GROBY WI

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I WAS AWAY for the April meeting but many thanks to Philippa Brown for stepping in and taking notes on the talk from Julie Ede about the life of Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn was born on 1st June 1926 and died on 4th August 1962, aged 36, from a self-administered barbiturate overdose. Her name at birth was Norma Jeane Mortenson but she was christened Baker after her Mother, Gladys Pearl Baker. Her mother was very mentally unstable and was later diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her father was thought to be Glady’s third husband, Charles Gifford. At the age of 20, with a blossoming career in modelling beginning to take off, she adopted her mother’s maiden name and assumed her stage name of Marilyn Monroe. She became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and early 1960s and was emblematic of the era’s sexual revolution.

Marilyn endured a loveless childhood being shuffled between orphanages and foster homes, and was trapped into marriage at the age of 16 to James (Jim) Dougherty but that marriage proved to be more of a friendship and eventually, police officer Jim joined the merchant navy and left Marilyn to her own devices. She was signed up to be a model in 1945 having been discovered by a budding journalist at an agency who was blinded by her beauty. In 1946, she progressed to pictures in adult magazines which displeased husband Jim Marilyn Monroeand they subsequently divorced.

She was loved by photographers and her pictures were noticed in a magazine by Howard Hughes. He phoned her agency and asked her to go for a screen test, which she initially refused but later succumbed in July 1946. Hollywood took complete control of Marilyn saying she was too plump; her nose was too long and her hair colour was not right. She took diet pills and dyed her hair blond becoming the Marilyn Monroe we identify with. In 1952, she was asked what she wore in bed and replied ‘only a few drops of Chanel No 5’! In 1954 she married baseball legend, Joe DiMaggio, but he quickly became uncomfortable with his wife’s sexy image and her popularity. She caused a near riot among US servicemen stationed in Korea during a performance she gave in the middle of the couple’s honeymoon! Joe was also extremely jealous of a film she did with Robert Mitcham where Marilyn wore only a blanket. The final straw was the iconic New York shot of Marilyn standing over an air vent which blew up her dress, although she apparently wore double plated, denim knickers to preserve her dignity! They divorced after only nine months of marriage. Her third marriage in 1956 was to playwright Arthur Miller, and although he is said to have made her feel wanted, secure and loved, this was only to last for four years and led to her emotional fragility. Other lovers included Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Yves Montand.

In 1948 Marilyn met Johnny Hyde who was one of the most powerful agents in Hollywood and 31 years her senior. He took Marilyn on as a client, helping her to get roles in ‘Asphalt Jungle’ and ‘All About Eve’. He fell in love with her, left his wife and begged Marilyn to marry him many times but she refused. When Johnny died in 1950, Marilyn was heartbroken and had nothing, but she enrolled on to a University Course - Art and Literature, as she wanted to be considered educated. She took solace at this time in alcohol and drugs.

Some of Marilyn’s more popular films included: 1950 Asphalt Jungle - her 1st serious film 1950 All About Eve with Bette Davis 1952 Don’t Bother to Knock 1952 Monkey Business with Cary Grant 1953 Gentleman Prefer Blonds in which Marilyn thought she exuded innocence! 1957 The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier. It was after she had finished filming this movie in London and her then husband, Arthur Miller, had the premier of his movie ‘The Battle of the River Plate’. She accompanied him to the premier and met Queen Elizabeth II, who Marilyn felt was very warm hearted. 1959 Some Like It Hot with Tony Curtis but they did not get on with each other. 1961 The Misfits with Clark Gable. He died before the film was released and his wife blamed his death on Marilyn

In 1961 Marilyn booked herself into a clinic to ‘dry out’. She came out vowing charity, chastity and no alcohol but quickly lapsed and took up with both John F. and Bobby Kennedy.

In May 1962, Marilyn sang her sultry rendition of ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ to John F. Kennedy, wearing a dress that gave the illusion of her being naked underneath. This was to be her swan song and although she was still stunning, she was drinking massive amounts of gin and injecting drugs which ultimately led to her death. Her funeral service included Judy Garland’s song ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’, a sad end to a very troubled lady.

Next month’s meeting on Thursday 19th May will be ‘Resolutions’ and a social evening. Ruth Rolinson

Letter

Thoughtless dog owners

I REALISE this is a contentious subject,but we can all do our bit and call the “Clean Neighbourhood Team” on 01455 238141. They are a very helpful team and your call will be totally confidential.

Groby is a lovely village,so this sort of behaviour should be punished. Whilst all forms of dog fouling should be stamped upon (not literally), those selfish individuals who allow their pets to foul on Marina Park where the young children play football are even more thoughtless and selfish.

I have witnessed the aftermath, though not the actual deed on several occasions. Is it right that somebody who gives their time freely, to help the children, should firstly need to remove any dog muck left behind.

Lets all do our part in keeping children safe from dog faeces.

It’s your dog so do the right thing and pick up your dog’s poo. Groby resident