We Remember Marilyn (1996)

Absolutely unbelievable!

This DVD is so good that I'm almost beyond words. I've read every book about her and never thougtht that I'd see the film footage that's contained here. I can't help but wonder where they got it all and how they got it all. I'm just glad they did! This is a REAL treasure. My thanks to previous reviewers whose comments motivated me to buy this. October 3, 2006

Don't Judge a DVD By Its Cover

One might look at the cover of this DVD and think that it is a cheap look at the legend Marilyn Monroe. The photograph is the famous "Golden Dreams" Playboy nude taken by Tom Kelley, but a black bathing suit has been badly drawn on top. This doctored photo might mislead; We Remember Marilyn is one of the most thorough documentaries available on Monroe.

Monroe's mother's life is described, as well as Monroe's childhood, modeling, romantic relationships, plastic surgery, three marriages, life in films, and personality including her shrewd comments directed at Joan Crawford's criticisms.

This documentary is narrated by John Christopher Hyke and Monroe's words are spoken by the slightly annoyingly childlike voice of Trudi Jo Marie Keck. However, the use of Marilyn's interviews and book My Story, although possibly altered to protect a studio manufactured image, are highly effective and personal. There are also interviews with Jim Dougherty (Monroe's first husband), Jeanne Carmen (Monroe's model friend), and Robert Cornthwaite (fellow actor).

This documentary is filled with archive footage including that from her films and many rare extras. One gets to see Monroe when she was a model, in early commercials, at premieres, award show film, entertaining the troops, in interviews when she was famous, in film taken on the sets of her films, in a video from her announcement of her divorce from Joe DiMaggio, in a video from a hospital visit, and in footage from the president's birthday party.

Overall, this two hour documentary is exceptionally well done and a must have for Marilyn Monroe fans. October 19, 2005

Tom Kelley Sr. cover Art

Tom Kelley Sr. Did the cover for this video, at his Los Angeles studios. Now Tom Kelley Jr. is trying to snag the real Marilyn, me! But since the real Monroe can't even get an agent, I would rather write hilarious reviews for people to smile and laugh at! I havent seen this video on Marilyns life, but I'm sure her fans will enjoy it since she has started a hysteria that is like a huge most surfable wave, grab anything about Marilyn you can get your hands on! I hope you like this sort of review but I've written so many today I'm getting punchy!-Love to all my fans out there! Whee its me!M.M.-Marilyn Monroe-if I could, I'd sign it here beautifully! March 15, 2002

Better than I thought

I have the DVD and have never seen the video, so I can't compare the two. However, I was impressed with this Marilyn documentary because it provided many details of MM's life and career, including her brief career at Columbia. Marilyn's words (spoken by someone else) were used appropriately throughout so that you got a sense of Marilyn's pain and struggles. The clips of Marilyn's movies were usually the trailers, but that was fine. Film clips were also presented of her news conferences, tv appearance on Ed Murrow's Person to Person show, and Korea appearance--some clips that I had never seen before. Most importantly, Marilyn is presented with sympathy and compassion; still, she was portrayed realistically, not as a Goddess. My only complaint: I wasn't satisfied with the abrupt ending of the documentary; it appeared as if the creators did not want to speculate on MM's mysterious death. Maybe they were right. Speculation on MM's death could provide another documentary! I recommend purchasing this documentary if you are a MM fan. I have seen it many, many times and am still enthralled. January 2, 2002

A glance back at a legend

This video is an in-depth look at the life and career of Marilyn Monroe. It displays a woman who was used all her life, but found the determination to make it to the top. Filled with Memories of Marilyn, this video proves to almost make your heart break as you remember her. This is a great recollection of Marilyn for avid fans. For non-fans this is a great look at a Hollywood legend; this could change your mind about this star completely. This video is a must-see! March 6, 2001

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