The Misfits is a 1961 American drama film written by Arthur Miller (Marilyn's husband at the time), directed by John Huston(Key Largo,Asphalt Jungle)and starring Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, Thelma Ritter, and Eli Wallach. It was the final film appearance for both Gable and Monroe. It was not a commercial success at the time of its release, but it garnered critical respect for its script and performances. Despite any one's personal feelings about Mr.Miller as a person,I feel the critical reception was unjust for this film because the genius of Miller's story was overshadowed by his relationship with Marilyn at the time. The similarities between each character and the actor that played them is almost scary. This film,to me, shows what her personality was really like off-camera or as close as we can ever get.
(The replica of Marilyn's Cherry Wiggle dress is available on Pinupgirlclothing.com)
I also really enjoy this film because it was well-know that she was studying at the Actor's Studio (with the legendary Lee Strasburg) and wanted to be considered a serious actress. To me, this was her in the most serious role since her early years appearing in 'The Asphalt Jungle'(Also directed by John Huston). In order to respect her memory, I choose to remember her in this film at her dramatic best.
Roslyn Taber (Monroe)Is a beautiful woman who has temporarily relocated in Reno,Nevada in order to divorce her estranged husband. She feels lost and is trying to figure out what the next step in her life will be.
Isabella Steers (Ritter) plays an older woman who boards and befriends Roslyn and also seems to have had bad luck in life as well, though she holds no grudges.
Gay Langland (Gable), an aging,womanizing ex-cowboy prone to gambling, who survives by rounding up and catching mustangs, he meets Rosyln and sets his sites on her.
(The closing shot of this film is of Marilyn&Gable together, trying to find their way home. In reality, Clark Gable died 10days after filming wrapped and Marilyn died the following year...I know..Crazy.)
Eli Wallach (a fellow method actor at the actor's studio along with Marilyn) plays Guido, a former WWII pilot partner who is still dealing with the after effects of war&the death of his wife. He instantly thinks he is in love with Roslyn because she's beautiful and she was polite to him.
Montgomery Clift plays Perce Howland, a drifter rodeo rider who has been injured many times&is getting tired of the drifting life. He too, feels a kinship and need to protect Roslyn. (Clift in real life had been considered one of Hollywood's most handsome leading men until he was in an accident that left his face slightly disfigured,Giving eerie likeness to his character)
Here is the Theatrical trailer of the misfits for you to get a better understanding of the film and the similarities between the actors and their characters. ;)
(Credit-YouTube User:MontyCliftOnline)
The pace of the movie is a bit slow (as many older films tend to be) but it is usually well worth it. Especially a John Huston film because he is a great story teller.
If I wanted to include EVERYTHING I intended for this particular blog, it pretty much end up being the entire movie LoL. Instead, I will end with my one of my favorite scenes between Marilyn and Montgomery Clift. The two were known to be good friends during and after the filming of 'The Misfits'. Jane Russell (Marilyn's costar in Gentlemen prefer blondes) reveled a moment between the two at a Hollywood party; both were drinking and monty slide under the table onto the floor after having one too many drinks which prompted Marilyn to say;
"He's the only person who's in worse shape than I am."
(Credit-YouTube User:jimmieecrazee)
Hope this intrigued someone and if you have any comments or questions, Please leave a comment. ;) Thank you ever so!
The Misfits makes me sad. Marilyn was undergoing such personal turbulence at the time and she thought Arthur's script for her was cruel. He makes her say things from real life that don't really paint her in the most flattering light and she was so miserable making the movie, having to say these lines while her marriage fell apart. (Arthur was already starting to see one of the photographers on the film!) I cringe at certain lines, especially when Marilyn is made to say "I suddenly miss my mother" and poor Monty Clift has to talk about his banged-up face (for those who don't know, he was in a terrible accident that really did an number on his movie-star looks) Marilyn is always luminescent and delightful, and I'm so thrilled for her to have finally worked with her childhood idol Gable, but there's just too much darkness and sadness around this movie for me.
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