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
Directed by John Huston, and written by Arthur Miller, The Misfits (1961) would end up being the final film for both Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. Clark Gable died shortly after filming (it is often theorized that the strenuous physical activity in The Misfits contributed to his coronary-related death). Marilyn Monroe died the following year, 1962. The story concerns a recently divorced dancer in Reno, Nevada that hooks up with an aging cowboy and his friends. Packed with drama and emotion, the film hits heavily in a tight script written by Marilyn Monroe's then-husband, playwright Arthur Miller. The whole cast does a fine job, including Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Eli Wallach, Montgomery Clift and Thelma Ritter.
