2 Vintage Magazine Articles Added

Thanks to Angelina and Anastasia for sending in a couple of Marilyn articles from some Vintage magazine they had.  I really appreciate people helping out with this section of my website by transcribing the articles including photo captions (into word or typed into an email) and also emailing a scan of the article to melinda@marilynmonroe.ca.  This way I can also include the photos and front of the magazine.  I prefer transcribed articles because they are easier for everyone to read and people can adjust the font.

You can visit the updated articles here.

Virtual Marilyn Selling Dior

So it looks like Marilyn has given up her Chanel No. 5, at least according to Christian Dior.  Thanks to the wonders of CGI Marilyn makes an appearance in the new Dior commerical for J'adore perfume.  Charlize Theron stars as a model late for her runway appearance.  She is seen backstage walking past the likes of Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly and finally Marilyn.  There is something just a little off about the virtual Marilyn in my opinion.  I know the company who now owns the rights to Marilyn's image (Authentic Brand Group) had already announced they had plans to bring Marilyn to life through CGI.  I imagine this was what they were referring to.  The positive thing is that the ad is high-end and certainly nothing out of character for Marilyn - I mean she did like perfume after all.  Let's hope they keep future Marilyn projects classy and respectful too.

Holly Madison modeling Marilyn's necklace and jacket

UPDATED:  Thank you to a couple of fans who pointed out that Holly looks to be modeling Marilyn's jacket from Prince and the Showgirl and her Ceil Chapman dress in this photo.  I updated the photo that was originally posted on this blog with one that shows more of the jacket and dress.  The question was raised is she actually wearing Marilyn's necklace too?  I thought it was a good possibility since the necklace does look like it is missing some stones.   So I looked back at the Juliens auction where the necklace was sold in 2009.  Sure enough the jacket and dress was also for sale in that auction and the auction was held at Planet Hollywood in Vegas.  So obviously this photo shows Holly (who's Vegas show is at Planet Hollywood) modeling the items that were being sold at auction!  Lucky girl!!

ORIGINAL POST:
I was looking through Holly's new book The Showgirl Next Door: Holly Madison's Las Vegas when I noticed a photo I thought I'd share.

I couldn't help but notice the beautiful necklace she is wearing.  Since Holly is such a big fan of Marilyn I am sure it is no coincidence that it looks exactly like the famous necklace Marilyn wore in the Sam Shaw photos.

I am actually a fan of Holly.  I think she is gorgeous and seems like a genuine person.  Of course, being a Marilyn fan doesn't hurt her either :)  I had the chance to see her Vegas show "Peepshow".  Highly recommended if you are looking for some adult entertainment.

Here are some more photos of Holly where she was inspired by Marilyn.

New Kim Goodwin Doll

I have added a new doll to the Kim Goodwin gallery on my site.  Thank you so much to Kim for sending along this amazing addition.  I never get tired of looking at his work and it is wonderful to see a new creation!  They are still the best custom Marilyn dolls ever made.

It is from the film Some Like it Hot when Sugar is performing the song, "I'm Through with Love".

In addition to this brand new doll, Kim also re-did a previous Sugar doll that was on the site.  So she has been updated as well with the new version.

2 Marilyn Tattoos Added and 1 Removed

Thanks to Heather and Robyne for sharing their Marilyn tattoos!

I also removed Megan Fox's tattoo from the celebrity section because she is in the process of having it removed from her arm. While it was never a great tattoo of Marilyn to begin with I was happy to display it because Megan seemed to be a genuine fan. She spoke of Marilyn with love and respect when she got the tattoo in 2007. Now all of a sudden she comes out with the following comment as to why she is having the tattoo removed...."Marilyn Monroe is a negative character, as she suffered from personality disorders and was bipolar. I do not want to attract this kind of negative energy in my life." Huh? Seriously? How do you suddenly change your opinion like this? If she had said she was just not happy with how the tattoo looked I could live with that but to say that Marilyn was negative - I can't forgive that from someone who claimed to be such a big fan of hers.

Marilyn Memorial Week 2012

Even though it is almost a year away, plans are underway for the Marilyn Memorial Week in August 2012.  Fans from all over the world will be gathering to celebrate Marilyn's life on the 50th anniversary of her death.

It is a great chance to meet other Marilyn fans and participate in some once in a lifetime events.  This is bound to be the largest gathering yet because of the special anniversary.  There is so much to do it lasts a whole week!

The Immortal Marilyn fan club is organizing some wonderful events that you won't want to miss including a pool party and Marilyn homes and haunts tour.  I am looking to organize a day trip to the Del Coronado where Some Like it Hot was filmed.  In addition, Sunny Thompson will be bringing her one-woman show Marilyn Forever Blonde to join the events.  The week culminates with the annual Marilyn memorial service  which takes place in the chapel where her original funeral was held.

If you have ever thought about traveling to LA - next year is the time to come.  Reservations for hotel rooms are already underway.  If you are interested in sharing a room with other fans to save costs I would suggest you join the Immortal Marilyn facebook page.  It is a great place to meet others who are coming and make arrangements.

I have created a new page on my website with all of the details you need to know.  http://www.marilynmonroe.ca/camera/memorial2012/

My Week With Marilyn

So it is almost time for the release of the first big budget hollywood movie based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.  I don't recall another Marilyn bio-pic being available on the big screen like this one will be.  Most are the made-for-TV variety like Norma Jean and Marilyn, The Untold Story and Blonde.  Here we have a high profile cast with a film that is being premiered at the New York International Film Festival.  Pretty impressive indeed.

I'm sure Marilyn fans will flock to the theaters to see Michelle Williams portrayal.  I will certainly be one of them.  I really don't have an opinion on Michelle's abilities to pull it off.  I am not familiar with her work and haven't seen any of her films.  So I will be going to see her with an open mind.  I don't think an actress needs to resemble Marilyn in order to do her justice.  The best film portrayal I have seen (not including the amazing Sunny Thompson in her live show, Marilyn Forever Blonde) was Catharine Hicks in The Untold Story.  She didn't look anything like Marilyn except for the blonde hair.  However, she was able to bring a vulnerability to the role that Marilyn had. (For details on other bio-pics that have been made visit my site at http://www.marilynmonroe.ca/dvds/)

Of course even if Michelle delivers an outstanding performance that doesn't mean that fans will enjoy the film.  The bigger problem is the material that the film is based on.  My week with Marilyn is based on a book by Colin Clark who served as an assistant during the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl.  Obviously, the film will focus on Marilyn's difficult working relationship with Laurence Oliver during this time period.  I pray that they don't make Oliver the hero and Marilyn the villain in this version.  They both had their faults and I hope this is represented fairly.  Also in Clark's book, he hints at a relationship with Marilyn where they shared a bed.  Hopefully, they will leave out these questionable sordid details in the film.  

Here is a photo that has been released to promote the film.

Michelle Williams as Marilyn.

The real deal.

The official website for the film has also been unveiled at http://myweekwithmarilynmovie.com/

A re-release of Colin Clark's books will also be available soon through amazon.  Pre-order your copy now at the link below.