2004 Memorial

The 2004 Memorial week for Marilyn was wonderful time for all who attended. This year we saw old friends return to LA and new ones to meet. Most of the IM members arrived on the 2nd. Once settled into the Orchid Suites we headed for Barney’s Beanery for dinner.

After a good meal there we drove to the Beverly Hills Hotel for a look/see around and try to figure out which bungalow Marilyn used. Immortal Marilyn’s official activities kicked off on the 3rd with a Walking Tour of Marilyn related spots on Hollywood Blvd, a lunch at the Pig n’ Whistle, which included Marilyn Merlot compliments of Marilyn Impersonator Suzie Kennedy.

Equipped with Eric Woodard’s new book Hometown Girl on the 4th we began the Annual IM Home and Haunts Tour. It was wonderful to see the owner of Joe and Marilyn’s Palm Drive home was expecting us and opened the door, camera in hand. It included new spots such as Peter Lawford’s beach front home and 20th Century Fox, and ended with a great late lunch at Canter’s Deli. That evening we gathered for a fantastic dinner at The Rainbow which used to be The Villa Nova. This is the restaurant Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn had their first date at, and we were able to reserve the booth and everyone got a chance to get photographed in the booth. The 5th was the Memorial Service put together by Greg Schreiner and the Marilyn Remembered Club, beautiful and touching as always.

Guests speakers included:

• Gene Allen – Art Director of Somethings Got To Give (Marilyn’s last unfinished film)
• Kathleen Hughes – Actress and friend of Marilyn’s
• Diana Herbert – Daughter of Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! Director and Writer F. Hugh Herbert (Marilyn’s first movie)
• Mickey Song – Marilyn hair stylist for the JFK Birthday Gala
• Nancy Bolender – Foster sister to Norma Jeane
• Mary Sims – President Immortal Marilyn
• Jill Adams – President Forever Marilyn
• Daniel Rutschman – President Norma 2 Marilyn

After the service and time at Marilyn’s crypt a group gathered at Greg’s for lunch and a chance to visit with other Marilyn fans while browsing his awesome Marilyn collection. Ernest Cunningham (Author of The Ultimate Marilyn and Marilyn’s People) generously sent just about everyone home with something from his Marilyn collection. The evening of the 5th was the 1st Annual IM Pool Party and a success it was! Marilyn Impersonator Suzie Kennedy entertained the group with Marilyn songs and Gina and Jackie joined her to sing along to Jane Russell/MM duets from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes! It was a wonderful time we won’t soon forget. Suzie is a member of Immortal Marilyn and was along for all of the IM outings. She wowed the entire town of Hollywood with her incredible impersonation of Marilyn. Thank you Suzie for everything!! On the 6th a group of us shopped on Hollywood Blvd and then went to the Farmer’s Market on 3rd and Fairfax, had lunch and browsed the shops. In the evening we all went to the Max Factor Museum to view one of the largest exhibits of Marilyn items ever on display. There was a very interesting symposium panel discussion of Marilyn, her life and death. Greg Schreiner moderated and the distinguished panel included:

• Mickey Song – Marilyn hair stylist for the JFK Gala
• Douglas Kirkland – Photographer to the stars, including Marilyn Monroe in 1961
• Stanley Rubin – Producer of River of No Return starring Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum
• Ernest Cunningham – Marilyn author
• John Minor – Deputy District Attorney who attended Marilyn’s autopsy
• Dale Olson – Publicist & Journalist who was acquainted with Marilyn

Immortal Marilyn had members from Ireland, England, Wales, Canada and the USA travel near and far to meet in LA and remember Marilyn. We are so grateful to everyone who came and joined in to make this the most memorable gathering yet. Immortal Marilyn wishes to thank the staff who stayed home and kept the club running smoothly, and those who came to LA and found themselves on a working vacation pitching right in! We can’t forget Sean Williams, Peter Lo, and Eric Woodard who donated themselves to seeing everything needed was taken care of. Than there is Greg Schreiner for the unexpected food contribution to the Pool Party and the loan of his PA system for Suzie to use. Last but not least IM acknowledges its incredible members who pulled together to give Marilyn a most lovely wreath of Marilyn Monroe roses.

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