How to Marry a Millionaire

"You don't think he's a little old?"
"Wealthy men are never old."

Three single models rent a lavish apartment with one goal: to marry a millionaire.  Schatze (Bacall) has the plan and lays the ground rules for the girls: don't pick up men in the cold cuts, pick them up in the meat area.  After a failed marriage she knows exactly what / who she wants.  Pola (Monroe) can't see very well, but refuses to wear her glasses in public.  Loco (Grable) is guy crazy.

After months without success they finally snag a "whale": J.D. Hanley (Powell), an older man with investments in oil.  Hanley invites the girls to a party with other "whales" and each is paired with a respectable, wealthy man.  Schatze dates Hanley, while being pursued by the obnoxious Tom Brookman (Cameron Mitchell), Pola attracts a shady character, and Loco chases a married man.  Will the girls follow their dreams and marry millionaires, or will love get in the way?


The perfect combination of star power and humor, with three huge stars headlining a female-centric comedy.  Lauren Bacall is the right combination of vulnerable and aloof, as Schatze.  She knows what she wants and willing to do whatever it takes to get there... She is tough, but still wears her heart on her sleeve.  Marilyn Monroe, who received top billing, plays the dumb blonde... walking into things and following the wrong waiter because she wouldn't wear her glasses.  Betty Grable has spirit, but her character borders on annoying.  She is good with the other women, but abrasive with the two male suitors.

The men compliment the female characters and bring out the right characteristics.  They don't stand out on their own (with some exceptions), but they fulfill their roles.

Some aspects are outdated, but it is worth it for the performances!

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) 95 minutes
Director: Jean Negulesco
Starring: Marilyn Monroe as Pola
Betty Grable as Loco
Lauren Bacall as Schatze
William Powell as J.D. Hanley