For Monkey Business (1952), Marilyn Monroe did several costume tests before filming began. In these tests, she is seen trying out different looks for her role as Miss Lois Laurel, the young, flirtatious secretary in Howard Hawks’ screwball comedy starring Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers. The wardrobe department explored a few variations of form-fitting outfits that matched the character’s youthful and seductive energy, often pairing them with Monroe’s signature platinum curls and bright lipstick.
Hawks initially didn’t see anything special in Monroe’s on-set presence, but changed his mind after seeing her perform on film. He also recounted that behind the scenes, Monroe was often left alone and ignored by others on set, but possessed a “strange effect when she was photographed” that created her powerful on-screen persona.
During the costume test shoot, Monroe was reportedly feeling unsteady. She had to have her appendix removed shortly after the shoot was completed.
These tests were done under controlled lighting so Hawks and the studio could evaluate how fabrics, colors, and makeup photographed on black and-white film. While the movie was a comedy, the tests highlight Monroe’s emerging star quality—she was still a supporting actress at this point, but the studio was clearly aware of her photogenic power.
0 comments:
Post a Comment