The Roaring 20s Book Club met on Wednesday to discuss our latest read, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” It was written by Anita Loos . She gave birth to the character of Lorelei while on a train. Loos, a screenwriter, was traveling with a Hollywood crew. She observed that despite her small frame, she was allowed to lug heavy suitcases without assistance. Comparatively if the statuesque blonde in their car dropped her book, several men would jump to the rescue. Loos’ musing turned into a regular feature in Harper’s Bazaar. Then, it became “the great American novel” according to Edith Wharton. And eventually, it was immortalized in the 1953 movie starring Marilyn Monroe.
Loos‘ book is written in first person. Lorelei Lee writes about her escapades in a diary. Although Lorelei could be considered a classy hooker, Loos is never that crass in her description. Lorelei meets gentlemen who ‘educate‘ her. And the higher learning garners her a posh lifestyle. Lorelei cleverly uses her looks to ensnare sugar daddies. Her moves are calculated for the biggest payoff.
Kissing your hand may make you feel very good but a diamond bracelet lasts forever.
There is a timeless quality about this book. I have known many a tiny, blonde petite that used her feminine allure to get free drinks, pretty things or a marriage proposal. And although I rarely stay close friends with such a gal, I have to admire her ability to take advantage of the situation. She knows what she wants. She knows what she’s got. And she knows that some men think with their —- short term goals.
I think of Lorelei and wonder what were her options in the 1920s? She could marry and raise a family in Little Rock. Or get a secretary job in the big city and struggle to make ends meet. Or let men ‘educate‘ her and be a lady who drinks champagne dripping in jewels. I don’t know. It doesn’t seem like a difficult decision.
If I had been born a tiny, blonde petite, I know my life would be different. My robust work ethic and strong independence is partly genetic but mostly necessity. My life adapted based on my circumstances. Just as if I had been born wealthy, my life would be different. My choices would be influenced by the advantage I had, whether it was looks or money. I didn’t get those advantages in my life and yet I’m happy. Still, would I be happier wearing a mink at the Ritz drinking Dom? …hmmmm