Marilyn Monroe: What was she really like??
Growing up in the 50's, I often wondered what Marilyn Monroe was really like. Was she all lacquer and perfection, moist wet lips puckering for a kiss…or would she stop and talk to me, just a kid? I opted out for the latter, and I'm sure I was right.
When I opened my restaurant, "Marilyn's" in 1989, in Capetown, South Africa I attracted people from all walks of life and visitors from all over the world. All of them were intrigued by what Marilyn Monroe projected, and many would spend hours gazing at the many images that adorned my walls, and scouring my glass case, looking at all the books, trinkets and mementos, as well as asking to see my autographed picture. Many had stories to tell me.
Years earlier, in 1980, when I was living in Manhattan, New York, the book "Marilyn, Confidential" had just been released by Marilyn's New York maid and confidante, Lena Pepitone.
One day, while I was visiting the various shops on 2nd Avenue, I came across "Lena's"…and in the window stood a copy of the book. Could this be?? I excitedly entered the shop and there stood Lena! Breathlessly I introduced myself, having just read her book, and recognizing her from the jacket cover….I asked, "what was she REALLY like"…and Lena looked up at me and said... sexy!! I said, 'yes, I guess she'd have to have been'.
Many visitors to my restaurants told me stories. One night, an American man called me over to his table….he said that when he was still a baby, in 1958, his mother was one of the Producers of "Some Like it Hot". When she was called away to an urgent production meeting, she said she had no one to watch her son. Being within earshot, Marilyn piped up, and said, "I'll watch him". Wow, Marilyn as your babysitter, doesn't get any better.
Another customer, from Reno, Nevada, (where Marilyn's last film "The Misfits" was filmed in 1960), was present when Marilyn was to film a scene of her character, Roslyn, walking up the courthouse steps to get a divorce from her on-screen husband, Raymond.
The stairs had been closed off with tape, marked "filming in progress". Marilyn sat shielded in a black limousine. When the Director, John Huston called "action", Marilyn emerged and proceeded up the stairs. The Reno, Nevada man broke through the tape, (as he told it to me - it was a one-shot chance)…interrupted her, and said, "Miss Monroe, I'm your greatest fan and just wanted to wish you luck". She quietly took his hand, and said, "I'm feeling a little nervous today, you just stand here and watch" and proceeded to film the scene. No fits, no dramas, just a genuine person obviously touched by a fan's honest communication.
So, what was she really like, pretty terrific I'd say.