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Preserving the Memory of Marilyn Monroe with Dignity and Grace

Posts Tagged with Billy Wilder

Published September 14, 2019

STILL DELICIOUS 65 YEARS ON

“Ooooooh do you feel the breeze from the subway? Isn’t it delicious?!”


MARILYN MONROE, the name conjures up images of glitz and glamour.
She embodies everything that people love about Old Hollywood and more, her platinum blonde hair and sumptuous red lips are still the envy of millions of adoring fans around the world. Of course, to her loyal fan base, Marilyn was so much more than that, a talented actress and comedienne, intelligent, well read and always eager to learn more and improve her craft.

However, 65 years ago, in the early morning hours of September 15th 1954, Marilyn Monroe unknowingly transformed herself into a pop cultural icon and legend when she stood over a subway grate and saw her white halter neck dress billowing over her head.


The post-midnight hours of September 15th 1954, outside of the Trans-Lux Theatre near 52nd Street on Lexington Avenue, a luminous Marilyn wearing a white pleated halter dress, stepped over a subway grating. With a crew member operating a powerful fan positioned below the grille, the stage was set for a legendary scene. Hordes of reporters and spectators (estimates range from several hundred to five thousand) watched the crew film take after take of history-making moment.

The postscript of the film of this New York sequence was unusable. Her skirt had flown up to her waist, and the cheers of the crowd were clearly audible. The famous scene’s true setting was the controlled atmosphere of a Twentieth Century FOX soundstage. Unlike the iconic images that exsist, in the finished film Marilyn’s skirt billows up only slightly above her knees and a full body shot is never shown. Back in New York, a fifty-two foot high picture of The Girl with the upswept skirt was mounted above the marquee of Loew’s State Theatre at Times Square.

 

Paul Wurtzel, who was then FOX’s head of special effects once remembered:

“I think they really used the wind from the subway train.  At least, we never sent anyone to New York from our department for that segment, so I don’t think anybody rigged it.  The location shoot was partly unsuccessful because there was just too much noise and commotion.  We did not have the techniques then that we have now to dub voices.  I was standing inside a wind tunnel under the stage where the subway grating was and on cue we’d remove this sliding top to create the effect of the train going by and blowing up Marilyn’s skirt.  Well that scene took all day, what with Billy Wilder filming it over and over and over again, and there I was underneath her.  Marilyn had a habit of squatting down and talking to me.”


Publicist Roy Croft remembers:

“The skirt blowing episode was fantastic. The production crew had picked this Lexington Avenue newsreel theatre, which they had in those days – the crew had picked this one because at two in the morning the street is entirely deserted and we’d have no problem. So they re-dressed the theatre with this monster movie and so forth.

I helped leak the story – and Walter Winchell had it – that Marilyn was going to be on Lexington Avenue at two in the morning. So they had one of the biggest crowds ever.. There were all the working progress – the real photographers – plus the amateurs.

So when the scene starts, all these flashbulb cameras were going off… pop, pop, pop and my God, you couldn’t do anything. Finally I stepped out and said to the working press, “Fellahs, will you tell this bunch to calm down and not shoot? Let them get the scene, then Billy Wilder, the director says he’ll re-do – move the big cameras out of the way – so that everybody can get real good pictures of Marilyn and Tom.”

Well they did that, finally got the shot, then moved the cameras, then everybody starts shooting. That was the night that Joe DiMaggio and Winchell came, and he was reported as saying he disapproved of Marilyn showing her legs and that sort of thing, which I don’t think was true.
I think it was a made up quote. I never heard him say it and I don’t think he ever did say it. He was quoted as saying he was irate and what not, but when he had married her she was a major personality and a sex symbol and he knew what he was getting into.”

The location of the famous “upskirt” scene still exsists today, the theatre is gone and all the surrounding shops and buildings have changed, but you can still feel the “goosepimples” of knowing you’re standing in the same spot where history was made.


Legacy

The legend and image of Marilyn in the white dress has lived far beyond that night of September 15th 1954 as evidenced here:

 

There have been numerous dolls released over the years depicting Marilyn in her most iconic pose.
Just a small selection of the enormous amounts of memorablilia on the market using that famous image over a subway grate.
Various Ad campaigns over the years have paid tribute to this iconic moment.
And who could forget Marilyn Monroe in wax form!

No image in the history of pop culture is more iconic and as instantly recognisable as Marilyn Monroe over a subway grate in “The Seven Year Itch,” no-one, not even Marilyn could predict the impact that image would have on the world and here we are, 65 years on, still captivated by that “delicious” moment in time.

Sources:
Books:
“Blonde Heat: The Sizzling Screen Career Of Marilyn Monroe.”
“Marilyn Monroe: Platinum Fox.”
“Marilyn Monroe: On Loction.”

 

 

Published April 24, 2019

SOME LIKE IT HOT AT 60: THE DEL

Where the magic happened: The Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego

When we think of “Some Like It Hot”, we immediately think of Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Joe E. Brown etc but there’s another main character in the film: the beautiful and iconic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. Of course, in the film, the hotel is being disguised as the “Seminole Ritz” in Florida, where Sweet Sue and her Society of Syncopators frolic on the beach by day and play to hundreds of hotel guests at night

Marilyn and the iconic Del tower.

The cast and crew spent 2 weeks filming all the exterior and beach shots at the hotel and by all accounts, the shooting went very well. The only real problem that arose was the continuous sound of planes flying overhead. The Del is located near the Coronado Naval Base, so every so often they would have to stop and wait for the deafening thunder of the areoplanes engines to pass before contuining with the shoot!

That same continuous flow of areoplanes can still be seen and heard if you visit or stay near the Del to this day!

Sugar and “Shell Oil Jr” meet for the first time.
Sugar and Daphne discuss the “millionaire” they have just met!

A lot of fans are always surprised to know that the interior shots of the Hotel weren’t filmed in San Diego, but on a sound stage in Los Angeles. However, if you are lucky enough to stay or even visit the Hotel Del Coronado, you’ll still feel like you could bump into Sugar, Daphne or Shell Oil Jr around every corner!

Up until recently, the Hotel Del Coronado has remained true to its history and kept its authentic victorian look inside and outside of the Hotel. However, as of March 2019, it emerged that it would be going through a $200M renovation ( http://www.marilynrememberedfanclub.com/200m-hotel-del-coronado-reconstruction/ ) we can only hope that any changes to the look and feel of the Hotel will be minimal.

Here are some shots taken of the Del in recent years:


The Del is very proud of its ties to “Some Like It Hot” even inviting the cast and crew back to celebrate the films 25th and 50th anniversary respecitvely.
Here are some news reels from 1984 when Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Billy Wilder came together to celebrate the movies 25th birthday:
https://youtu.be/nRg551tTOOI
https://youtu.be/i93CFNAhDPA
https://youtu.be/bKQEUHSQwgY

For more information on the Hotel Del Coronado, head here: https://hoteldel.com/

Published March 29, 2019

“SOME LIKE IT HOT” AT 60: THE TV SHOW

“Some Like It Hot” was one of the biggest successes of 1959, audiences adored it and continued to flock to theatres to see Sugar, Joe and Jerry create mishap on screen.

With the ever increasing popularity of Television, it’s no surprise that The Mirish Company would try and turn their most successful film: “Some Like It Hot” into a ongoing television series.

The series would focus on the mishaps and adventures that Joe and Jerry would face in their new identities, trying to recreate the magic that was created on film by bringing it into peoples homes and television sets throughout the year.

The premise of the show was this: Joe and Jerry (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon reprising their roles for the pilot) are still on the run from the mob, so they decide to up their game and go under the knife for a complete facial transformation (enter the two new actors playing Joe and Jerry: Vic Damone and Dick Patterson.)

Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis reprising their roles as Jerry and Joe for the pilot.
An voila! Vic Damone and Dick Patterson assume their roles as Jerry and Joe

With new faces on their fronts, Joe and Jerry assume their problems are behind them. However they are soon enlisted by federal agents to help track down Studs Columbo (Spatz Columbo’s twin brother of course!) Studs Columbo is determined to track down and rub out the two musicians who had his brother killed, Joe and Jerry reluctantly agree to get back into drag and get the goods on “Girl-Crazy” Castro, the gangster who deployed the machine gun that killed Toothpick Charlie in the original film.
There is no mention of Sugar in the pilot, she has been replaced by a character called Candy Collins (Tina Louise). Collins is Studs Columbo’s moll who eventually falls for Joe after he reveals his true identity to her.

Candy Collins replaces the character of Sugar Kane
Joan Shawlee reprises her role as Sweet Sue

The pilot was shot at NBC studios in mid March 1961 and quickly vanished into thin air. Neither NBC not the potential sponsor Proctor and Gamble picked up the show. The precise reason this show was a no-go is still unclear, however one studio memo said: “As this is essentially a joke show, it would be difficult to sustain on a high level.”

By the end of 1961, the pilot was considered dead. Perhaps at the end of the day, “Some Like It Hot” should always be considered a one off, no sequal.. no remake.. no television series.. Just a beautifully perfect one off movie ever to be repeated.

More on this planned TV show can be found here: “Some Like It Hot: The Official 50th Anniversary Companion.” https://www.amazon.co.uk/Some-Like-Hot-Companion/dp/1862058644

Published March 29, 2019

SOME LIKE IT HOT AT 60: THE AWARDS

Marilyn Monroe holding her Golden Globe Award for her preformance in “Some Like It Hot.”

When we think of “Some Like It Hot,” we can’t help but feel how overlooked it was during the 1960 Academy Awards, only winning 1 Oscar out of its 6 nominations in total. However that doesn’t take away from the fact that it was universally praised and awarded with nominations from all around the globe at various entertainment award ceremonies. Not only that, but it was the 4th highest grossing film of 1959 in the United States, grossing nearly $10.2million at the box office after its initial budget of $2.8million.

Awards:

Academy Awards 1960:

Won:
Best Costume Design: (Orry Kelly.)

Nominated:
Best Actor in a leading role: Jack Lemmon
Best Director: Billy Wilder
Best Writing and Screenplay: Billy Wilder and I.A.L Diamond
Best Cinematography: Charles Lang
Best Art Direction and Set Decoration: Ted Hayworth and Edward G. Boyle.


Golden Globes 1960

Won:
Best Motion Picture Comedy
Best Actress In A Musical Or Comedy: Marilyn Monroe
Best Actor In A Musical Or Comedy: Jack Lemmon


BAFTA Awards 1960

Won:
Best Foreign Actor: Jack Lemmon

Nominated:
Best Film From Any Source: Billy Wilder

Bambi Awards 1960

Nominated: Best International Actor: Tony Curtis


Directors Guild Of America 1960

Nominated: Outstanding Directorial Achievement In Motion Pictures: Billy Wilder

Grammy Awards 1959

Nominated: Best Soundtrack Album

Laurel Awards 1960

Nominated:

Top Female Comedy Performance: Marilyn Monroe
Top Male Comedy Performance: Jack Lemmon

National Board Of Review 1959

Won:
NBR Award Top Ten Films


Venice Film Festival 1959

Nominated:
Golden Lion Award: Billy Wilder

Writers Guild Of America 1960

Won:
Best Written American Comedy: Billy Wilder and I.A.L Diamond

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    Marilyn on the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes set with M Marilyn on the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes set with Marguerite Masi, the wife of Victor “Chic” Masi, a childhood friend of Joe DiMaggio. 
#marilyn #joedimaggio #gentlemenpreferblondes #marilynremembered #realmarilynmonroe #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilynmonroe
    ❤️The ICONIC and unforgettable "Diamonds Are A ❤️The ICONIC and unforgettable "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend" musical number from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" started filming 70 years ago this week!❤️

George Chakiris, Oscar Winning Actor, was a background dancer for the number, recalled these memories of filming the legendary musical number:

“One of my favorite credits is to say that I worked behind Marilyn Monroe and I love saying that.” George remembers fondly, “ She was phenomenal. She only about twenty six when she made that film but Marilyn was an actress who was deeply concerned about her work and was very conscientious. Let me give you an example of her professionalism: If there ever was a cut for any reason, she never went back to her trailer to check her makeup. She’d be there on her starting mark and ready for the next shot."

"Jack Cole was clearly Marilyn's favourite choreographer.  She loved him and he was absolutely perfect for her.  He was one of the great choreographers not only for film but for the stage as well, and for the musical numbers he took over the direction.  The work was very demanding and he was very demanding. 

We rehearsed three weeks or more for the 'Diamonds' sequence, and it took three days to shoot.  The last day they went overtime, because Jack had to go back to New York to do a show, so instead of working until 6pm, I believe we worked up until 9pm, and then Jack raced off to the airport.."
#marilynmonroe #georgechakiris #jackcole #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilyn #diamondsareagirlsbestfriend #realmarilynmonroe
    A less common photo of Marilyn from 1952 #marilynm A less common photo of Marilyn from 1952
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    ⭐️HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARK GABLE!⭐️ Happy bir ⭐️HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARK GABLE!⭐️

Happy birthday to the one and only King of Hollywood, Clark Gable on what would have been his 122nd birthday.

Marilyn spoke about her time working with Gable on the set of The Misfits:
“The place was full of so-called men, but Clark was the only one who brought a chair for me between takes. He never got angry with me once for blowing a line or being late or anything — he was a gentlemen. The best.”

Gable was equally as complimentary about Marilyn, he once said:
"Marilyn is a kind of ultimate.  She is uniquely feminine.  Everything she does is different, strange and exciting, from the way she talks to the way she uses that magnificent torso.  She makes a man proud to be a man.”

After Clark’s death on Novemeber 16th, 1960, Marilyn was quoted as saying:
“Clark Gable was one of the finest men I ever met. He was one of the most decent human beings anyone could have encountered anywhere. He was an excellent guy to work with. Knowing him and working with him was a great personal joy. I send all my love to and deepest sympathy to his wife, Kay.”

Happy Birthday Clark, forever the King of Hollywood.
#marilynmonroe #clarkgable #king #longlivetheking #oldhollywood #classichollywood #realmarilynmonroe #marilyn #birthday #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #gable #hollywoodhistory
    Happy Heavenly Birthday David Wayne! (January 30th Happy Heavenly Birthday David Wayne! (January 30th 1914 - 9th February 1995.)

David Wayne was an American stage and screen actor with a career spanning over 50 years.  Marilyn fans will recognise him as being her most frequent co-star, sharing the billing with Marilyn in no less than 4 of her movies: 
"As Young As You Feel"
"We're Not Married!"
"O Henry's Full House"
"How To Marry A Millionaire"

With little or no screen time shared in "As Young As You Feel" and "O Henry's Full House," they were on screen lovers in "We're Not Married!" and "How To Marry A Millionaire."

Wayne was quoted as saying (on her performance in "How To Marry A Millionaire")
"Negulesco (the Director) was very good with her and handled her beautifully.  Of course she was always late, but I don't think either Betty Grable or Lauren Bacall minded her.  They were tough old pros and knew their business.  There again, I also recall Marilyn being quite capable in her scenes with the other two girls.  I wasn't necessarily in the scene with them, but I'd sit next to Negulesco and watch the three of them work and by that time I thought that Marilyn had got a little technique under her belt."

Happy birthday David! 😃
#marilynmonroe #davidwayne #oldhollywood #classichollywood #realmarilynmonroe #marilyn #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub
    This is what a Queen looks like walking down the s This is what a Queen looks like walking down the street.
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    ❤️ Rest In Peace photographer George S. Zimbel ❤️ Rest In Peace photographer George S. Zimbel ❤️

George spoke about his time photographing Marilyn on the set of the "Seven Year Itch" in 1954 and recalled this:

“Finally when they started filming, (Joe ) DiMaggio walked right off the set, right in the middle of the film shoot, right in front of the camera, everything stopped... And that's where I had my favourite photograph of serious Marilyn, she just stopped.  And the light is just coming down, light, light, light, light right on top of her head and it's all black except for her.  It was a heavy moment.”

Quote taken from the fantastic documentary: "Marilyn: Still Life."
#marilyn #realmarilynmonroe #joedimaggio #thesevenyearitch #sevenyearitch #marilynmonroe #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub
    ❤️ George S. Zimbel Appreciation post ❤️ ❤️ George S. Zimbel Appreciation post ❤️

With the sad news of Mr Zimbel's passing, let's show love for some of his stunning photographs of Marilyn, taken on the night of September 1954 in New York, whilst the filming of the famous 'upskirt' scene from "The Seven Year Itch" was taking place.

For more photos, check out his website:

https://georgezimbel.com/
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    ❤️ HAPPY 7OTH BIRTHDAY "NIAGARA" ❤️ Maril ❤️ HAPPY 7OTH BIRTHDAY "NIAGARA" ❤️

Marilyn Monroe enjoyed a good working relationship with her co-stars, in particular with her leading man, Joseph Cotten: 

“I enjoyed her company. I enjoyed working with her,” Cotten said  about working with Marilyn Monroe in her first starring role. He said  she had an appetite for laughter and was aware of her sense of humor  describing her as a “pretty clown.  Cotten recalls hearing about her  death and receiving a phone call from the Associated Press for a  comment. “At first I was sure it had to be an accident. Such buoyancy  of spirit, such sparkling anticipation, such a happy and comic attitude  would deny support to any theory,” he wrote. “But she had such moments  of fear and insecurity….As to all the other furtive theories-cover-up,  murder, etc. – I have no knowledge or interest in such sordidness. I  knew and acted with Marilyn Monroe. I am proud of having that  privilege.”
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    ❤️ HAPPY 70TH 'NIAGARA' ❤️ "Do you walk i ❤️ HAPPY 70TH 'NIAGARA' ❤️

"Do you walk in real life the way you do in 'Niagara?' "

Marilyn: "I never think about the way I walk.  But since I was playing a certain type of girl in the picture who was not myself, and since the way I walked helped emphasize her, I walked as I did.
I'm sure my real-life walk is not exactly the same."
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    <3 HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY 'NIAGARA' <3 These stunnin <3 HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY 'NIAGARA' <3

These stunning costumes from the movie 'Niagara,' (screen worn and used in publicity photos) have been auctioned in recent years.
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    ❤️ HAPPY 70TH 'NIAGARA' ❤️ Which of these ❤️ HAPPY 70TH 'NIAGARA' ❤️
Which of these screen worn outfits that Marilyn wears in "Niagara" is your favourite?
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