Marilyn (and Jane Russell) join Rita Hayworth for a sumptuous double bill at Macrobert Arts Centre on Saturday, December 6, in Stirling, Scotland, with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) at 5:15, followed by film noir classic Gilda (1946) at 7:30 pm.
Blondes vs. Brunettes: A Hollywood Debate
“Let us dazzle you with a star-studded double-bill of two Golden Age Classics: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Gilda.
From blonde bombshells to raven-haired femme fatales, the ‘blonde vs. brunette’ debate, popularised in Hollywood’s Golden Age, sees a woman’s hair colour directly linked to their on-screen persona.
By revisiting two of Hollywood’s greatest icons, Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe, in some of their most iconic roles, these screenings aim to transform the narrative of ‘blonde vs. brunette’ from a method of dividing women, into a celebration of their individual strengths.
Tickets for individual screenings are £6 each, or you can book the double bill for £10 and take part in a creative workshop, themed around the films, held between the two screenings. Ticket discount automatically applied at checkout.
Creative Workshop
You’ll be feeling starry-eyed at this creative arts workshop exploring the themes of the classic films Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Gilda.
Get stuck in and design your own paper-doll style collages inspired by Golden Age Hollywood icons! Place positivity in the spotlight, using a mix of materials, to create powerful personas and rewrite the narrative with iconic lines from the film.
The workshop will be led by local artist, Jill McGonigile, who will be on-hand to inspire discussion and help you create a masterpiece fit for the silver-screen.”
As I wrote in a profile of Hayworth back in 2015, there are several parallels between Marilyn’s career, and Rita’s – see here…
“A definitive film noir, Gilda told the tale of a wild, free-spirited dancer who runs into an old flame … In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn revealed a gift for comedy that endeared her to the public … For her signature number, ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’, Marilyn wore a strapless sheath gown and long gloves – similar to Rita Hayworth’s attire when she danced to ‘Put the Blame on Mame’ in Gilda. Marilyn was also choreographed by Jack Cole, and would work with him again in any film where dancing was required.”
The Marilyn Report 