Saturday 30 June 2012

Early Marilyn (1947-1950) - Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe



I probably normally wouldn't publish a blog post, talking about a number of films I haven't seen. But seeing Marilyn Monroe (Star of the Month for June 2012) is such an icon, I felt it was important to pay tribute to her early film roles which I have not yet seen. Although many of these films are difficult to find in full, short clips of Marilyn's brief roles are widely available, so I thought I would link these clips with a short introduction.

The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (1947)

Marilyn's film debut was in The Shocking Miss Pilgrim (1947), in which Marilyn has a very small blink and miss her uncredited role as a Telephone Operator, saying only one line. Directed by George Seaton, the film stars Betty Grable, who would later star with Marilyn in 'How to Marry A Millionaire' (1953), and Dick Haymes.


Dangerous Years (1947)

In her second film appearance in Dangerous Years (1947), Marilyn has a very small uncredited role as Evie, a waitress in the restaurant scene.  Directed by Arthur Pierson, the film stars Billy Halop and Ann E. Todd.

Marilyn as waitress Evie in 'Dangerous Years'
While I wasn't able to find the full film, I found a brief clip of her performance on YouTube:


Green Grass of Wyoming (1948)

Marilyn has an uncredited role as a square dance extra in the western Green Grass of Wyoming (1948). Directed by Louis King, the film stars Peggy Cummins and Charles Coburn.


You Were Meant For Me (1948)

Marilyn appears briefly as an uncredited extra lady in waiting in the musical You Were Meant For Me (1948). Directed by Lloyd Bacon, the film stars Jeanne Crain and Dan Dailey.


Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948)

Marilyn has another blink and miss her role in 'Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!' (1948) as Betty. She is the parishioner walking out of the church who says "Hi Rad".  Marilyn filmed another scene for the film in a canoe, but it was cut from the film. For her work she was paid $150 a week. Directed by Hugh Herbert, the film stars June Haver and Natalie Wood.


I found a clip of Marilyn's brief role from YouTube:







Love Happy (1949)

Marilyn has a brief walk on role as Grunion's Client in the final Marx Brothers film 'Love Happy' (1949). The film was directed by David Miller.  Although Marilyn appears for less than a minute, home video releases display Marilyn's image on the cover. 

Marilyn's photo appears on a home video
release for 'Love Happy', although she
appears in the film for ~40 secs
Here is a clip of Marilyn's appearance:


A Ticket to Tomahawk (1950)

Marilyn appears briefly in 'A Ticket To Tomahawk' (1950) as showgirl Clara. Directed by Richard Sale, the film stars Dan Dailey, Anne Baxter and Rory Calhoun.



Here is a clip of Marilyn's scene from the film. She is the blonde dancer in the yellow dress.




Right Cross (1950)

Marilyn has a brief uncredited role as Dusky Ledoux opposite Dick Powell in the MGM drama 'Right Cross' (1950). The film was directed by John Sturges and co-stars June Allyson.




Here is a clip of Marilyn's appearance on YouTube:




The Fireball (1950)
Marilyn has a brief role as Polly in the 1950 drama The Fireball, starring Mickey Rooney and Pat O'Brien. The is directed by Tay Garnett.




This YouTube video presents a montage of the 6 short scenes featuring Marilyn:


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