Clash by Night (1952)

Star of the Month... Marilyn Monroe

'Clash by Night' is a 1952 film noir drama directed by Fritz Lang. The film stars Barbara Stanwyck, Paul Douglas, Marilyn Monroe, Keith Andes and Robert Ryan. 

Marilyn's nude calendar photo
surfaced during the filming
of this film

Mae Doyle (played by Stanwyck) returns to her home town of Monterey, California after a 10 year absence to see her brother Joe (played by Andes) and his girlfriend Peggy (played by Monroe). After her return Mae marries fisherman Jerry (played by Douglas), before falling in love with Jerry's best friend Earl (played by Ryan). Mae and Earl engage in an affair, adding drama and strain to Mae's marriage.

The Monroe breakthrough

20th Century Fox loaned Marilyn to RKO Picture in order to make this film, considered to be her true breakthrough in film.  During filming, Marilyn's nude calendar photo surfaced skyrocketing her to international notoriety. 

Marilyn Monroe with Keith Anders

Closing remarks

'Clash by Night' is a mediocre film, but worth watching to see Marilyn's breakthrough performance.