Skip to content

  • Marilyn Remembered Celebrates 40 Years!
  • Archives
  • About Marilyn Remembered
  • Annual Memorial Service
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Events and Activities
  • Follow
  • Join the Club!
  • Keeping Marilyn Monroe Real
  • Links
  • Marilyn in the News
  • Home

Preserving the Memory of Marilyn Monroe with Dignity and Grace

Posts Tagged with william lundigan

MOVIE MEMORIES: “LOVE NEST”
Published October 10, 2019

MOVIE MEMORIES: “LOVE NEST”

 

“It’s open house for laughter…and the screen’s most heart-warming house-warming in years!”


“Love Nest”
is a 1951 American comedy-drama film directed by Joseph Newman and starring June Haver, Frank Fay, William Lundigan and Marilyn Monroe, in one of her earlier screen credits.  The film, released by Twentieth Century FOX, opened on October 10th 1951 to mild success  It was meant to be nothing more than a B-picture for FOX and would widely be forgotten today if it wasn’t for Monroe’s ever expanding fanbase and their desire to see her entire body of work.  It is however, a very fun and light hearted comedy, with notable preformances by June Haver an Frank Fay, in his final film appearance.

Marilyn Monroe and her co-star June Haver.

PLOT:
“After two and a half years of military service in Paris, aspiring novelist Jim Scott returns to New York and the rundown Gramery Park brownstone that his wife Connie has purchased with most of their savings.  The rooming house is mortgaged to the hilt and, despite the revenue from the tenants, the couple are running at a loss, yet Connie assures Jim that it is a great investment that will soon pay for itself.  Living in the basement, they suffer noises from the drainpipes and the local fire service, and Jim has little time to write while dealing with the tenants’ complaints and his wife’s jealousy over one of the new people paying them to rent, ex-WAC Roberta “Bobbie” Stevens– a buxom blonde who was stationed with Jim in Paris.
Another new tenant, meanwhile, is Charley Patterson, a dapper conman who swindles rich widows out of their money, Connie strongly suspects what Charley is up to and she is therefore concerned when he woos and marries Eadie, a kindly widow living in the same building.  Still, Connie and Jim have their own problems to think of, not least of which is the news that their building must either be rewired or condemned.”

Marilyn Monroe and William Lundigan


FUN FACTS:

* Unimaginatively titled “The Reluctant Landlord” when I.A.L Diamond began work on the screenplay in December 1950, it was renamed “A WAC In His Life” when shooting began on April 18th 1951, illustrating how the studio wanted to draw attention to Marilyn’s role.  The only problem was her lack of screen time; thus the change to “Love Nest.”

*As early as December 21st 1950, Darryl Zannuck suggested in a memo to producer Jules Buck, I.A.L Diamond and Zanuck’s assistant Molly Mandaville that they “work Roberta into the last part of the story more,” and innocently involve her with Jim after he has a row with Connie and uses Roberta’s empty apartment to sleep.

*Because the bathing suit that Marilyn wears in the film was so risqué (for the time) and caused such a commotion on the set, director Joseph M. Newman had to make it a closed set while she was filming.

*The Hollywood film industry’s censorship board, commonly known as the Hays Office, reviewed all screenplays to ensure strict adherence to the Production code by the studios.  The censors had no objection to Roberta.  The script was submitted for review at the regular intervals but it was impossible to tell how coquettish the character could be when played by Marilyn.  When the censors did find crude references to a toilet in comic dialogue between Jim and Connie about the building’s plumbing problems.  These lines were cut from the script.

* “Love Nest” was filmed entirely on the backlots of “Twentieth Century FOX” studios in Los Angeles, California.

* Marilyn Monroe doesn’t appear in the film until the 31st minute, so bare that in mind if you have never seen this movie.

* According to a contemporary Hollywood Reporter articles, Anne Baxter then Jeanne Crain were scheduled to star in this film.

* “Love Nest” marked the entrance of I.A.L Diamond into Marilyn’s professional life.  This light post-World War II comedy, was the first of four scripts he wrote for Marilyn, the others being: “Let’s Make It Legal,” “Monkey Business” and “Some Like It Hot” (with his writing partner Billy Wilder.)

* In 2014, the “Marilyn Monroe History” channel on YouTube uploaded the movie in its entirety and as of October 2019, has amassed over 360,000 views!

* As of October 2019, “Love Nest” has a rating of 6.3/10 on imdb.com

MARILYN’S WARDROBE:

Despite Marilyn’s limited screen time in this movie, she makes the most of it with an array of stunning costume changes


The brown suit Marilyn wears briefly in the film was last put up for auction in 2011, but surprisingly went unsold.

MEMORIES OF MARILYN:


Jack Paar, who played Marilyn’s love interest in the movie remembers:
“Looking back, I guess I should have been excited, but I found her pretty tiresome.  She used to carry around books by Marcel Proust with their titles facing out, but I never saw her read one.  She was always holding up shooting by talking on the phone.  Judging from what’s happened though, I guess she had the right number.”

CRITICS’ RESPONSE:

“Frank Fay romps off with honours as the wily middle-aged Romeo, Marilyn Monre’s shapely figure and blonde beauty make her part as a temptress a standout.”  (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)

“Love Nest” is a mild variety of comedy which gets a considerable boost from the expert talents–in that line — of Frank Fay… Leatrice Joy is also present in this number.  She gives mature warmth to the proceedings.  Marilyn Monroe has that other quality.”  (FILM DAILY.)

Pick up your copy of “Love Nest” on DVD today:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Nest-DVD-June-Haver/dp/B000F3AIFY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=marilyn+monroe+love+nest&qid=1570460151&sr=8-3

Sources:
imdb.com
“Blonde Heat: The Sizzling Screen Career Of Marilyn Monroe”
“Marilyn Monroe: Platinum FOX”

FOLLOW MARILYN REMEMBERED

    MRFC ON TWITTER

    Tweets by @MMRemembered

    MRFC ON INSTAGRAM

    marilynremembered

    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
    Follow on Instagram
    Copyright © 2023 Your Name. All rights reserved.
    Cleantalk Pixel