"Battle Of The Blondes": Marilyn Monroe VS Jayne Mansfield.

This month TCM, is Spotlighting a feature they call, "Battle of the Blondes". First in the ring is: Marilyn Monroe VS Jayne Mansfield:

Marilyn Monroe(June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962). Her performances in the films, The Asphalt Jungle and All About Eve (both 1950), launched her acting career. By 1953, Monroe had moved on to leading roles in the films, Niagara (1953)and Some Like It Hot (1959).

Niagara(1953)

Please click here to read movie review for the film, Niagara(1953).

Some Like It Hot (1958)

Please click here to read movie review for the film, Some Like it Hot (1959)

Jayne Mansfield (April 19, 1933 – June 29, 1967), was one of the leading blonde sex symbols of the 1950s, Mansfield starred in many films that showcased her platinum-blonde hair, hourglass figure and she could also play the violin.

While Mansfield's film career was short-lived, she had several box office successes and won the Theatre World Award, a Golden Globe and a Golden Laurel.

Mansfield, maybe best known for her comedy films: The Girl Can't Help It (1956) and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957). As the demand for blonde bombshells began to fade in 1960s, Mansfield remained a popular celebrity.

The Girl Can't Help It (1956).

The Girl Can't Help It(1956). Comedy/musical, starring Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, and Edmond O'Brien. It was produced and directed by Frank Tashlin.

The music score, a song performed by Little Richard, was by Bobby Troup, with an additional credit to Ray Anthony for the tune "Big Band Boogie".

Down on his luck gangster Marty Murdock, wants his girlfriend, Jerri Jordan, to become a famous singing star. He hires press agent, Tom Miller to take Jordan, around to the most popular night clubs. It does not take long before Jordan, is offered many contracts. Unfortunately, all Jordan, really wants to be a wife and mother. Because, her singing is so bad Murdock, suggests that Jordan would be perfect for the part of a train whistle in his new song. Miller, records Jordan performing the song and he travels to Chicago to promote it to Wheeler, a mob rival of Murdock.

Suspicious, of Miller's reasons of promoting Jordan, Murdock has Mousie, listen to their phone call. Mousie, decides to tell Murdoch, that their relationship is strictly business, but.. is it?

Fun Fact:

When the film reached Liverpool, England in the early summer of 1957. It featured cameo performances of early rock 'n' roll stars: Little Richard, Eddie Cochran, and Gene Vincent and His Bluecaps. Which impressed a 16-year-old John Lennon and he was then inspired to follow his own rock and roll dreams. On July 6, 1957, 15-year-old Paul McCartney, was introduced to Lennon, after he had performed at a village church garden party with his group, The Quarrymen. McCartney, performed the song, "Twenty Flight Rock", for Lennon, the way he had seen it played by Eddie Cochran in the film, The Girl Can't Help It. McCartney, also talks about this movie in the documentary series, The Beatles Anthology.

What fun it is to watch... Little Richard, Gene Vincent, The Platters and Fats Domino perform their songs in 1956. Jayne Mansfied, is at her sexiest, wittiest best? Also, check out the cars.

Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)

Please click here to read movie review for the film, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?(1957).

Jayne Mansfield, was often referred to as the “poor man’s Marilyn Monroe” although she did not have the same level of onscreen presence as Monroe did.  Rivals, from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s, both were underestimated and both died very young.

Monroe and Mansfield.