Hollywood great Marilyn Monroe — the original blonde bombshell, star of Some Like It Hot, The Misfits and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and inspiration behind Elton John's fabulously cheesy tribute ballad Candle in the Wind — died half a century ago this year, aged only 36, but her image has remained front and centre in the public consciousness ever since.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of her death, Getty Images Gallery in London's West End have an exhibition which offers a rare insight into the person behind the icon. 'Marilyn' runs from Friday 9th March to Thursday 24th May and features not only a series of candid images from Getty's extensive photographic collection but also some of Marilyn's costumes and dresses plus rare video footage of the star.
A must-see for Monroe's fans, the exhibition also offers a fascinating glimpse into the making of an icon for film buffs and followers of popular culture alike. Definitely something to see if you've ever wondered why Hollywood prefered this particular blonde, or - to nick a line from Elton - why her candle burned out long before the legend ever did!
Marilyn Monroe's Oscar-winning costume, designed by Orry-Kelly, for her character Sugar Kane Kowalcyzk in Some Like It Hot, is just one of a host of Academy-Award winning costumes due to be featured in Hollywood Costume at the Victoria & Albert Museum this autumn.
My Week with Marilyn is released on Blu-ray & DVD by EV on Monday 12th March. Read the review.
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