Saturday, September 5, 2015

"Niagra" (1953)


I'm going to Niagra Falls in a few weeks, so I was intrigued to see this movie made sixty years ago. Watching it surprised and impressed me. I've never seen a movie starring Marilyn Monroe that I liked; this was the first.

The film itself is entertaining and suspenseful. Two couples meet in Niagra Falls. Someone dies. Lives hang by a thread. The roiling turmoil of the Falls is a metaphor for the visitors' plight.

Marilyn's acting in this is good! I was stunned; I've never seen her perform this well. Plus, she wears some of the most beautiful outfits I've seen in a movie. Gorgeous clothes. And her makeup is done to perfection. My only quibble is when she's shown coming out of a shower wearing bright red lipstick. Who wears lipstick in the shower?!

The movie also stars Joseph Cotton and Jean Peters. After a short career in Hollywood, Jean Peters became a recluse when she married Howard Hughes. They lived in wealthy obscurity for over a decade. She never spoke of her time with him after he died.

If you want to see Marilyn Monroe act well, or just admire her beauty and clothes, check out "Niagra."


11 comments:

  1. I've always been a Marilyn fan and Niagara is one of my favorite of her movies - it's the opposite of her stereotypical roles. Someday I'd love to walk across a street like she does. It's been a while since I've seen it...I should fix that.

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  2. This is such a fabulous movie, and yes I think Marilyn's acting chops were often overshadowed by her public persona.

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  3. This is one of my favorite old movies and Marilyn was so stunning. I was afraid of Joseph Cotton for a long time after this. xo

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  4. She was so beautiful, never watched any of her movies though. I hope you enjoy your time!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

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  5. Great recommendation ! I do think have ever watched a movie in which she starred,, at least in its entirety.. I think this will be great fun, for her beauty, her charisma , and the clothes. I think I can even get hubby to watch with me.
    Happy weekend.
    xx, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com

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    1. There's plenty of excitement for men to watch in the movie.

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  6. I haven't seen Niagara, but for the most part, I enjoy Marilyn's movies, so I'll have to check this out!

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  7. I have never heard of this film but want to see now if it is on Netflix. I love me some good vintage fashion porn.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  8. This is by far one of my favourite MM films as well - and not just because it was set (and shot) in Canada. :)

    ♥ Jessica

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  9. A much underrated film and Marilyn was so good in this one.

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  10. I've never seen any of her films, just clips. I might look for this in Netflix.

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