Discuss this photograph. It’s from the movie “The Misfits.” 1960.
This well-known photograph is by Elliott Erwitt. He was working for the famed photo agency Magnum when he obtained this image on the Reno set of The Misfits. Director John Huston invited 12 professional photojournalists to document what went on during filming in the Reno desert.
WE HAVE A WINNER: RRS sent us this explanation:
“The photo was taken in 1960 during the filming of “The Misfits” in Reno, NV. Shown are Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Arthur Miller (screenwriter), Eli Wallach, John Huston (director), Montgomery Clift, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Frank Taylor (producer).
“The screenplay was written by Miller who was married to Monroe at the time. He was her third husband and their marriage lasted from June 29, 1956 until January, 1961 when she traveled to Mexico for a divorce. It was the last movie made by both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe and it is considered Monroe’s finest performance.
“The movie was released in 1961. Clark Gable died of heart disease on November 16, 1960, aged 59. Sadly, Marilyn died on August 05, 1962, aged 36.”
Editor’s note: The MAGNUM photographers spent weeks photographing the filming as well as the activities of the actors and director when they weren’t filming.
They wanted a group shot, but it was difficult getting these stars to arrive together for a photo. Erwitt created this set with ladders and other props, and that seduced the group to pose for this photo. Erwitt thought that they all were doing their own shtick, so he wasn’t thrilled with this image, but it was to be used as a publicity shot. I think it’s terrific.
Marilyn purposely posed in that provocative way to thumb her nose at those who weren’t consistently thinking of her as a serious actress.
John Huston was a compulsive gambler, so he loved Reno. Marilyn was a prima donna who would often keep the crew of 200 waiting. She was moody, and her marriage was deteriorating during the shoot.
Monty Clift was one of the cowboys, and he was learning to train wild horses when an accident happened and he was injured, but not badly.
Clark Gable showed up in a gull wing Mercedes sports car. He was a huge star, but he was a professional on the set. As noted he died shortly after filming was over.
Arthur Miller worked on script changes during the entire shoot, and he was always trying to promote the idea that Marilyn could be a great serious actress. Marilyn liked to dance, and there is a terrific photo of her dancing with Arthur. I will try to post that.
Our winner will receive a Jack Bredin signed print. There is a soundtrack from The Misfits, but I did not like it much.
“PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND” is from William Goldstein’s movie soundtrack for a movie about Marilyn Monroe, but it is not from the Misfits.
The photo was taken in 1960 during the filming of “The Misfits” in Reno, NV. Shown are Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Arthur Miller (screenwriter), Eli Wallach, John Huston (director), Montgomery Clift, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Frank Taylor (producer). The screenplay was written by Miller who was married to Monroe at the time. He was her third husband and their marriage lasted from June 29, 1956 until January, 1961 when she travelled to Mexico for a divorce. It was the last movie made by both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe and it is considered Monroe’s finest performance. The movie was released in 1961. Clark Gable died of heart disease on November 16, 1960, aged 59. Sadly, Marilyn died on August 05, 1962, aged 36.
The Misfits was the movie in my opinion which showed the American public what a truly brilliant actress Monroe was. Few people failed to understand what a dedicated actress she really was.