Add this to your collection of MM movies. It is of great interest for die hard Marilyn Monroe fans. Just to be able to view "LOST" footage is a privilege. This documentary is equal parts touching, surreal and sad, as we all no full well about the oncoming tragedy Marilyn would soon experience. With all that has been said during the filming of S.G.T.G. MM doesn't appear to be in a heavy drug induced state. If she was, it is amazing that she was able to balance on shoes with 4 inch heels. In some scenes she is very tender and very expressive, and in others she is jittery and nervous. My favorite scenes revolve around her seeing her children for the 1st time. In those Monroe is contemplative and ignites the screen with beauty and emotion. I also loved hearing that wonderful giggle she possessed after the director yelled "CUT" and the film was still rolling.
Aside from a beautiful wardrobe and nice production values, I don't believe this was to be a memorable role. Marilyn owed 20th Century Fox 1 more film in her slave contract. She would then be free to accept any movie role or sign a contract with any studio in Hollywood. Fox needed the dumb MM persona the public loved (in which Marilyn resented) to help pull them out of financial ruin. In a last ditch effort after "The Misfits" failure at the box office, she returns to that whispery, childish, fluffy behavior.
MM never received the respect or patience that was given to her arch nemesis Elizabeth Taylor. Elizabeth was filming "Cleopatra" at the same time in Egypt and causing major problems in a film that was BANKRUPTING its studio. There was never any retaliation from FOX executives toward Miss Taylor, and it agitated MM to no end. Marilyn would fight with FOX about the script, her character, and the direction this film was going. Their punishment for Marilyn was firing her and forming a smear campaign aimed at ruining her career and reputation. In spite of being ill for most of the production I can see why she didn't want to show up to film it. She along with us could see how generic and bland it was going to be. (and her fault if it failed at the box office). In a blast of creative ingenuity she did a nude swimming pool scene to cause a stir and give the film some interest. The outtakes we get to see are terrific. Soon photos surfaced on the cover of LIFE magazine and others. At the age of 36 Marilyn wanted to knock Elizabeth T. off the newsstands. Mission accomplished.
I'm glad the film wasn't her final finished effort. She was at the top of her game in "Bus Stop" and "The Misfits". Please, Do see this documentary. The interviews with Marilyns co-stars such as the late Cyd Charrise are very insightful. It is a fascinating piece of Hollywood history, showing what it was like in 1962 to be on the FOX lot inside that sound stage. The mysterious, haunting lead actress Marilyn Monroe will continue to fascinate and enthrall us for years to come.
