Produced, directed by and starring Laurence Olivier, The Prince and the Showgirl (1957) placed Marilyn Monroe in a regal setting on screen. Off screen, however, the production was hindered by the inability of Monroe to get along with the rest of the cast and crew. She showed up late, often changing the delivery of her lines between takes, and vehemently refused to act without her acting coach present. Nevertheless, the film works... and focuses on a Royal's impromptu relationship with an actress. The cast is great, including Marilyn Monroe, Laurence Olivier, Sybil Thorndike and Richard Wattis.
Directed by John Huston, The Asphalt Jungle (1950) is a superb Film Noir that has gained added attention for containing a great early performance by Marilyn Monroe. Although not given billing in the film, the producers soon realized the value of Marilyn Monroe's sex appeal, and included her likeness in subsequent advertising efforts. The story concerns a jewel heist, and both the plans of aftermath of it. Great performances run throughout, including Marilyn Monroe, Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore and Sam Jaffe.
Directed by Joshua Logan, and written by George Axelrod, Bus Stop (1956) marked a turning point in the career of Marilyn Monroe... with it being the first film she made after studying at the Actors Studio in New York. The story concerns a naive, lunk-headed rodeo cowboy who decides he's going to marry a dance hall girl whether she likes it or not. Marilyn Monroe is excellent, looking gorgeous and displaying a wide range of emotions. Don Murray is good, presenting one of the most annoying male characters of the mid-1950's. A solid effort all-around, with Marilyn Monroe singing the hit, "That Old Black Magic."
Written and directed by Joseph L. Makiewicz, All About Eve (1950) was based on a 1946 short story by Mary Orr, but screen credit was not given for it. It received accolades and includes many Iconic performances. The story focuses on an opportunistic aspiring actress who latches on to her idol in order to gain success. Bette Davis gives one of the best performances of her career as Margo Channing. Anne Baxter is thoroughly detestable as the shrewd Eve. George Sanders, Celeste Holm and Thelma Ritter are excellent. All About Eve is also notable for containing one of the first big performances by a beautiful young actress named Marilyn Monroe.
All About Eve. 1950
All About Eve. 1950: Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe
All About Eve. 1950: Marilyn Monroe
All About Eve. 1950: Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe
