Monday, August 6, 2012

Remembering Marilyn Monroe 50 Years On

norma jean baker
Norma Jeane Baker
Marilyn Monroe is being remembered all over the world after her 50th death anniversary on 5th August 1962. Norma Jean Baker (originally Norma Jeane Mortenson) was only 36 when she died of questionable circumstance at the height of her career. It is still debated on the ruling of probable suicide from acute barbiturate poisoning. Till today, and after much written about her, no one can end the debate on what really happened.

We all remember Elton John's ode to her in his song Candle In The Wind. It was also one of Princess Diana's favorite tunes and oddly was later redone by Elton at Diana's funeral. Marilyn is one of those iconic figures that everyone looking at her picture will know this bombshell instantly.  I remember seeing her in many of the old black and white films like  Bus Stop / How to Marry a Millionaire / There's No Business Like Show Business / Gentlemen Prefer Blondes / The Seven Year Itch / The Final Days. They were, and still are for many, some best loved movies ever made. 


I was wondering, what if someone had a babe like Marilyn on their arm? Fact is, many people who knew her said she was sometimes very childlike and even ignorant of those trying to take advantage of her. She, like every other girl at the time and even today, was looking to be in Hollywood as a star. Probably she never imagined herself as huge as she became that even all the US military guys during the war had her as one of their favourite pin up girls in their barracks.

There is a collection of written artifacts, letters, notes to herself, and even poems in Marilyn’s own handwriting along with rarely seen intimate photos and you can find it in the book Fragments.

Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe
All I feel is, Marilyn Monroe was and always will be a Hollywood legend and a star icon that was loved by guys all over and idolized by many ladies. It would not be the same movies without her cast in it and her performance in them. She was a delight to look at and I believe most people genuinely felt good vibes of that brilliant smile and the little mole on the cheek. Although married and divorced 3 times in her life, she was the ultimate sex symbol of her time. After her death her second husband, legendary baseball player, Joe DiMaggio claimed her body and arranged her funeral. For 20 years, he had a half dozen red roses delivered to her crypt three times a week. Now that's love.

So as we remember Marilyn Monroe in the many wonderful ways and devastating and suspicious end, may the next 50 years be filled with dazzle and intrigue. Even in death she can still make headlines. I choose to remember her as the desirable and beautiful woman I saw on screen and on the photos galore of her everywhere.

Bar Advice. In loving memory of the sensuous and ultimate hottie in my book, Marilyn Monroe.