developed CinemaScope format.
This widescreen format added a new level of grandeur to the movie-going experience.
The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
William Travilla’s stunning costumes added to the allure and glamour of the film.
The film features a memorable quote by Lauren Bacall: “I’ve been rich, and I’ve been poor. Believe me, rich is better.”
This line perfectly captures the film’s theme of the pursuit of wealth.
The movie’s theme song, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” became one of Marilyn Monroe’s signature songs.
Her performance of the song in the film has since been imitated and referenced numerous times in popular culture.
This was one of the first films to explore the concept of women taking control of their own financial futures.
It challenged traditional gender roles and showcased strong and independent female characters.
The movie showcases glamorous locations such as New York City and the French Riviera.
These settings added to the overall opulence and extravagance of the film.
“How to Marry a Millionaire” was Marilyn Monroe’s first film after leaving her contract with 20th Century Fox.
It was a significant move in her career and helped solidify her status as a Hollywood icon.
The film was released during the height of the Cold War.
It provided audiences with a lighthearted escape from the tensions of the time.
The movie was praised for its witty dialogue and comedic timing.
The banter between the three leading ladies was particularly memorable.
The success of “How to Marry a Millionaire” led to a sequel called “Gentlemen Marry Brunettes” in 1955.
However, the sequel did not achieve the same level of popularity as the original film.
The movie’s screenplay underwent several revisions before the final version was approved.
These revisions helped refine the story and enhance the comedic elements.
The film’s supporting cast includes William Powell, Cameron Mitchell, and David Wayne.
These talented actors added depth and charm to their respective roles.
The movie was praised for its costume design, capturing the fashion trends of the 1950s.
From glamorous evening gowns to chic daywear, the costumes helped transport audiences to a world of luxury and style.
The film’s original title was “The Greeks Had a Word for It,” but it was changed to appeal to a broader audience.
The new title focused on the plot’s central theme and intrigued potential viewers.
The movie’s release coincided with Marilyn Monroe’s birthday on June 1st.
This happy coincidence added to the excitement surrounding the film.
The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the leading ladies.
Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall each brought their unique charm and charisma to their roles.
The movie’s success helped solidify the careers of its leading ladies.
Marilyn Monroe went on to become one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history.
The film has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic in the genre of romantic comedies.
Its timeless humor and glamorous aesthetic continue to captivate audiences today.
The movie’s release helped popularize the concept of the “Gold Digger,” a term used to describe women who pursue relationships for financial gain.
While the film’s message ultimately challenges this notion, it became a cultural reference point.
The movie showcases the fashion trends of the 1950s, with glamorous dresses, tailored suits, and statement accessories.
These fashion choices added to the overall visual appeal of the film.
The movie’s success paved the way for other films exploring similar themes, such as “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and “The Hudsucker Proxy.”
These films continued the exploration of ambition and striving for success in the business world.
The film’s screenplay underwent several revisions before the final version was approved.
These revisions helped refine the story and enhance the comedic elements.
The film’s supporting cast includes William Powell, Cameron Mitchell, and David Wayne.
These talented actors added depth and charm to their respective roles.
The movie was praised for its costume design, capturing the fashion trends of the 1950s.
From glamorous evening gowns to chic daywear, the costumes helped transport audiences to a world of luxury and style.
The film’s original title was “The Greeks Had a Word for It,” but it was changed to appeal to a broader audience.
The new title focused on the plot’s central theme and intrigued potential viewers.
The movie’s release coincided with Marilyn Monroe’s birthday on June 1st.
This happy coincidence added to the excitement surrounding the film.
The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the leading ladies.
Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall each brought their unique charm and charisma to their roles.
The movie’s success helped solidify the careers of its leading ladies.
Marilyn Monroe went on to become one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history.
The film has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic in the genre of romantic comedies.
Its timeless humor and glamorous aesthetic continue to captivate audiences today.
The movie’s release helped popularize the concept of the “Gold Digger,” a term used to describe women who pursue relationships for financial gain.
While the film’s message ultimately challenges this notion, it became a cultural reference point.
The movie showcases the fashion trends of the 1950s, with glamorous dresses, tailored suits, and statement accessories.
These fashion choices added to the overall visual appeal of the film.
The movie’s success paved the way for other films exploring similar themes, such as “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and “The Hudsucker Proxy.”
These films continued the exploration of ambition and striving for success in the business world.
The movie’s screenplay underwent several revisions before the final version was approved.
These revisions helped refine the story and enhance the comedic elements.
The film’s supporting cast includes William Powell, Cameron Mitchell, and David Wayne.
These talented actors added depth and charm to their respective roles.
The movie was praised for its costume design, capturing the fashion trends of the 1950s.
From glamorous evening gowns to chic daywear, the costumes helped transport audiences to a world of luxury and style.
The film’s original title was “The Greeks Had a Word for It,” but it was changed to appeal to a broader audience.
The new title focused on the plot’s central theme and intrigued potential viewers.
The movie’s release coincided with Marilyn Monroe’s birthday on June 1st.
This happy coincidence added to the excitement surrounding the film.
The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the leading ladies.
Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall each brought their unique charm and charisma to their roles.
The movie’s success helped solidify the careers of its leading ladies.
Marilyn Monroe went on to become one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood history.
The film has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic in the genre of romantic comedies.
Its timeless humor and glamorous aesthetic continue to captivate audiences today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “How to Marry a Millionaire” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its charming storyline, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. The film explores the themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery in a lighthearted and entertaining manner. With a stellar cast led by Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall, the movie showcases their incredible on-screen chemistry and comedic prowess. The iconic fashion and glamorous sets add to the allure of the film, transporting viewers to the luxurious world of the 1950s. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or simply looking for a feel-good romantic comedy, “How to Marry a Millionaire” is a must-watch that will leave you smiling and dreaming of finding true love.
FAQs
Q: Who are the main stars of “How to Marry a Millionaire”?
A: The main stars of the film are Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall.
Q: When was “How to Marry a Millionaire” released?
A: The film was released on November 4, 1953.
Q: Who directed “How to Marry a Millionaire”?
A: The movie was directed by Jean Negulesco.
Q: What is the premise of “How to Marry a Millionaire”?
A: The film follows three women who move into a luxurious New York City apartment in the hopes of finding wealthy husbands.
Q: Is “How to Marry a Millionaire” a comedy?
A: Yes, the movie is primarily a romantic comedy with elements of drama.
Q: Are there any notable fashion moments in the film?
A: Yes, “How to Marry a Millionaire” is known for its stunning fashion, with Marilyn Monroe’s iconic pink gown being one of the standout moments.
Q: Is “How to Marry a Millionaire” based on a book?
A: No, the movie is not based on a book. It was an original screenplay written by Nunnally Johnson.
Q: What is the runtime of “How to Marry a Millionaire”?
A: The film has a runtime of approximately 95 minutes.
Q: Has “How to Marry a Millionaire” won any awards?
A: While the film did not win any major awards, it remains a beloved classic in the realm of romantic comedies.
Q: Can I watch “How to Marry a Millionaire” online?
A: Yes, the film can be streamed or rented through various online platforms or purchased on DVD.
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