For some reason, “The Misfits” doesn’t seem like Marilyn Monroe’s last movie; probably because of the publicity received by “Something’s Got to Give” (1962, unfinished.) It is, along with Clark Gable’s final performance, who died from a heart attack before it was released (1960.)
Montgomery Clift would also die five years later (1966); Thelma Ritter in 1967. The sole survivor for many years was Eli Wallach, who passed away in 2014.
The opening credits: Jigsaw puzzle pieces not fitting together describes the characters shown against Alex North’s moody score.
The screenplay by Arthur Miller was written especially for his wife, Marilyn. By the time, filming commenced, Miller and Monroe weren’t on speaking terms. Divorce was imminent.
The role of Roslyn Taber was meant to be her breakthrough dramatic performance. What emerged?
Monroe seems exhausted at times. The combination of drugs, Nevada’s extreme heat and her marriage falling apart took its toll.
There are moments of brilliance…
Monroe’s seething anger boiling over at the men during the “mustanging” episode…
The stark backdrop of the Nevada desert…
The black & white cinematography, considered old-fashioned at the time, is more beautiful than ever.
Of the love relationship between MM and Gable as Gay Langland…it seems almost like father/daughter, doesn’t it?
Eli Wallach (center) broods over his empty life.
Co-star Montgomery Clift poses with Marilyn.
Best performance – Montgomery Clift as Perce Howland. Clift’s face was left partially paralyzed by an auto accident in 1956. Although he started off as a matinee idol, the accident forced him to become a better actor. While filming Clark Gable’s scene, where he reacts angrily at Roslyn, it was real anger at Clift who thought he was upstaging him.
“Misfits” ends anti-climatically. The real finish is Gable’s monologue…
“Damn ’em all. They changed it, changed it all around. Smeared it all over with blood. I’m finished with it. It’s like ropin’ a dream. I just gotta find another way to be alive, that’s all. If there is one anymore.”
For whatever reason, “The Misfits” was shut-out at Oscar time, receiving none.
Time has been kind, however and today many rank it as a film of great importance, if only for being the end of an era. I think it’s more than that. Towards the conclusion, Gay describes the horses as “chicken-feed horses, misfits.”
Likewise, this makes a larger statement about the characters; people who simply don’t fit in, who can’t find their way in society and are marginalized. Back in ’61, critics didn’t know what to make of it. Now it’s easier to accept conformity.
Except how many movies from 1961 are still being discussed? And does its difference make it last?
There’s some argument about when Hollywood’s “Silver Age” began. Most critics cite “Bonnie & Clyde” (1967.) I say “Psycho” (1960.) There’s little argument when Hollywood’s “Golden Age” ended with “The Misfits”.
Most consider “The Misfits” as Marilyn Monroe’s last film; however, there were a number of failed attempts to cast her in other pictures. Most famous of all is “Something’s Got to Give”, abandoned by 20th Century Fox after MM’s numerous absences. A last attempt to finish it, after Monroe was fired, then rehired, ended when she died on August 5, 1962.
Marilyn Monroe’s costume tests for “Something’s Got to Give”
The plot: A woman returns after being lost on a desert island, finding out her husband has just remarried. The first video is of a 1990’s TV special commenting on what transpired.
Recently restored by 20th Century Fox, the video below attempts to piece together what was filmed. (37 minutes in length.)
Funniest scene: Wally Cox in the shoe store.
Also contains MM’s nude swim, a major event in ’62.
“The Misfits” (1961.) Arthur Miller’s saga of how a woman changes the lives of three down and out losers. Also starring Clark Gable, Eli Wallach and Montgomery Clift. “Misfits” didn’t connect with audiences then, but is more appreciated today.
Best performance: Montgomery Clift as Perce Howland.
Clark Gable died of a heart attack shortly after filming.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Based on the novella by Truman Capote. The author urged the studio to cast Marilyn as Holly Golightly. Turned down by the director Blake Edwards because of MM’s notorious reputation for being late, high, sick and/or forgetting her lines.
Monroe lost role of Holly Golightly to Audrey Hepburn who received an Oscar nomination for “Best Actress”
“They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” Rights to this were then owned by Charlie Chaplin, who offered MM the lead role. She turned it down, believing it was about horses. (Plot concerns marathon dance contests in the 1930’s.)
Released in 1969, starring Jane Fonda, who received an Oscar nomination for “Best Actress”.
“Freud” (1962)
Actor friend Montgomery Clift tried to get Marilyn cast as Freud’s wife. Susan Kohner was cast instead.
“What a Way to Go!” (1964)
Dark comedy about a wife whose five husbands all die for one reason or another. Shirley MacLaine inherited the role.
Last major public appearance. M.M. sings “Happy Birthday” to President Kennedy. Host Peter Lawford refers to her as “the late Marilyn Monroe.”
“What a Way to Go!” (1964)