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| How to Marry a Millionaire Premiere in LA, 1953 Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images |
Getty Images Gallery is celebrating this fascinating woman with an exhibition of unique photographs and memorabilia to commemorate 50 years since her death. Showcasing in London for the first time, the exhibition also features a number of original dresses and costumes worn by the Hollywood icon.
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| Dress worn by Marilyn in Some Like it Hot Getty Images Gallery |
Marilyn includes imagery from Monroe's early years as an aspiring actress through to her rise to international stardom. Speaking to Eve Arnold about this period of her life, she said "we never had it so good. In those days we had hope."
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| Beach Belle, circa 1951 Hulton Archive /Getty Images |
"She built a character and felt secure with the character so she stayed with it. As long as she believed she was Marylin Monroe, and she wasn't yet, that was fine, she could cope with that, she loved it. When the fantasy became the reality it was no longer tenable for her. She then was fragmented." Eve Arnold
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| Marilyn Photo Session in Beverly Hills, 1950 Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images |
Her untimely death remains a mystery but in Marylin: The Last Sessions documentary, based on recordings and transcripts from psychoanalyst Ralph Greenson's sessions with Marilyn, it's clear how much she was suffering when the lights went down.
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| The Millers Ride Out, 1956 (Marilyn with her third husband, American dramatist Arthur Miller) Harold Clements/ Getty Images |
But she was also gaining control of her roles after setting up her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, with different projects planned for the future. But we will never know what she could have done with her new found independence.
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| Marylin On The Roof, New York, 1955 Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images |
One thing is certain, she lives on, immortalised by her seductive nature, beauty and talent. Her caressing voice and powerful presence when she sang happy birthday to President Kennedy is a testimony of her extraordinary ability to put on a performance. Who can forget her in Glentlemen Prefer Blondes?
Happy International Womens' Day!
Marilyn
Getty Images Gallery
9 March - 23 May 2012
Other related blog posts:
The Photography of Eve Arnold
V&A Unveils Hollywood Glamour
The Power of a Dress