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There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)

This movie was directed by Walter Lang. The story is not the main thing here, it only serves as the launching point for the musical numbers. This movie was 20th Century Fox's answer to the MGM's dominance in the musical genre of the era and all stops were pulled to make this as big as possible—some of the big revue numbers are just eye-popping extravaganzas! The music of Irving Berlin, is the heart of the film and makes for great nostalgia of a simpler America. Marilyn Monroe and an all-star cast are featured in Irving Berlin's tuneful depiction of the trials and triumphs of a veteran vaudeville family. The talented Donahue family has plenty of love to get them through the hard times - that is, until they cross paths with a rising starlet (Monroe) whose own ambitions may make or break them. Co-Starring Ethel Merman and Donald O'Connor, this delightful classic delivers dazzling production numbers and masterful show tunes!

River of No Return (1954)

River of No Return is a 1954 western film made by 20th Century Fox in CinemaScope and directed by Otto Preminger. The film stars Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe with Rory Calhoun. The film is particularly notable for its brisk pace, achieved by the editing of Louis R. Loeffler, with very quick cuts between scenes. Mitchum and Monroe performed many of their own stunts and Monroe badly twisted her ankle during production. River of No Return featured the majestic scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada. Both Preminger and Monroe were forced to do the film against their will, due to contractual obligations. They both expressed their frustration over the script which they considered below par. However, the film was a box office hit upon its release and remains a popular classic western.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

How to Marry a Millionaire was released on November 1953 and directed by Jean Negulesco. Marilyn's third movie of 1953 cast her as a severely myopic golddigger who walks into walls because "Men aren't attentive to girls who wear glasses". This is her first CinemaScope feature, and actually only the second movie to be filmed with the new CinemaScope process (the first was "The Robe"). Columnists fabricated a feud between Marilyn and costar Betty Grable, whom she was supplanting at the studio, but the two got along well on the set. The same cannot be said of Lauren Bacall, who looked on her with contempt.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Anita Loos's old story from the 1920s about a pair of single women in search of husbands gets a makeover in Howard Hawks's 1953 musical, starring Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe as friends who go to Paris looking for mates. The film is charged by Hawks's stylish snap, a famous set piece or two (Monroe descending that staircase while singing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend"), Russell's wit, and songs by Leo Robin and Jule Styne. The film may largely be a fluff project best remembered as a showcase for its leading actresses, but then Monroe and Russell rarely got such extended opportunities to prove that they were more than cinematic icons. --Tom Keogh

Niagara (1953)

Niagara is a dramatic thriller, film noir directed by Henry Hathaway on 1953. Unlike other noirs of the time, Niagara was shot in Technicolor and was one of 20th Century Fox's biggest box office hits of the year. The drama features Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotten, Jean Peters, and others. Although it was not written as a star vehicle for Marilyn Monroe, she would dominate the film nonetheless. Along with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire, it solidified Monroe's status as a bona fide box office draw.

Monkey Business (1952)

Monkey Business is a 1952 screwball comedy film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, Charles Coburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Hugh Marlowe. To avoid confusion with the famous Marx Brothers movie of the same name, this film is sometimes referred to as "Howard Hawks' Monkey Business." This comedy features a chemist who is working on a youth formula for a company by testing it on chimps. When one of the chimps mixes her own formula and it gets in the water cooler, everyone is affected including the chemist (played by Cary Grant), his wife (Ginger Rogers), his boss (Charles Coburn), and his secretary Lois Laurel, played by Marilyn.

O. Henry's Full House (1952)

Five O' Henry stories, each separate. The primary one from the critic's acclaim was "The Cop and the Anthem". Soapy tells fellow bum Horace that he is going to get arrested so he can spend the winter in a nice jail cell. He fails. He can't even accost a woman; she (Marilyn Monroe) turns out to be a streetwalker. The other stories are "The Clarion Call" (Robertson, Widmark); "The Last Leaf" (Baxter, Peters, Ratoff), "The Ransom of Red Chief" (Allen, Levant, Aaker), and "The Gift of the Magi" (Crain, Granger).

Don't Bother to Knock (1952)

Don't Bother to Knock (1952) Don't Bother to Knock is a 1952 movie. The sex symbol Marilyn Monroe plays dramatic in 1952's Don't Bother to Knock, as Nell Forbes, a beautiful but suicidal young woman, recently released from a mental institution. This was Anne Bancroft's first film. It was also Monroe's 12th film and an attempt to prove to critics that she could act. Director: Roy Ward Baker Cast: Richard Widmark - Jed Towers Marilyn Monroe - Nell Forbes Anne Bancroft - Lyn Leslie Donna Corcoran - Bunny Jones Jeanne Cagney - Rochelle

We're Not Married! (1952)

We're Not Married! (1952) .... Annabel Jones Norris This is a comic anthology about an elderly judge who discovers some of the marriage ceremonies he performed were not valid. Among the couples involved: new parents David Wayne and beauty queen Marilyn Monroe; bickering radio stars Ginger Rogers and Fred Allen; millionaire Louis Calhern and sneaky wife Zsa Zsa Gabor; soldier Eddie Bracken and pregnant spouse Mitzi Gaynor; and Eve Arden and Paul Douglas, who's considering adultery. Cast: Ginger Rogers - Ramona Gladwyn Fred Allen - Steve Gladwyn Victor Moore - Melvin Bush, Justice of the Peace Marilyn Monroe - Annabel Norris David Wayne - Jeff Norris

Clash by Night (1952)

Clash by Night (1952) .... Starring: Marilyn Monroe as Peggy, Barbara Stanwyck as Mae Doyle D'Amato, Paul Douglas as Jerry D'Amato, Robert Ryan as Earl Pfeiffer, Keith Andes as Joe Doyle, Silvio Minciotti as Papa D'Amato, J. Carrol Naish as Uncle Vince, Deborah Stewart as baby Gloria and Diane Stewart as baby Gloria. This is a black-and-white film noir drama directed by Fritz Lang and starring Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas, Marilyn Monroe and Robert Ryan. Based on the play by Clifford Odets The movie was adapted by writer Alfred Hayes. This was the first film in which Marylin Monroe was credited before the movie's title. During the shooting, the now famous naked calendar photos of Marylin Monroe surfaced and reporters hounded the actress during the filming of the movie.

Let's Make It Legal (1951)

Let's Make It Legal (1951) This comedy tells a story about a woman named Miriam whose divorce to her husband will become final at midnight. Before the clock strikes 12, a series of odd events occur, including the appearance of a former beau who tempts Miriam. Marilyn plays a supporting role as Joyce Mannering. This film also stars Claudette Colbert and Macdonald Carey.

Love Nest (1951)

Love Nest (1951) .... Roberta 'Bobbie' Stevens Marilyn in One of her First and Funniest Films.In this delightful comedy, a serviceman Jim Scott (William Lundigan) returns home, anxious for a blissful reunion with his wife (June Haver). Instead, he finds that the house his wife has bought is one big headache: an apartment building, complete with a long list of expensive repairs.

As Young as You Feel (1951)

As Young as You Feel (1951) Directed by Harmon Jones. A sixty-five-year-old man named John Hodges must retire from Acme Printing. He later impersonates the president of the parent company and arrives at his old plant on an inspection tour. The Acme president (McKinley) is so nervous not even his beautiful secretary Harriet can calm him. McKinley's wife Lucille becomes infatuated with Hodges... Marilyn portrays the character of Harriet, the secretary for the Acme president. Buy at AllPosters.com

Home Town Story (1951)

Home Town Story (1951) .... Iris Martin Blake Washburn blames manufacturer MacFarland for his defeat in the race for re-election to the state legislature. He takes over his uncle's newspaper to take on big business as an enemy of the people. Miss Martin (Marilyn Monroe) works in the "Herald" newspaper office. When tragedy strikes, Blake must re-examine his views.

Right Cross (1950)

Right Cross (1950) (uncredited) .... Dusky Ledoux Prizefighter Johnny is in love with his promoter O'Malley's daughter Pat. His best friend, sports reporter Rick, is also in love with her but knows that she loves Johnny. Lonely Rick takes up drinking and women (including Marilyn Monroe in nightclub bit part). Johnny knows his right hand is going bad and has to work fast to make real money.

All About Eve (1950)

All About Eve (1950) .... Miss Casswell Margo Channing (Bette Davis) is the leading heroine in the theater world. Eve (Anne Baxter) is a beautiful girl and a star-stuck devout fan of Margo. She manages to become an aide to Margo. She mingles with the friends’ circle of Margo. Then she pulls her final string by betraying and replacing Margo. All about Eve was nominated for 14 Oscars and won six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director. Marilyn Monroe did an insignificant character in this film as it came much before her sensational film ‘The Seven Year Itch’.

The Fireball (1950)

The Fireball (1950) .... Polly Johnny runs away from Father O'Hara's orphanage and becomes a roller skating star with the help of Mary Reeves. He becomes involved with women, including Polly (Marylin Monroe), who only love him because he is a champion, not, as with Mary, out of love for him. Then he gets polio.

The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

The Asphalt Jungle (1950) .... Angela Phinlay Buy at AllPosters.com Based on a W. R. Burnett novel and directed by John Houston, The Asphalt Jungle is about a gang that plans a million-dollar jewelry store burglary. The jewels will be sold to a lawyer named Emmerich, played by Louis Calhern, who is nearly broke and planning a double cross, puts up a front with the help of his niece Angela, played by Marilyn. This film also stars Sterling Hayden as Dix Handley.

A Ticket to Tomahawk (1950)

A Ticket to Tomahawk (1950) This comedy-western is about a stagecoach company that hires a gunslinger to keep the railroad from running on time, thereby defeating the competition. Some of the train passengers include Madame Adelaide's showgirls, with Marilyn as Clara. Marilyn takes part in one musical number, "Oh What a Forward Young Man You Are." This film also stars Anne Baxter, Rory Calhoun and Walter Brennan.

Love Happy (1949)

 Love Happy (1949) - Marylin Monroe appeared in a small role as Grunion's Client Young hopefuls trying to stage a Broadway show on a shoestring are sustained with food by expert shoplifter Harpo. They little suspect that his donations include the special sardine can hiding the Romanoff diamonds! Slinky Madame Egelichi and her henchmen will do anything to get them back, but the Marx Brothers lead them a merry chase.

Ladies of the Chorus (1948) .... Peggy Martin

Ladies of the Chorus (1948)- It stars Marilyn Monroe in an early role as Peggy Martin a dancer who falls in love with a wealthy man. Former burlesque star May and her daughter Peggy dance in the chorus. When May has a fight with featured dancer Bubbles, Bubbles leaves the show and Peggy takes her place. When Peggy falls in love with wealthy Randy, May fears class differences may lead to misery. Marilyn sings "Every Baby Needs a Da Da Daddy" and "Anyone Can Tell I Love You."

Green Grass of Wyoming (1948)

Green Grass of Wyoming (1948) (uncredited) .... Extra at Square Dance "Thunderhead," a roving, big white stallion, causes problems for the Wyoming ranchers when he leads their blue-blooded racing mares off to join his wild horse herd in the mountains. Escaping gunfire, he runs off one night with a young rancher;s mare, a possible winner of the Governor's Stake trotting race. The mare is recaptured and entered in the race against the horse owned by the father of the young rancher's sweetheart, and this puts a damper on their romance.

Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948)

Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948) (uncredited) .... Girl in Canoe (lake scenes)/Girl Exiting Church This is a 1948 comedy film which is generally considered to be Marilyn Monroe's "film debut" (although most of her footage was cut and she only has a brief one-line scene). The film tells the story of a farm hand who tries to tame his employer's mules and woo his employer's daughter at the same time. The film stars June Haver, Lon McCallister, Walter Brennan, Anne Revere and Natalie Wood. The film was adapted by F. Hugh Herbert from the novel of the same name by George Agnew Chamberlain. It was directed by Herbert.

You Were Meant for Me (1948)

You Were Meant for Me (1948) It’s not confirmed she was in this movie! is a 20th Century Fox musical film directed by Lloyd Bacon starring Dan Dailey and Jeanne Crain from 1948. Marilyn Monroe has a bit part.... 1920's bandleader Chuck Arnold meets hometown girl Peggy at one of the band's dances and next day weds her. Though she loves him, life on the road becomes increasingly difficult for her, but it is the 1929 Crash that makes things really tough for the both of them.

Dangerous Years (1947)

Dangerous Years (1947) - Marilyn had a minor role as Evie, a waitress at a juke joint called the Gopher Hole. Jeff Carter has put an end to the town's delinquency with a boys' club. Young hoodlum Danny shows up and influences teenagers Doris, Willy and Leo. They hang out at a juke joint where Eve (one of Marilyn's first bit parts) works. When Jeff tries to stop a robbery planned by Danny, he is killed and Danny goes on trial.

The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (1947)

The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (1947) (uncredited) .... Marilyn Monroe has a bit part in the movie as Telephone Operator In the late 1800s, Miss Pilgrim, a young stenographer, or typewriter, becomes the first female employee at a Boston shipping office. Although the men object to her at first, she soon charms them all, especially the handsome young head of the company. Their romance gets sidetracked when she becomes involved in the Women's Suffrage movement.

The Biography

Buy at AllPosters.com The official name of Marylin Monroe was Norma Jeane Mortenson and she was born on June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. The identity of her father is undetermined and she was later baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Norma Jeane spent most of her childhood in foster homes and orphanages until 1937, when she moved in with family friend Grace McKee Goddard. Unfortunately, when Grace's husband was transferred to the East Coast in 1942, the couple couldn't afford to take 16-year-old Norma Jeane with them. Norma Jeane had two options: return to the orphanage or get married. On June 19, 1942 she wed her 21-year-old neighbor Jimmy Dougherty, whom she had been dating for six months. By all accounts Norma Jeane loved Jimmy, and they were happy together until he joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to the South Pacific in 1944. After Jimmy left, Norma Jeane took a job on the assembly line at the Radio Plane Munitions factory in Burbank, California. Several months la