The Misfits (1961)

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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.

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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.
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Of the love relationship between MM and Gable as Gay Langland…it seems almost like father/daughter, doesn’t it?

 

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Eli Wallach (center) broods over his empty life.

 

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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”.
Text © 2019 – EricReports

The Sad Last Days of Montgomery Clift

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Back in the 1950’s, Montgomery Clift was at the top of his game, among the highest of the echelon of actors for that time.  Marlon Brando stated that he thought Clift was his only serious competitor.

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On May 12, 1956, while driving home from a party held by his close personal friend Elizabeth Taylor, his car crumpled into a phone pole, nearly killing him.  Surviving, his shattered face was corrected with plastic surgery; however, the left side remained paralyzed.

The 1960’s became a rough time for “Monty” except for 1961, when he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for “Judgement at Nuremberg” and excellent reviews for “The Misfits”.

Unfortunately, after “Freud” (1962), a film beset with many setbacks and problems, Clift was no longer bankable.  (He would receive much of the blame, undeservedly.)  It was true, he had trouble remembering his lines.  He became addicted to drugs and alcohol, used to dull the pain of the accident.  An eccentric to begin with, later day behavior became increasingly bizarre.  Plus, his sight was failing due to cataracts.  He became un-insurable.

Still, Clift wanted to act.  He pleaded with Warner Brothers for the role of John Singer in “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter”.  Warners turned him down.  (Alan Arkin took the role, receiving an Oscar nomination.)

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Clift and Liz Taylor discussed roles for them together.  They had already starred in “A Place in the Sun”, “Raintree County” and “Suddenly Last Summer”.  There was talk of them doing “The Owl and the Pussycat”.  (Later to be filmed with Barbra Streisand and George Segal.)

Ultiimately, they settled for “Reflections in a Golden Eye”.  Warner Bros. wanted proof he could still perform for the cameras.  So they cast him in the low-budget, grade-B cold war spy drama “The Defector”.  Clift knew it was schlock, yet did it anyway, just to prove he could still act.  It became his last.

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Weeks before filming “Reflections”, Montgomery Clift died on July 23, 1966 of a heart attack.  He was only 45.  Ironically, he was replaced by his greatest competitor Marlon Brando.  Text © 2019 – EricReports.

Marilyn Monroe’s Last Movie

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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.

undefined  “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.”

Text © 2018 – ERN

Last Movie Roles – Part 1

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Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe

The Misfits (1961.)  A group of “losers” discover the meaning of life near Reno, NV.  Troubled production.  Monroe and husband/screenwriter Arthur Miller divorced immediately after.  Clark Gable died from a heart attack before it hit theaters; M.M. died in ’62 from a drug overdose; possible suicide.

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Elvis Presley

Elvis on Tour (1972.)  Rock star Elvis Presley finally found his niche doing documentaries, this being his follow-up  to “Elvis – That’s the Way It Is” (1970.)  Amazing use of split screens; well edited by then newcomer Martin Scorsese.  Won a Golden Globe for “Best Documentary”.  Elvis died five years later in Graceland.

James Dean

Giant (1956.)  James Dean was the hottest new star in Hollywood when his aluminum sports car smashed itself into oblivion on 9/30/55.  He received his second Oscar nomination for Best Actor as Jett Rink, Rock Hudson’s nemesis in “Giant”.

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Jayne Mansfield

The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield (1968.)  1950’s blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield still managed to earn a living doing nightclub appearances and independent films.  This “mondo”-style documentary (filmed shortly before her death) is narrated by a female impersonator and ends with her car accident.

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Picture taken in “death car”.

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June 29, 1967

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Sharon Tate

12 + 1 (aka The 13 Chairs, 1969.)  Nearly unknown European comedy starring Vittorio Gassman and Sharon Tate.  Not particularily funny and the two lead actors didn’t like each other.  Miss Tate was murdered on Aug. 9, 1969 by the Manson “family”.  (Written about in “Helter-Skelter” – 1971.)

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Sharon as “Pat”.

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Dorothy Stratten

They All Laughed (1981.)  Model/actress Dorothy Stratten was just starting out – this being her third picture after “Autumn Born” and “Galaxina”.  1980 seemed like her year – she was chosen as “Playboy’s Playmate of the Year,” until she got caught up in a love triangle with director Peter Bogdanovich and her husnand/manager Paul Snider.  Snider killed her and himself on Aug. 14, 1980, probably while they were discussing their impending divorce.  Cause of death:  a shotgun blast to the face.

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Dorothy with Peter Bogdanovich

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Paul Snider

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Mame (1974.)  Based on the famous Broadway musical, starring Lucille Ball, who most know can’t sing.  ’74 was also the year “Here’s Lucy” (1968-1974) was cancelled.  A bad luck year for that “wacky redhead”.  Lucy died on 4/26/89 from a torn artery.

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980.)  Actor Peter Sellers had finally found fortune again in the mid-to-late 1970’s.  (In the “Pink Panther” film series and as Chauncey Gardiner in “Being There” (1979.)  He completed his life’s work with this strange, obscure comedy which ends with him doing an Elvis impersonation.  Mr. Sellers died from a heart attack on July 24, 1980.

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Laurel & Hardy in “Utopia” (1950.)  Weird French comedy, badly dubbed, starring that great comedy team Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.  Language barrier further complicated this misunderstood venture.  A few scenes shine through.  Mr. Laurel died from a heart attack on 2/23/65.  Mr. Hardy died from cerebral thrombosis on 8/7/57.

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Larry Fine, Moe Howard, and Joe DeRita

Kook’s Tour (1970.)  Rarely seen “3 Stooges” pilot of them touring the countryside.  Unique travelogue could’ve worked, except the “middle stooge” Larry Fine suffered from a stroke and was placed in a retirement home.

VIVIEN LEIGH B&W SHIP OF FOOLS PHOTO OR POSTER | Vivien ...  Vivian Leigh in “Ship of Fools” (1965.)  Former Academy award winner for “Gone with the Wind” and “A Streetcar Named Desire”.  Her final award was the “L’Etoile de Cristal for “Ship of Fools”.  (lead performance)  Leigh died from tuberculosis on July 8, 1967.

 

Article’s Text © 2016 – ERN – All Rights Reserved.

Movies, Movies, Movies

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It Follows (2015, Northern Lights Films)

About a sexually-transmitted disease; wherein the victims are followed by a slow-moving zombie who wants to kill you.  The zombie can change its appearance and is invisible to others.  Film depends on suspense more than horror with minimal special effects.  Maika Monroe and Keir Gilchrist are especially good in their leading roles.

Blackbird  (2012, A71 Productions)

Goth (played by Connor Jessup) tries to impress girl (Alexia Fast) who is already paired with jock (Craig Arnold.)  Threats on the Internet lead to unforeseen events.  Modern day story on how misunderstandings and political-correctness can alter people’s lives.  Surprisingly effective.

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United 93  (2006, Universal)

Based on the true story of the only hijacked plane on 9/11 that did not achieve its target.  Director Paul Greengrass films it documentary style and it works.  We all know the outcome, yet I defy anyone to watch it and not feel rage.  The beginning of the War on Terror, whether people want to admit it or not.

The Misfits  (1961, United Artists-7 Arts)

Melancholy farewell to movie greats Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe – their last completed film.

Written by Arthur Miller, directed by John Huston.  Co-stars Montgomery Clift and Eli Wallach, (who died recently.)  Drama set against the Nevada desert, as three men all fall for the same woman – Roslyn (MM.)  Depressing, downbeat, not the hit many think it was.  Stark black and white cinematography by Russell Metty, evocative score by Alex North.

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King Kong  (1933, RKO)

The original and still the best.  I know the special effects are better today, but the latter versions lack the soul of this ancient, depression-era oldie.  Dreamlike, atmospheric, and who can scream better than Fay Wray?

Stop motion photography was the CGI of the 30’s.  Directed by M.C. Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack.  Stars Bruce Cabot and Robert Armstrong.  Groundbreaking score by Max Steiner.

The baseball team has a conversation on the pitcher's mound on the top of the poster; on the bottom, the group sits in Hollywood set chairs; the title and credits are set in the middle.

A Boy Named Charlie Brown  (1969, Cinema Center Films)

First and best of the “Peanuts” gang animated films released in the theaters.  Born loser Charlie Brown finally find his niche when he wins a series of spelling bees.  Will he go on to be the state champion?  All the classic elements are here:  Oscar nominated Vince Guaraldi score, songs by Rod McKuen.  Cartoonist Charles Schulz at his peak.

J.T.  (1969, CBS)

Inner-city youth (Kevin Hooks) learns compassion taking care of an abandoned alley-cat.  Heartfelt TV drama – the kind they don’t make anymore.  Available on YouTube.

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Cat o’ Nine Tails  (1971, Warner Bros.)

Exciting horror-suspense film by Dario Argento.  Stars James Fransiscus, Karl Malden and Catherine Spaak.

Mysterious murders begin occurring around a genetics laboratory.  (Does a certain type of chromosome lead to violent behavior?)  It’s up to two news reporters (one blind, aided by an orphan girl) to solve it.  Recent uncut version is now available on DVD.  Ennio Moricone’s soundtrack is also available.

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Spanish poster for “Theatre of Blood”

Theatre of Blood  (1973, United Artists)

Vincent Price stars as an egocentric stage actor, presumed dead, who seeks a grisly revenge on his critics.  Perfect casting for Price.

Co-stars a sexy Diana Rigg as his daughter.  Ghoulish, bloody humor not for the faint-hearted.

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Sal Mineo and Juliet Prowse star in a grisly, psychosexual thriller concerning an obsessed Peeping Tom who becomes homicidal.

Who Killed Teddy Bear?  (1965, Magna Corp.)

Nasty little black & white film about a sexually-obsessed stalker who terrorizes a girl who works in a disco.  Surprisingly explicit for its time.  Some of the film’s techniques would be used later in “Midnight Cowboy” (1969.)  Stars Sal Mineo and Juliet Prowse would both meet unfortunate ends in real life.  (Mineo murdered in ’76, Prowse bitten twice by a leopard in ’87, died later from cancer in ’96.)  Songwriter Al Kasha had better luck, going on to win two Academy Awards.  (“The Morning After” and “We May Never Love like this Again”.)

Text (C) 2015 – EricReportsNews