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Preserving the Memory of Marilyn Monroe with Dignity and Grace

Posts Tagged with Happy Birthday

Published January 21, 2023

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY ‘NIAGARA’

❤ HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY “NIAGARA” ❤

Today marks 70 years since the release of the 1953 film noir thriller ‘Niagara’starring Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotton, Jean Peters and Directed by Henry Hathaway.

“Marilyn Monroe and Niagara, a raging torrent of emotion that even nature can’t control!” read the tag line on billboards and advertisements. Twentieth Century FOX pulled out all the stops on what was to be Marilyn’s first starring role in a major motion picture.

The official synopsis of the movie reads as follows: “The splendour of both Niagara falls and Marilyn Monroe enhance this taut tale about a faithless wife plotting against her husband. Joseph Cotten stars as George Loomis, a disturbed Korean war veteran staying at Niagara Falls with his wife, Rose (Monroe). Thoroughly sensuous and constantly scheming, Rose intends to kill her husband and run off with her lover. But first she is going to drive George mad by flaunting herself before anyone who will notice.”

‘Niagara’ was first released in theatres on January 21st 1953 and grossed a healthy $2.35 million return on an outlay of $1,670,000 during its initial run.  Today it is still among Marilyn’s most popular films. Happy birthday ‘Niagara!’

We’ll be celebrating 70 years of this film noir triumph in “Marilyn Remembered.” What are your thoughts on Marilyn’s big breakthrough role?

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY MITZI GAYNOR
Published September 4, 2021

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY MITZI GAYNOR

❤ Today we are wishing a true living Hollywood legend, Mitzi Gaynor a very happy 90th birthday! ❤

Gaynor is an American actress, singer, and dancer. Her most Notable films include “There’s No Business Like Show Business” (1954) and “South Pacific”, the 1958 motion picture adaptation of the stage musical by Rodgers and Hammerstien.
Of course fans of Marilyn’s earlier screen roles will also know that both Monroe and Gaynor co-starred in “We’re Not Married,” though neither had any scenes together.

Of her time on “There’s No Business Like Show Business” She was once quoted as saying:
“I played Ethel Merman’s daughter in that picture and we became best friends …Marilyn Monroe played a hat-check girl in the picture, but she wasn’t around all the time. She was busy creating Marilyn Monroe. If you see that picture now, though, and really pay attention to it, you realize that Marilyn steals the whole damn picture.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GENE KELLY
Published August 23, 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GENE KELLY

❤ HAPPY BIRTHDAY GENE KELLY ❤

Wishing Gene Kelly a happy, heavely birthday.
Gene Kelly was an American actor, dancer, singer, filmmaker, choreographer….. and all round Hollywood screen legend.

He had a brief cameo in the 1960 film “Let’s Make Love” starring Marilyn and Yves Montand. Kelly was one of 3 celebrity appearances in the film, alongside Bing Crosby and Milton Berle which make up some of the funnier moments of the film.
Recently, Gene’s widow Patricia Ward Kelly had this to say:
“Often, I read accounts about Gene that simply don’t fit. I don’t recognize the man they describe, particularly when they refer to someone who is selfish or mean. Gene was neither. My intent is not to put him on a pedestal. Quite the opposite, in fact. I want you to see him as he was—a man who had foibles just like the rest of us but who was also one of the most gifted and innovative creative artists of the 20th century. I have mentioned before that Gene taught many people to dance. Here’s another example: his friend Yves Montand in this cameo appearance in the 1960 film Let’s Make Love, Produced by Jerry Wald, directed by George Cukor, and starring Yves Montand and Marilyn Monroe. Gene was in the middle of choreographing his Ballet Pas de Dieux at the Paris Opera, but, as he said, “I had promised Jerry Wald that I would do this cameo. I got on Scandinavian Air. I went from Paris to Copenhagen and over the Pole; landed here; did the thing: and flew back the next day. I got the minimum. It was then a hundred and twenty-five dollars. I came in and showed Montand a dance step, kissed George Cukor and Marilyn, said ‘good bye’ and left. I gave my word A promise is a promise, and it wasn’t for Yves or Marilyn. It was for Jerry Wald.” To me, this illustrates and important aspect of who Gene was.”
Gene Kelly died February 2nd 1996 and was cremated at Westwood Cemetery, where Marilyn is interred, before his ashes were scattered at sea.

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Published June 21, 2021

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY JANE RUSSELL


Today we are wishing Jane Russell a very happy birthday on what would have been her 100th birthday.  Russell was an American film actress and one of Hollywood’s leading sex symbols in the 1940s and 1950s.  She had a career in Hollywood spanning 4 decades and some of her biggest hits included: “The Outlaw,” “The Tall Men,” “Underwater!” and “The Las Vegas Story.”

In a publicity still for her first motion picture and box office hit “The Outlaw.”  This provocative shot saw her catapulted into stardom

 

Of course, undoubtably, her biggest screen success came with the release of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” alongside Marilyn in 1953.  Monroe and Russell got along famously and throughout the years, right up until Janes death in 2011, she never had a cruel or unkind word to say about her co-star.

“I didn’t experience any of the lateness or unprofessionalism you hear about, that came way later. She worked very hard and always knew her lines and was absolutely determined to get ahead.” Russell remembers, “we got along very well and when I found out she was a little nervous about going out on the set, I’d stop by her dressing room and you know, say ‘come on Blondel, it’s time to go! We’re due…’ and she’d say ‘oh! alright Jane’ and we’d trot on the set together.”

Happy Birthday Jane Russell, you are forever missed.

 

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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
#marilynmonroe #realmarilynmonroe #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilyn #1950s #1950style
    ⭐️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.
#marilyn #realmarilynmonroe #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilynmonroe
    ❤️ 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/
#marilyn #realmarilynmonroe #thesevenyearitch #sevenyearitch #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilynmonroe
    ❤️ 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.”
#marilyn #josephcotten #niagara #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilynmonroe #realmarilynmonroe
    ❤️ 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."
#marilyn #niagara #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #realmarilynmonroe
    <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.
#marilyn #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilynremonroe #niagara #costumetest #costume #costumedesign
    ❤️ HAPPY 70TH 'NIAGARA' ❤️ Which of these ❤️ HAPPY 70TH 'NIAGARA' ❤️
Which of these screen worn outfits that Marilyn wears in "Niagara" is your favourite?
#marilynmonroe #niagara #filmnoir #realmarilynmonroe #marilynremembered #marilynrememberedfanclub #marilyn
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