Rare Marilyn Footage Sold for $60K
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Candid footage of Marilyn Monroe on the set of her last completed film brought in $60,000 at an auction of movie memorabilia Saturday.
The two reels of silent, 8 mm color film shot on the set of “The Misfits” had been expected to draw starting bids of between $10,000 and $20,000.
The auction also included the original disco ball from “Saturday Night Fever” and an original script of “The Godfather” signed by Marlon Brando. The sale was held by Julien’s Auctions at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
The 47-minute film, “On the Set with ‘The Misfits,'” was shot by film extra Stanley Floyd Kilarr. It features candid moments with Monroe and co-star Clark Gable, as well as Montgomery Clift, Thelma Ritter, and director John Huston.
The film shows actors preparing for scenes, chatting with crew members and others on the set, and relaxing between takes.
“The Misfits” was the last completed film for both Monroe and Gable.
Gable had a fourth heart attack just after filming was finished and died November 16, 1960, about two months before the movie’s American release. Monroe died August 5, 1962.
Cathy and Rod McCormick, of Sparks, Nev., obtained the film canister from her father, Frank Hasy, Kilarr’s uncle.
Items sold early Saturday included a suit worn by Elvis Presley in the film “Viva Las Vegas,” which drew a bid of $36,325. Alfred Hitchcock’s driver’s license sold for $8,000, and an original “King Kong” French film poster sold for $40,625, according to the auction officials.
