Book Description

Little known and long unavailable, this autobiography, written by actress and starlet Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), describes her early adolescence, her rise in the film industry from bit player to celebrity, and her marriage to Joe DiMaggio. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

a marilyn fan necessity
Whether you believe that Marilyn herself or friend Ben Hecht wrote this book, it is a must-own for any collector. With short, charming chapters that you can almost hear being whispered to you in Marilyn's little girl voice, the book truly captures her persona. How awful to get to the end, knowing her troubles are barely beginning!

"My Story" Based on Interviews with Marilyn
"My Story" has generated controversy since its publication in
1974. After perusing the above reviews, it appears to continue this legacy. Milton Greene, Marilyn's former vice president of Marilyn Monroe Productions, claimed to have the original manuscript allegedly typed by Marilyn. Greene published it in hardcover for the first time twelve years after Marilyn's death. However, the roots of this project stemmed from serialized newspaper articles for London's The Empire News in 1954. Supposedly, the writing was ghosted by Ben Hecht as told to him by Marilyn in interviews. It reads as if Marilyn was speaking and is obviously edited to resemble an autobiographical account. Of course, Marilyn was given the byline in the newspaper. Marilyn's account of childhood sexual abuse is harrowing. When Marilyn's estate was auctioned by Christie's in NYC in 1999, excerpts from this book were used to illustrate and authenticate her white baby grand piano, a gift from her mother in childhood.
Gary Vitacco-Robles, author of "Cursum Perficio: Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood Hacienda

Great
THis book shows both facts and feelings of marilyn. She wasnt a whore she was a normal girl who just wanted to be great. this book it awesome!

great!
this book was the most truthful of all books i have read about marilyn. it isn't about who everone thinks she is or perseives her to be, this is marilyn as she really is, the way she see's herself. anyone who thinks otherwise is probably just freaked out by how different marilyn is from her public persona. this book is wonderful!

Much massaged, tweaked "autobiography"
To clear up any confusion, this book is by no means an autobiography. It was written around 1953-4 and wasn't published until 1974. Many, many changes had been made since Ben Hecht wrote the draft to be published in the fifties, although it never was. There are many bizarre lines in the book, and Marilyn miraculously predicts she will wind up dead with a bottle of pills in her hand. While it is true she always believed she would die young (a la Jean Harlow) this is just a little too absurd. In fact, the whole book is absurd. It's not really worth reading at all. Of course, if you're like me and collect any book if it's Marilyn, it's an ok addition to your collection, just not one I would pull out very often. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

wonderful
having read all the main 'lives' of marilyn monroe this book is a blast of fresh air. not a biography but a timely study in what has been said and written about her over the years, how we have mythologised and fictionalised her life. a biography of the biographies if you like. the author looks at the many conflicting interpretations of marilyns life (and death) and in doing so has written easily the best book on mm to date. objective and intelligent, i can not recommend this highly enough. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Norman Mailer's meditation on the life of Marilyn Monroe
"Marilyn, a Biography" was Norman Mailer's first attempt at biography, but this is really much more than a meditation on the woman who was the major sex symbol of 20th Century American Popular Culture. Mailer's goal is to attempt to understand a beautiful, complex, and tragic woman, and he is particularly taken with the contradictions Monroe's life presents to us. He also presents her as a symbol of the bizarre decade of the 1950s in which she made her impact. What you have to keep in mind it that Mailer makes no distinction between fact and speculation as they are merged his mind. Mailer has the novelist's desire to connect the dots and complete the picture, and certainly the splash the publication of this book made, a quarter-century after the publication of "The Naked and the Dead," would appeal to the author's legendary ego.

However, in addition to being a biography this volume is also a pictorial retrospective of an actress whose greatest love affair may well have been with the camera. During the 1950s Marilyn Monroe was the most photographed person on the face of the planet. During that time Lawrence Schiller was a young photographer who would take the celebrate color photographs of a nude Monroe frolicking in and around a pool on the shot on the set of "Something's Got to Give," the film from which she was fired shortly before her death. Years later Schiller arranged a photographic exhibit from the stills of many major photographers who had worked with her, such as Richard Avedon and Bert Stern. The exhibit was called "Marilyn Monroe: The Legend and the Truth," and toured the United States and Japan. The photographs arranged arranged here as a photograph essay to offer a counterpoint to Mailer's text.

The resulting combination is certainly provocative, and, one can hope, insightful on several points. The problem is that we have no way of really knowing which points are the valid ones in this speculative biography. This is not a book to be read to know about the life of Marilyn Monroe, but rather an attempt to capture her essence and have it make sense. "Real" biographers and historians will dismiss "Marilyn" as mere sophistry; but the Sophists maintained that truth could not be known, if known it could not be understood, and if understood it could not be communicated. Ergo, all biographies and histories are sophistry, and Mailer's "Marilyn" just blatantly embraces the charge.

Excellent!
I loved this book. Norman Mailer wrote this book like poetry. I could not put it down.

I am so glad you found it for me even though it was out of print. I would have hated to miss reading this book.

Also, the book was used but was in perfect condition. Thanks for everything.

Everyone who loves Marilyn Monroe should read this book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

rare norma jeane
This book contains modeling and cheese cake photos by the famous hollywood joseph jasgur. The photos were taken just before norma jeane changed her name to marilyn monroe and signed her first movie contract. Many of the photos are black and whitebut tehre is also a few color photos. The photos were taken on 4 different occassions in the city and at zuma beach. Accompaning the photos is a biography by jeannie sakol, which also includes famous quotes by marilyn and rememberances of her by friends family coworkers and fellow celebrities. also interwoven in to the biography is a interview with Mr. Jasgur about his memories of meeting and working with norma jeane. a few of the photos were published before but never in this quality and together after being forgotten for over 15 years. NO MARILYN FAN SHOULD BE WITHOUT THIS BOOK. ... Read more

Book Description

With explosive new revelations concerning the "National Security Matter" that led to the cover-up of her murder, The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe is a page-turning account of one of the most shocking crimes of the century. Donald H. Wolfe meticulously chronicles her final days, names the killer, documents the mode of death, and identifies those who orchestrated the cover-up. The pieces of the puzzle regarding Monroe's mysterious death finally lock in place with the testimony of the remaining two key witnesses who have come forward for the first time.

Assistant District Attorney John Miner, present at the autopsy, reveals his secret interview with Dr. Ralph Greenson, Monroe's psychiatrist. He also explains why Marilyn Monroe was a homicide victim, and why he is calling for a new investigation and the exhumation of her body.

Newly discovered CIA and FBI files document the dark secret in Marilyn's relationship with the Kennedys, the truth behind her break-up with the President, the shocking facts about the star's last weekend at Cal-Neva, and the many bizarre events that took place at Marilyn's home the day she died.

... Read more

Reviews (53)

THIS BOOK IS SO AMAZING!
This book is miraculous and fascinating! It finally proves what common sense dictates to millions of Americans - that Marilyn Monroe WAS murdered by those b**tards. It finally proves, that without a doubt there was a cover up and the case re: her death needs to be re-investigated to prove that she was not as self-destructive as the publice have been led to believe. It proves most people with a decent instinct to be correct - that she did not commit suicide, and as of today, I will be writing to the Los Angeles district attorney requesting that there be an official trial. Those low-life Kennedys did kill her, and it exposes their immorality and could possibly explain what they delved in during their term. READ THIS BOOK, and I assure you - you will never be the same again. Boy did this book need to be published 30 years ago. Although I am Australian, I beg all American citizens of Southern California in particular to lobby, arouse as much interest as possible to ensure that justice can be done on one of the biggest fabricated cover-ups the US has ever witnessed. The truth has finally SURFACED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, the truth!
If you ever suspected foulplay to be involved in the death of Marilyn Monroe there will be no doubt left in your mind after reading this book. The circumstances surrounding her death are shocking, what is equally as astounding is the huge amount of evidence the author has provided to prove that Marilyn was infact, murdered. This book leaves you feeling very sorry for a naive lady who's young life whas tragically cut short by people who were more powerful than she was. A fantastic read.

No-nonsense investigative report on the death of Marilyn Mon
Donald Wolfe has done a splendid job of telling the nasty story of what happened to Marilyn Monroe, pulling no punches: "In the presence of Bobby Kennedy, she was injected with enough barbiturates to kill fifteen people." Wolfe presents a wealth of evidence that should be impossible to ignore or deny. One feels that Marilyn's memory deserves a fair and honest treatment after all these years, and Wolfe has worked hard to provide precisely that.

Evidence supporting evidence supporting more evidence...TRUE
This book should be the first one you read on Marilyn Monroe. Donald Wolfe tells you where he got all his information for every account. He wasn't afraid to tell the truth which is still being covered up to a certain degree. I use this book to compare to others written by people who were close to her. I got bored during all the talk of Communism in Hollywood but that is only because I was born in 1974 and am not too interested in old Hollywood. You must read this book. You will finally know the truth.

Thought-provoking
Mr. Wolfe's book is the best book on the death of Marilyn Monroe that I've ever read. Due to difficulties in determining what actually happened, we may never know the truth. However, Mr. Wolfe has presented a compelling explanation for Marilyn's death. Some of the unanswered questions raised by Mr. Wolfe's book could still be answered even today IF the powers that be in Los Angeles County would convene an inquest and take testimony under oath. ... Marilyn deserves better. ... Read more

Book Description

Relying on over 150 interviews as well as Marilyn's letters and diaries, this work by best-selling biographer Spoto casts new light on every aspect of the actress's tempestuous life. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Wonderfully Done by Donald Spoto
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was so hard to put it down once you got going. You really find out a lot about Marilyn's life that no one has ever talked or written about before. I've liked Marilyn since I was about 13 or 14 and now I'm 26. I've always been interested in her life and now I feel like I finally know what it was like. This book really covers everything, from birth to death. To really find out what happened to Marilyn, READ THIS BOOK!

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK OF MARILYN.....EVER!
I have been a serious Marilyn collector for Years.Donald Spoto's book is the closest thing to finding the "real" Marilyn.He tells it like it was.I have long been sick with all the bull that's been written about Marilyn. Here the ending makes sense.Donald Spoto researched unbelievable amount of material,including Marilyn's spychiatrist's private papers.This book is very accurate as i have many, many pictures collaborating this biography.Don't waste your time with the outrageous claims of socalled Marilyn friends. The worst of them being that Robert Slatzer! I have THOUSANDS of Marilyn Pictures and he is only in 2 of them.And they look like tourist photographs, taking at Niagara Falls in '52. In all my books,NOBODY close in her Life EVER mentioned this man.I think the guy is full of .... myself.Get this BOOK!

PS: I have a complaint about the review from "READER FROM USA" on January 8, 1999 - Get a grip! It is people like you that keep this rediculous stuff about murder going. Reading your review i realized u don't know what u are talking about."Donald Spoto just adds his own facts?", excuse me but did u see the amount of material this guy was into? AND THERE'S NEVER BEEN ONE IODA OF PROOF OF MURDER BY ANYBODY.

You will walk with Marilyn
This is the most in-depth look at Miss Monroe's life from birth to death. The times and dates that Mr. Spoto was able to resurrect will amaze you, I have never seen so much detail in a book. Once I started reading it I could not put it down much to my wife's dismay. You will actually get to know Norma Jean and Marilyn as well as anyone in her life, a great read!

a chasm of inductive leaps
Spoto spends a lot of time drawing conclusions backed up by flimsy evidence and armchair psychology. It all comes off as a little too Freudian.

Incredibly detailed
In this bio, Marilyn finally egts the treatment she deserves, no as the sex goddess but as a human being. Spoto uses hundreds of interviews and uses it in the bio. Often it was pretty touching and heartbreaking. Poor Marilyn, if only she ever had the chance to be happy. You can see how trained Spoto is in using his craft in writting for this biography, at times it is rally poetic making the buio almost sound fictional like a novel, and novels are great. All and all the bio paints a loominous and intimate portrait of one of Hollywoods most precious actresses. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This extraordinarily thoughtful book by Barbara Leaming, a literary star among movie-star biographers, offers the last thing you'd expect in a book on Marilyn Monroe: new information from verifiable sources. Sure, lots of the tragedy is familiar: an abused, confused girl from an orphanage with a mother in a madhouse rises from sexual party favor for homely showbiz men to the movie superstar who pushes them around, until she crashes, a victim of self-loathing and drug addiction.

The thing about a tragedy is that its heroine isn't a victim--she's responsible for her fate. Leaming does scholarly spadework, digging up hard facts from sources like UCLA's 20th Century Fox collection and the diary-like first drafts of Arthur Miller's semiautobiographical work, and she makes sense of Monroe's motives. She even apparently solves Monroe's suicide with clues from the star's psychiatrist's letters in the Anna Freud collection. Her last overdose may have happened just because her shrink went to dinner with his wife and she felt abandoned.

But until pills killed her, Monroe wasn't a candle in the wind. She burned with ambition and knew how to craft a persona and play power games--with moguls and with the commie-busters hounding her husband Miller. Leaming plausibly analyzes the Miller-Monroe-Elia Kazan love/hate triangle, sizes up the Kennedy connection, busts her acting coach Lee Strasberg as "chillingly mercenary," and deftly shows just how her life entangled her art, film by film.

This book has a woman's touch: it's a work of sharp intellect and emotional insight unclouded by lust or star worship. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Reviews (26)

No one respected Marilyn,
least of all Marilyn! Here was a sad and tragic woman who just wanted to be loved, but even when she was loved, she was unable to believe it or accept it. This book is so sad and heartbreaking. It left me wanting to comfort the little girl inside Marilyn Monroe. She longed for respect, but also did not believe she deserved it. Marilyn should have had therapy when she was a young girl. By the time she was in therapy, it was too little, to late.

This book is fascinating. I loved that Barbara Leaming gave us a lot of details, because it helped me to really get a feeling for Marilyn and her life. I also enjoyed reading about other people such as Arthur Miller, Joe DiMaggio, Elia Kazan and Lee & Paula Strasberg. (To name just a few!)This book gives you a very clear picture of Hollywood and all of its selfish, greedy and self-oriented people.

This book makes me feel that Marilyn did not get a fair shake in this world. It is also apparent, though that Marilyn made some big mistakes that hurt her badly. She was a lost girl and she needed help and guidance that she never really got. Most of the people she received 'help' from had their own agendas and so their 'help' focused more on them than it did Marilyn. There was a huge part of Marilyn that never grew up. She was fragile and was unable to stand the harshness of this world, and so, she self-destructed.

Excellent book - sad book - intriguing book - absolutely worth reading!

Marilyn's Death a Suicide? Hardly, but this author says so.
Although this book is interesting, it offers nothing new about Marilyn. While it is a very detailed account of her life, Barbara Leaming describes Marilyn's suspicious death in all of 3 pages. She takes the easy way out to end her book by just saying "everything pointed to the conclusion that Marilyn had killed herself." Everything? What about the facts that Bobby Kennedy was seen at her house the evening of her death, the police files on her death "vanished," her autopsy specimens were "discarded" before they were analyzed, and the fact that most of the people involved the night of her death have changed their stories numerous times? Monroe's time of death was estimated to be approximately 5 hours before the police were called! There wasn't even a glass in Marilyn's room with which to swallow the pills! Marilyn was obviously murdered, and the cover-up continues. Leaming does Monroe no justice by perpertuating the myth that she overdosed. This book will be disappointing to Marilyn's true fans, and it is yet another attempt by an "author" to make money retelling the same stories.

best book on monroe, finally some logic.
For the reader who claims that this book repeats the old stories about Monroe, the problem is that you seem to want this fantastic thorough writer to create/fabricate stories that never have happened, such as perhaps murder conspiracy theories, people want a soap-opera life for Monroe, whereas the truth is much more simple. She died by an overdose. Why can't people accept that? Perhaps suicide or even accidental suicide is not enough for some people's imaginations. But this book makes Monroe's life and death come as a reality and not another "let's make money on Monroe book" by making up stories. She was depressed, unhappy, and she died by her own hand. That's all.

I wish I hadn't listened...
This book definitely changed the way that I perceive Marilyn Monroe. My past exposure to her has just been in a few of her better-known films, such as _Gentlemen Prefer Blondes_ and _Some Like It Hot_. If you believe Marilyn was a smart, witty, loveable, strong role model type of woman that she portrays in these films, don't listen to the tapes. After listening, I have come to the conclusion that Marilyn is a drug addicted, self centered, psychotic, emotionally disturbed woman, whose only life skill seemed to be hiding her true self while in front of a camera.

What did I learn about Marilyn? She was chronically late for work, regularly too intoxicated to work, and frequently refused to work, even when conditions met her already signed contract.

Barbara Leaming presents Marilyn as a woman who is constantly the victim of circumstances around her. Marilyn's troubles are attributed to a bad childhood, or the pressures of a jealous husband. The stress of having to look good all the time is the cause of her going on a tremendous eating binge. The misery from all of her abandonment is what causes her to do drugs, and to strike out at the most important people in her life. A director's misinterpreted word of encouragement forces her to stay out of work for the week. Her mother's disapproval is why she must wear a dress that leaves her nipples exposed to a political dinner. All the while she agonizes over why the men at the studio don't take her seriously.

The tapes themselves were produced well, easy to listen to; the speaker had a pleasant tone throughout. The only drawback here was - with the story expanded over 12 tapes, I was certainly ready for it to be done, long before it was done.

If you do listen to the book on tape version, keep listening after the end of the story. There is a pretty decent excerpt from another book on tape about Judge Judy.

As much as I have to say that I hate the way this biography changed my view of Marilyn, I have to give it a good rating. Over all, 4 stars. That's 5 for the story being so strong as to change my opinion this thoroughly, but minus one for the constant victim theme, that I can't believe honestly reflects reality.

disappointing.
Don't buy this biography of Marilyn Monroe if you are at all curious about her thoughts and feelings, details of her personal life, or her mysterious death. However, if you want to read hundreds of pages all about Marilyn's battles with 20th Century Fox studios, her dissolved partnership with Milton Greene, and how she spent her money, then this is the book for you. Leaming's primary source was Marilyn's extensive file at Fox, which leads to an extremely disappointing and impersonal look at a dynamic icon. I recommend _Legend_ by Fred Lawrence Guiles instead, though non-conspiracy fans tend to prefer the Donald Spoto biography. Either is preferable to this one. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Possibly the most complete that it can get
There will never be "the definitive" Marilyn Monroe biography without the intimate contributions of husbands No. 2 and 3, Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller. Even if the fabled playwright shares publicly his life with filmdom's eternal goddess, DiMaggio never did and, obviously, never will. Still, this contribution by Anthony Summers, first published in 1984, may be as close as it gets. In his acknowledgements, Summers claims a near-obsession that consumed almost two years of his life. Little wonder: he claims and minutely credits and cites more than 600 subjects who were interviewed in the course of his research. About the only criticism that can be lodged is the book's title. Implying we're about to read nothing more than the sexual conquests of the world's most famous woman of her time, we instead get a thoroughly comprehensive life history that begins even before her birth June 1, 1926, and continues well beyond her death that swelteringly hot August night in 1962. In between, thanks to Summers' prose and sources whose claims were checked and rechecked for confirmation, we get something that few other writers have achieved, much less attempted: a psycho-biograhy that explains the reasons for the legendary insecurity that Norma Jean Baker could never quite overcome even as the world's most desired woman. Even in his passages about the amazing but all-too-short film career, Summers manages to keep us focused on Norma Jean and her reality behind the facade that was Marilyn. Of course, Summers has to deal with his subject's still conroversial death, and "The Candle Burns Down," the segment of the book that centers on Monroe's final days, is so detailed that Summers' own explanation for Marilyn's death sounds as plausible as any theory posited. No, he doesn't buy into the theory that she was murdered by the mob or Kennedy operatives, but that her death was an accidental overdose of Seconals. But Summers does submit that Monroe was cruelly exploited sexually and passed sexually from one Kennedy brother to the other, one the president and the other the attorney general, and that it was Robert Kennedy who found the overdosed star in her home and arranged for the ambulance to the hospital and, after her death en route, covered up his involvement with the help of brother-in-law Peter Lawford. Summers' exhaustively researched finished product distinguishes itself from most other Monroe books in that he doesn't exploit his subject's insecurity and private demons or sexual prowess. Instead, Monroe is treated here with dignity and respect and, in the end, we are left with the feeling that we have read Norma Jean's life history, not that of a creation named Marilyn. And it is on Norma Jean's fears that prevented her alter-ego from recognizing her own worth as both a person and actress that accounts for the legend that is Marilyn Monroe. Summers' book is an important contribution to the literature that seeks to explain and understand the fragile psyche of this truly and tragically wounded soul.

Great book
Great book : reliable, serious, honest. That brilliant journalist succeeds in giving us a correct image of the Marilyn's life.
However he shouldn't have shown a photograh of her dead : she has the right to be respected in death.
Arnaud Curgy, from France

For hardcore Marilyn fans
I read this book back in high school when it first came out in hardcover (I'm really dating myself here). Back then I was a Marilyn Monroe fanatic. Every book, movie, poster, magazine, or collectable I could find, I bought.

I must say that I'm still a huge Marilyn fan and have well over 50 books written about her. To this day, Goddess is still the best written, most profound, well meant, and indepth attempt of portraying her story. If you call yourself a Marilyn fan, then there is no question about it. You must read this book.

Witnesses, documents, and photos (including her heartbreaking autopsy photo) will add to the text and leave you breathless.

Interesting, well written and believable
Goddess is one of the best books ever written on Marilyn, and contains some of the most throughly researched information on her death.Summer's book stands as the definative biography about monroe (and there have been many).Summers, unlike many other authors that have attempted to write about monroe (particularly her death), backs up his information with documents and where ever possible the names of his sources.If u only ever read one book about the life and particularly the circumstances surrounding the death of Marilyn Monroe I would recommend Goddess.However for fans of the amazing, facinating and breathtakingly beautiful Monroe, Goddess is a must have, not just as a captivating and informative read but also as a reference, practically every book written on Marilyn Monroe after 1985 uses Goddess as a reference.

Perhaps the Best Marilyn Biography Ever...
Anthony Summers is a respected British investigative reporter, and he's not afraid to delve into controversial subjects. Among other things, he's written one of the best-researched - and most controversial - books on the JFK assassination ("Conspiracy"). In "Goddess" Summers offers us a thoroughly-researched, extremely well-written account of one of Hollywood's greatest - and most tragic - actresses. The first part of the book takes us through Marilyn's turbulent life and film career. She never knew her father, and her mother suffered from schizophrenia and eventually was sent to a mental hospital - and as a result Marilyn (real name: Norma Jean Baker) constantly feared that she would also suffer a mental breakdown someday. Her life was a series of foster parents, short-lived love affairs that usually ended badly, sexual promiscuity, three (and possibly four, as Summers discovers) marriages, and always the hope on Marilyn's part that she could find the "right man", get married, and settle down to raise a happy family. Of course, that never happened, and Summers writes sympathetically of her unhappy life - and of her brilliant acting career, in which she often drew upon her personal unhappiness for her best performances. The remainder of the book generated considerable controversy when it was published, and it's not hard to see why. Summers argues that Monroe didn't commit suicide but was murdered - a murder which was covered up and made to look like a suicide. He also argues that she was "clearly" involved with the Kennedy brothers in her last days, and that her murder may have been tied to her relationship to them. He even implies that Bobby Kennedy may have been present in her home at the time of her death - a charge which seems fantastic, but Summers has interviewed enough people to prove that there were some strange things going on the night that she died. However, even if you don't believe Summer's murder theories, the first part of the book does offer one of the best, and most sympathetic, biographies of Marilyn's brief but brilliant life ever written. If you could only read one biography of Marilyn, then "Goddess" should be it. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

marilyn at her beautiful best
In the plethora of books out there written about and containing pictures of Marilyn Monroe, I feel that this collaboration between friend and photographer George Barris and Marilyn herself is truly special, and is as essential to own as _Legend_ by Guiles or the photography books of Bert Stern or Andre de Dienes. In some of the last pictures of her taken before her death, Marilyn is natural and luminescent, appearing happy, calm, and at home in her body.

The text is also highly interesting, containing the words of Marilyn herself as told to Barris. Like her ghost-written _My Story_, this book contains the fragments of Marilyn's life she saw fit to share at that time, and therefore captures her public mindset during the summer before her death more than anything I've read. For example: "When I was a small child, my fondest memories were being around my mother and her friends. It made me feel like we were one big happy family." And even sadder: "As far as I'm concerned, the happiest time of my life is now. There's a future, and I can't wait to get to it. It should be interesting." Barris' conclusion is that Monroe did not commit suicide, and reading her statements contained in this book, it's easy to see why. A beautiful representation of a beautiful woman (inside and out).

Getting to Know Marilyn Monroe
I read "Marilyn HER LIFE IN HER OWN WORDS" by George Barris. This book really made me feel as if I knew her myself. The book talks a lot about the struggles that she faced and how in the end she came out on top. It didn't just focus on her as an actress, model and well-known sex icon but on her as a normal person. George discussed how she was when she was at home, how she treated people and what she wanted in and out of life.

The thing that I like the most about this book would have to be the way it was written. It was so well written and thought out that anyone could understand, relate, and get hooked on it. I felt as if I knew her and what she was going through, as if I had gone through the same challenges she had. I never thought that to be in showbiz you would have to work so hard to be successful. I always looked at it as an easy and fun job. In reality, it is just as hard, maybe even harder than any other job. Showbiz is actual hard work and not just fun.

What I disliked the most about this book would have to be the fact that they didn't talk that much about her career when she was successful. Although there is a list of movie credits and appearances at the end of the book, they really didn't get as much into detail about her career as I would of liked to know. The book did talk about her making it and then not making it over again. And then the last time she made it and stayed and that's when she began staring in the movies instead of 60 second clips that she was known for before. Not only that but the book also talked a lot about her marriages. I personally didn't care to know as much about her marriages as they told and then so little about her career.

An astounding book on an astounding subject
Born Norma Jeane Mortensen on 1 June 1926 c.e. and died 4 August 1962 under conditions still not well known, the woman called Marilyn Monroe was the most famous individual in the world at the time of her death. She still well may be.

Any attempt to describe her career during her life, and the subsequent notoriety and attention to her image after her death, quickly becomes like describing the latest oil tanker, a study of superlatives. What is clear is that she was stunningly beautiful, quite intelligent, and rather troubled. However, much of the population of the United States is "rather troubled" and the vast majority do not commit suicide. Neither, believes Barris, did she, and nor do I.

This isn't a book on Marilyn Monroe's tragic death: it's a photo-essay centering on the last months of Monroe's life, a time when she was certainly in a state of change, but one in which she optimistically looked to the future. I suspect that is really Barris' motivation in publishing this collection, to establish that the memory of this woman, who he obviously had a great affinity with and affection for, should not be stigmatized as a suicide.

Although her life was taken from her at far too early an age, an age at which her best years were clearly ahead and which invites speculation on what she would have done in the decades to come-indeed,she might still be working, as Lauren Bacall still is and Tony Randall did up until December 2003-I think MM should be thought of as a success rather than a tragic victim.

These pictures are magnificent,a study in photographing people in general and women particularly, and technically astounding. The color images, almost certainly shot on the Kodachrome of the vintage, and thirty-some years old when the book was prepared for litho, have a lovely vintage tonality. A great model, a great photographer, great cameras and films, and some beautiful scenery in Southern California all add up to photos that would be worthwhile even if Marilyn had never been famous and were still alive baking cookies in Ohio.

Shortly, it will have been 42 years since Marilyn Monroe lost her life in her small house on Fifth Helena Drive. Nevertheless,she is still the most famous of all movie stars, and she will be remembered and recognized on film probably as long as our species exists. This book evokes her triumph and her loss-and ours-as well as a book can, and few readers will not be reduced to tears at some point while studying it. Ultimately, though, we all must visit the place where she so early went to, and few of us will have had her impact on the world. Thank you, Marilyn, and George Barris too, for letting us see this beautiful creature as, for so short a time, she was.

Marilyn at her vibrant, beautiful best
George Barris, a very wonderful man and wonderful friend to Marilyn, had collaborated with Marilyn to make this book, which they had discussed for some time prior to her death. So here is Marilyn, at her very best, in one of the best settings for Marilyn to be photographed - the beach. Very early on in her career, many photos were taken of Marilyn at the very same beach by Andre deDienes, and they, too are fabulous photos. Something about Marilyn and the beach bring out the very best in her. She appears at ease, belonging to the ocean as her vibrance shines through. At this point in Marilyn's life, only a few weeks prior to her death, Marilyn appeared very fit, happy, healthy and ready to move on in her career. Sadly, that was not to be. But here with this book, we are shown the true Marilyn, young Norma Jeane still there, posing not only for Barris, but for us. This is a beautiful book with pictures that have quite affectionately been named "The Last Photo Shoot," as it was. And the very last picture of Marilyn, wrapped tightly in her Mexican sweater, blowing us a kiss goodbye is a wonderful reminder of her beauty and sensuality.

Fantastic book!
I think It's a great book with spectacular photos. Every MM fan have to buy it! Ciao ... Read more

Book Description

More than any other pinup girl or star of the silver screen, Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) has captivated the minds of an entire generation. With her come-hither stare and womanly figure, she continues to be one of Hollywood's sexiest women. While many photographers captured Monroe's obvious sexuality, Eve Arnold, the only woman to have photographed her extensively, captured some of the most tender images ever seen of the Hollywood starlet.

Following a 1952 photo shoot for Esquire magazine, Monroe and Arnold forged a wonderful friendship. Marilyn Monroe chronicles the six photography sessions that took place over the course of their 10-year bond, including a two-month-long session while Monroe was shooting The Misfits. With almost 100 photographs-this new edition includes 48 previously unseen photographs not published in the long-out-of-print first edition-combined with Arnold's revealing text, this poignant book gives great insight into the career and personality of one of the world's most beloved icons. Perfect for fans of Hollywood's golden era and anyone intrigued by Monroe's captivating image, this book shows a sensitive side to Marilyn Monroe that is rarely seen. ... Read more

Book Description

No star in any genre has affected the world as deeply or has lasted as long without fading as Marilyn Monroe. This thought-provoking and wide-ranging collection of essays examines the undiminished incandescence of Marilyn Monroe -- the impact she has had on our culture, the evolution of her legend since her death, and what she tells us now about our lives and times -- and includes previously unpublished work from some of America's best writers, such as: Joyce Carol Oates, Alice Elliot Dark, Albert Mobilo, Marge Piercy, Lore Segal, Lisa Shea, and many more.

From her troubled family beginnings to the infamous $13 million auction held at Christie's in New York City, All the Available Light paints an unforgettable portrait of Marilyn as you've never seen her before.

This extremely rare cover photo was taken c. 1954, on the set of The Seven Year Itch. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fascinating
As a feminist, I was surprised that the the most insightful essay in the book is by that pre-feminist/male-centered-femme-fatale Clare Booth Luce. Most of the scholarly feminist writers seem way off the mark -- especially Steinem, who is such a boring, plodding, obtuse writer (sorry, but it's true!!!). Monroe's co-star in "Some Like It Hot," Jack Lemmon, reportedly always whispered to himself before the cameras rolled: "Magic time!", and the most interesting essays admit that Monroe's magic cannot be pinned down, dissected, & explained. As another Monroe-era actor, Rex Harrison, said, "Whatever it is that makes a person charming must remain a mystery."
MM had mystery & magic -- that's why we find her eternally fascinating, and that's why the most riveting essays collected here (for example, Sir Laurence Olivier's) admit that her onscreen magic is surprsing, dazzling, & inexplicable..

My review of "The Marilyn Monroe Reader"
This book was given to me as a gift. As a fan of MM, I used to buy a lot of books on her, which were all pretty redundant. This was a great diversion. It is a collection of writings from other publications and some strictly for the book itself and also the author, Yona Zeldis McDonough's, insights and thoughts on MM.

It is interesting to read what other people think, and some of these writers are quite well known -- Joyce Carol Oates, Gloria Steinhem, Marge Piercy,. These essays show Marilyn in a positive and worst possible light. -- Every little available, hence the title, "All the Available Light". I think this book needs to be read with an extreme open mind by the fans.
As a woman who truly loves and is a fan of Monroe, I got the feeling that woman writers here are not fans. They stepped up on their soapbox and tore Marilyn into pieces because of her overt sexuality and the fact that she appeared to be the dumb blonde. They seemed almost intimidated and resorted to stupid remarks about her intelligence. No one truly knew Marilyn, she was and still is an enigma. We can only form opinions, which is what this little blurb of writing really is. Every opinion you can think of is here. There are some facts thrown in for good measure, and the author ends it with a "Chronology" From this, we find out that the author thinks MM was murdered.

Even though Marilyn didn't particularly like Sir Lawrence Olivier, I thought his chapter was one of the best ones. He was her leading man in "The Prince and the Showgirl". After speaking rather bluntly about his sometimes frustrating experience working with her, he realizes in retrospect that in the finished product, she was brilliant and quite beautiful.
Which is my own opinion as well. So, I'm biased, I'll admit that.

A lot of this book was very boring and read like text book material with the contributors making up their own words like Monroeivitiy and Monroean. Please...
I don't highly recommend this book, but it is an interesting peek into other people's minds and how Marilyn affected them in both their personal and professional lives.

great book to fall asleep with ..
only an analyse of Marilyn with passages of other books about Marilyn in it .. I read some 70 books about Marilyn in the past years and this is realy one I'd like to lay aside; nothing new and boring! Great coverphoto though ..

Ultra-Feminist Psychobabble
Although there are a few interesting pieces contained within, the majority is a collection of ultra-feminist psychobabble. Since I assume that these feminist writers were paid for their efforts, they too profited from the one they claim to be objectified and victimized by the male-dominated, Hollywood machine. How much better is that? With their theorizing and analyzing, they all seek to reveal the 'real' woman beneath the mask of Marilyn. Most probably they are all off-the-mark. For a better understanding of Marilyn, you would be much better off watching and enjoying her films, and reading her interviews. The painful truth is, we will never fully know the woman behind the curtain. She is gone and not able to defend herself against this onslaught of ridiculous speculation. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Sensitive & Enlightening
This is an excellent follow-up to the author's first paperback edition. I enjoyed this handsome, hardcover version and its wealth of new photos and illustrations. The artist's depictions looked like actual photos. This edition fleshed out more details of Marilyn's last weeks without dwelling on murder-theories.

Well-researched with new information, this book avoids re-hashing what has already been written. It is a page-turner and must-have for any Marilyn fan. Now I feel as though I really know Marilyn, and I've read nearly every biography written on her in the last fifteen years.

Using Marilyn's last days in the house as a context for a biography is a novel approach to understanding this icon. Vitacco-Robles wove together Marilyn's past as it related to the events during her last year. Marilyn's last year always fascinated me, and I was really interested in learning more about her months in the home in Brentwood. The book is the end-all for anyone who ever secretly wished to visit the home and see inside. It is now hidden by a huge gate to deter fans like me!

The last chapter focused on Frank Lloyd Wright designing a home for Marilyn & Arthur Miller. I was not aware of this. Marilyn wanted a large nursery for the children she never had and a study for the husbanc whom she later divorced. I was amazed that the home was eventually built in Hawaii as a golfing resort.

Vitacco-Robles is a therapist who works with abused children. He knows his subject well and is sensitive to Marilyn's emotional troubles created by her horrendous childhood. As a male biographer, I think Vitacco-Robles does Marilyn justice with his sensitive writing and fresh perspective.

Yes, it's the latest in a long line of biographies about this remarkable woman, but one of the best!

Clarification on this second edition version
I've been confused about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. Having spoken with the publisher, Iuniverse, I learned that the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. I understand that vendors would continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. I have both the first edition and second. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. The quality of photo and illustration reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. All around, it is a better product and a great, new look at a lasting legend!

A MUST- HAVE FOR ANY MARILYN ENTHUSIAST!!
When I first received my copy of Cursum Perficio: Marilyn's Brentwood Hacienda, I wasn't sure what to expect. Much to my surprise, I was enthralled and fascinated by the details of Marilyn's final months, so eloquently chronicled by Gary Vitacco-Robles. Void of any media hype and speculation about the cause of her death, Vitacco-Robles explores how Marilyn searched and found the perfect place to call home...a respite from the choatic life she led in the media spotlight.
You will journey with her as she went on shopping sprees for furnishings and ornaments in a quest to make the only home she ever owned a reflection of herself.
The book contains a vast collection of actual photographs, as well as impressive photo-recreations of the home's interior as it looked in 1962 and now.
I applaud Vitacco-Robles for a superb testamant to the woman so many longed to know. This book reveals a whole other side of Marilyn that has never been revealed.
A MUST HAVE for any Marilyn enthusiast!

Clarification on this second edition version
There has been some confusion about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. According to the publisher, Iuniverse, the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. The publisher says that vendors will continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. Having seen this book, the quality of photo reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. It also includes professional, "photorealistic-style" illustrations by artist Brandon Heidrick depicting the interior and exterior of Marilyn's home and furnishings. The images serve as a "virtual tour" of Marilyn's last home similar to the author's website.

A must for Norma Jeane lovers
I bought this book, and I really like and enjoyed it. The author is also such a nice man, he offered to sign my copy for me if I sent it to him.

The production quality of the photos in the previous paperback edition were not great (not Gary's fault, he's as upset as anyone) but I managed to download great color ones from the net so that's a non-issue. The new edition has fixed all that and added more. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Marilyn.

If you love Marilyn, you have to have this book. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Revealing book!
I really enjoyed reading this Book,Marilyn as seen from another's perspective, in this case a young Susan Strasberg.
It wasn't hard to understand how Susan could feel at once so jelous and insecure around marilyn, yet seek her approval and friendship. Ignored by her own parents in favor of her surrogate sister Marilyn, Susan recounts all her conflicting emotions during that time in her Life.
I found her recollection of her affair with Richard Burton equally interesting, as well as a closer Look at Paula Strasberg and her relationship with marilyn.
This is a good read for any Marilyn fan...a different Look at the Legend.

Better than most MM biographies
Why do I like this better than most MM biographies? Strasberg actually knew MM. So many authors, like Norman Mailer among many others, didn't even know her and that makes their biographies debatable in terms of accuracy. Sometimes Strasberg does go into too much depth about her complex feelings about MM, but there are antedotes that have never been published before. Now that Stasberg is sadly deceased, this book becomes even more valuable because this is her last words on MM. However, I do think "Conversations with Marilyn" by Weatherby is a much more revealing book; Weatherby also knew MM. (See my review of that book if this interests you.)

A Look at Marilyn and Me
This book contains many of the essential keys to understanding Marilyn Monroe. Although told through the eyes of another actress, it focuses more on Marilyn rather than Susan Strasberg. The best part of the book, to me, was how they first met. It also shows that Marilyn Monroe was in a way a normal woman with many insecurities and sometimes just as scared as all of us sometimes are. It was good that someone so close to her could write a book looking back at not only her as being a legend, but someone we could relate to. I have read many books on Marilyn Monroe, but I don't think any of the books I read so far actually helped me to understand her point of view as this book did. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Norma....do go on!
This is by far my favorite Marilyn book ever! There are so many photos, that you don't have to face that anxiety of looking at the last one! This is a several sitting book, even if you are just using it as a coffee table book..

Original Marilyn Angle - Worth Every Dollar.
If you can get this book, get it. Mr. Haspiel was a teenager when he met Marilyn and he stuck with her. His information is first hand, as opposed to authors who cash in on researched material. James Haspiel is the source writers went to for their magazine articles and such, and his book is wonderful. He even has pictures of Marilyn, proudly displayed, without make-up on.

MARILYN: THE ULTIMATE LOOK AT THE LEGEND
I found this book to be a very special one on Marilyn Monroe and her "platonic" relationship with a special fan/friend. This book spans an eight year relationship with the author. You get a "back-seat" view of how Monroe's personality was, whether it was happy, gloomy, or sad during their "friendship" period. I truly enjoyed reading this book. It should be considered a "must read" and "must have" copy for for all Monroe's fans' and buffs' libraries alike. As the previous reader stated, this book was written from a perspective of someone being very close to Miss Monroe; somewhat placing this as a "unique" and interesting bit of MM reading. Lastly, the author gives the reader a "touching" bit of his own soul, when he describes his very last meeting with Miss Monroe before leaving for California.

A candid account of the authors close frienship with MM
This book is a revealing account of Mr. Haspiels friendship/relationship with Marilyn Monroe ("Mazzie" as he affectionately calls her) during the last 8 years of her life. Not just another historical perspective of Miss Monroe's life, the book is written from the viewpoint of someone who was obviously quite close to Miss Monroe as the many photo's and documents substantiate. The candid revelations and thoughts concerning the author's and Miss Monroe's friendship is what makes this book unique. A highly recommended book especially for those interested in a more personal account of the life of Marilyn Monroe. ... Read more

Book Description

"The definitive biography." DSLos Angeles Times ... Read more

Reviews (3)

blonde, beautiful, and doomed...
I seem to have read the Marilyn Monroe biograhpies backward, because so many of the ones I've already read (including Norman Mailer's, Gloria Steinem's, and Barbara Leaming's) used Guiles' _Legend_ (or his first Marilyn book, _Norma Jean_) as a reference and guide. This book is truly incredible for its in-depth look into a confusing, tragic life; especially since Marilyn often embellished her past.

I especially enjoyed Guiles' treatment of her decline. He never judged; he was sympathetic and kind about her lateness, dependence on drugs, and occasional fits of bitchiness. Unlike other biographers, Guiles didn't place all that much emphasis on her barbituate addiction, which I felt was kind of refreshing. Her death was handled eloquently, steering the reader toward a suicide verdict, carefully negating other reports.

I have only a couple of minor complaints; I think if I could I would give the book 4 1/2 stars. Twice near the beginning of his biography, Guiles points out that Marilyn was "not naturally pretty." He said it about Norma Jeane when she was starting to model, and again about Marilyn after some of her plastic surgery. How could he say that? It just seems like an odd statement to make about the greatest sex symbol of all time, especially because of her vulnerable, luminous quality. Also, regarding her marriage to Jim Dougherty, it seemed that Guiles took every word Jim said as gospel, when he would have as much reason as Marilyn to embellish that situation to his benefit (and no more proof than she had, and of course when Jim wrote his book, she was already dead).

On the whole, this is the best book on Marilyn Monroe, comparable only with Donald Spoto's biography. I recommend it to all readers, not simply people who are already Marilyn fans.

Powerful and Moving
Mr. Guiles again gives an in-depth and touching, personal, human side in his biography of Marilyn Monroe. I highly recommend this book, and all his Hollywood biographies to anyone who wants to learn about the story behind the famous and beautiful faces on the silver screen.

Speaking as fellow Platinum Blonde this book was....
Awesome! I loved every page, I read with a desire! This book had so much information on Marilyn Monroe it was scary. It gives the 411 on all her stories and how she came to be-and die- one of the most glamourus women in Amercan Culture ever! The devine Ms. M's fairy tale started out by chance, and gives light on how Marilyn really was and how she came to be. I would recomend this book to everyone! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

How long will these questions go on?
On the eve of another Marilyn movie, "Blonde", I pulled this book out of my library and re-read it.The photos are amazing, and included in the book are official documentation copies that spur furthur contemplation about her death.

Will the questions and the responsiblitiy of her death ever be publicly accountable?I doubt it.

For those still fascinated by this lady, you will enjoy this book and find the facts well researched. Look at THESE pictures and tell me she is not one of the most fascinating, captivating, intriguing women of the world. She died in her prime, and she left the most beautiful part of her in everyone's memory.

That is SO "Marilyn", and someone took full advantage of that and of her.

Excellent Content - The Story Fits Together Perfectly
This book is fantastic!Not only does it outline Miss Monroe's life in great detail, it also explains her death.Which, until this point, hasseemed unexplainable.In order to truly understand her life and thereasons behind her sometimes obscure behavior, a complete, yet disturbingchronology was outlined by the authors.The book names her murderers andsurprisingly, some of them were her trusted "friends" who -acting under strict orders - completely double-crossed her.The shamelesscover-ups by a disgraceful group of people quickly followed her death andapparantlystill continues today.A truly sad look into an Americantragedy, this book should be written into a script and shown to the entireworld!

A stunning revelation for all Marilyn's fans!
I was truly amazed to read this book about the new revelations surounding Marilyn Monroe's death. First, the authors are able to examine all the evidences one by one, they ruly put you in that investigation! Since many false arguments about that subject have been said;one question remaining and this is what that book answered: WHO KILL MARILYN MONROE AND HOW? So, that's all I can say; just read that book yourself and you will find out the truth. Also, the book take a look at how Marilyn manage herself great about her last weeks, her futur ambitious plans, the way she want her carreer to go...In one word, it show Marilyn like she was; vulnerable, poignant, happy; on her own to find a new way to explore in her life. Unfortunately, she just don't have the time to do it. P.S. Sorry for my english mistakes...I'll hope you enjoy this book as much as me. Have a great reading! ... Read more

Book Description

Published to coincide with the celebration of Marilyn Monroe’s 75th birthday in 2001, Blonde Heat combines new research, exclusive interviews, rare movie stills, and dozens of behind-the-screen photos to present a revealing look at the enduring star who exemplifies Hollywood sex appeal and glamour.

This mesmerizing biography exposes the untold details behind Marilyn’s screen tests; her television broadcasts; the scenes cut from her films; and the story behind her last, unfinished movie. Readers will uncover never-before-revealed information about Marilyn’s 30 motion pictures, her 1946 Fox screen test and opportunities as an extra, her television ads, and even her part in the televised birthday party for President Kennedy.

Blonde Heat features over 40 firsthand recollections with the friends and colleagues who knew Marilyn best—including such notable screen legends as Ginger Rogers, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and director Billy Wilder—as well as her own costumer, drama coach, make-up artist, and stand-in. Featured as well are exclusive interviews with those who have never before spoken publicly about Marilyn Monroe until now, such as actress Jean Peters, former wife of Howard Hughes.The result is the definitive, no-holds-barred look at the professional life of this legendary but troubled star.

Features exclusive interviews with such stars as:
Billy Wilder
Eli Wallach
Ginger Rogers
Jack Lemmon
Jean Peters
Tony Curtis ... Read more

Reviews (7)

This is a wonderful book
Elsewhere on Amazon I have reviewed another book by Richard Buskin. To be honest, it was probably one of those books that a starving author has to take on from time to time. Miraculously, and probably to his publisher's absolute delight, he also happened to make a great job out of it, writing with real commitment. Then I discovered (through Amazon) that Richard Buskin had written a book on Marilyn Monroe. I'm interested in Hollywood as an entity as well following as the movies (I like reading about the way that the studios operated in earlier decades) and as I was interested in seeing what else Buskin had done I decided to buy. Well, this one is in a different league to the previous book. This, clearly, is a subject the author has really wanted to write about. It simply comes across. Not that Buskin is without a judicious critical eye - he seems like a fan but he has not lost his critical faculty. When something was good he says it, and vice versa. The result is what simply has to be the definitive book on Monroe's film career. To my mind, Monroe fans should get this book even if they don't buy all the others. She was many things to many people, but she was a film actress first and she made some great movies. Also, it's witty, well researched, incisive, profusely illustrated with some great Monroe pics, and it draws upon many interviews done exclusively by the author, including Jack Lemmon, Ginger Rogers, Tony Curtis and Billy Wilder. Terrific.

Needs more
While the book is a wonderful insight into Monroes movies, it doesn't follow through. He should have taken one step further. He should have given a daily log of her filming as to when and what certain scenes were filmed, something like the new book on Judy Garland. Also, many scenes were deleted in NIAGARA; BUS STOP and several others, he doesen't go into detail about exactly what scenes were cut, where they should have been placed and WHY they were cut. He cites just a few of these, but there were many, many more. For instance, I have read that over 20 minutes were cut from THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS. Where there any of her scenes? If so, what were they. Even if she wasnt't in the scenes it would have been interesting to know what they were. There were big gaps in NIAGARA and I had read that her best scenes were cut. FINE..WHAT WERE THEY?? Mr. Ruskin should have investigated and reported them. Until a complete book is written about the exact making of her films (only her major ones), I won't be satisfied. Perhaps Mr. Ruskin can write a supplemntary to BLONDE HEAT and include all the missing links.

Excellent book
Excellent book , reminds my of The encyclopedia of Marilyn Monroe. It is basically a biography about all her films!! It lists each one and gives you excellent in depth ifo about each one. I would definatly recommend this book if your a fan you shouldnt be without it in your book collection...

Learning about Marilyn the Actress
"Blonde Heat" is enjoyable as a thorough appreciation of Marilyn Monroe's film career, an overview of the waning days of the Old Hollywood from the vantage point of Twentieth Century-Fox and a fun look at pop culture, 40s- and 50s-style.
Of course, what's most important is the book's star, Marilyn, and Richard Buskin's research and interviews reveal the part of her legacy that's rarely, if ever, discussed-- her acting. The reader learns the origins of her unusual mannerisms and how and why her acting skills evolved. The book also traces her increasing assertiveness over the direction of her ultimately too-short film career.
You don't have to have seen many of Marilyn's films to find this book entertaining. In fact, "Blonde Heat"