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Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits approx. 48 minutes of unseen 8mm footage sold with copyright. (UA, 1961) Original unpublished approx. 48 minutes of color 8mm documentary film footage captured throughout the entire location shoot for Marilyn Monroe's final [completed] film, The Misfits. Shot by uncredited extra Stanley Killar (with help from an assistant, as Killar appears occasionally on camera interacting with the cast and crew). Killar and his camera were clearly accepted with full access, judging from the intimacy of the hand-held camera with Marilyn, Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift, John Huston, and others. Filming begins in Reno on the casino strip filled with flashing neon signs, and around the "Mapes Hotel and Casino" which was official headquarters for the production while on location. Includes Marilyn first in the legendary cherry dress, truly radiant, then throughout the footage in a few different outfits preparing for and rehearsing scenes like the courthouse (consulting with her coach Paula Strasberg), the rodeo and the tavern; Gable riding horses, practicing roping with a lasso, getting in and out of his beautiful personal Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, rehearsing the drunken tavern scene with Marilyn, and much more, and nearly always with cigarette in holder; real stunt cowboys rehearsing the bull-riding and bulldogging scenes (at obvious great peril) as doubles for Montgomery Clift, who we then see practicing falls as inserts into the filmed stunt action (his nose injury seen in the film was genuine from earlier rodeo rehearsing); and numerous shots of director John Huston and his camera crew at work, and near the end, at play in the Virginia City, Nevada camel races. Also includes occasional shots of Eli Wallach, Thelma Ritter, producer Frank Taylor, Arthur Miller, and other cast and crew. The Misfits is widely considered Marilyn's finest dramatic acting role, as well as being one of the best for both Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift. Reasonably professional (at least to a certain degree) in nature and shot from start to finish as a sequential "film in production" documentation, with apparent working title On Sets: The Misfits. To the best of our knowledge, this footage has not been previously published or broadcast (apart from its acquisition at auction from Killar's heirs in 2008), and is offered here with full rights and assignment of copyright to its entire content. The original 8mm film stock has been properly transferred to (2) 7 in. reels in the process of recording its entire contents onto (2) different types of DVDs, while the original metal reels and cardboard Bell & Howell boxes are retained for posterity. Film stock itself is not inspected off the reels for condition, but no problems are apparent from viewing the DVD transfer. An extraordinary and absolutely unique previously missing puzzle piece in the brief, convoluted history of Marilyn Monroe on and off screen. In vintage fine condition.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Auction Info

Auction Dates
September, 2015
29th Tuesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 269
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Sold on Sep 29, 2015 for: Not Sold
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