Marilyn Monroe in the Movies
Marilyn Monroe had a short life and an even shorter career in the movies. she filmed her first film -- "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" in 1947, and she filmed (although never completed) her final film -- "Something's Got to Give" in 1962. Fifteen years in films, yet she left an impact, memory and image that is eternal.
Most of the early Marilyn Monroe movies only provided her with small bit parts. From 1947 to 1953, Marilyn worked regularly but they were all small roles. However, they were all strong performances on her part. It was the thriller movie "Niagra" that finally thrust Marilyn Monroe into stardom. Marilyn portrayed Rose Loomis, who plots to kill her much older husband, portrayed by Joseph Cotten. Her stellar performance in "Niagra" she was rewarded with several lead roles in movies such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," and "How to Marry a Millionaire" in which she co-starred with Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable. Her film career continued to prosper and included such films as "River of No Return," with Robert Mitchum, and "The Seven Year Itch." One of the most memorable images of Marilyn Monroe movies is from that movie -- Marilyn Monroe standing over a subway grate with the air from below blows her skirt up. This has been a favorite Marilyn print ever since.
When "The Seven Year Itch" was released, Marilyn Monroe had been taking a break from films and Hollywood. However, it was so well received that she returned to filming movies such as "Bus Stop," and "The prince and the Showgirl." In 1958, Marilyn Monroe filmed "Some Like it Hot" which also starred Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. Despite some difficulties that Marilyn had during the filming, such as hostile behavior, swearing, and demanding to retake scenes many times, the movie was very well received and was a huge success. Marilyn was nominated for five Academy Awards and won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy.
Three years later, in 1961, her then husband, Arthur Miller wrote the part of Roslyn Taber in "The Misfits" specifically for Marilyn Monroe. This role would turn out to be Marilyn's last completed projected. In August of 1962, Marilyn Monore died of an accidental drug overdose. Ending her promising film career all too soon.