Home Town Story (1951)

Star of the month... Marilyn Monroe

"I always treat men with respect, and they treat me with respect"

Home Town Story is low-budget 1951 drama directed by Arthur Pierson, and starring Jeffrey Lynn, Donald Crisp, Alan Hale Jr., Marjorie Reynolds and Marilyn Monroe in a minor role.

The film was backed by general Motors to promote their perceived virtue of big business.

Blake Washburn (played by Lynn) is a defeated politician who blames big business for his election loss. Blake takes over as editor of a small town newspaper, and uses this as a vote soliciting tool to help him become reelected, by discrediting a manufacturing company.

Marilyn has a small role as Iris Martin, the newspaper office secretary.

Did you know...

• MGM did not renew copywright for this and it is now in the public domain, being released in very low quality on VHS and DVD

Closing remarks

This film is rather slow and boring. Fortunately it only runs for ~60 minutes. Recommended only for fans of Marilyn Monroe.