It was in March 1955 that Peter Mangone skipped school to stake out Marilyn Monroe at her New York hotel in hope of running into his idol.
Luck was on his side this particular day as Peter had borrowed his brothers movie camera and as fate would have it he was met by Marilyn emerging from her hotel. Recognising the 14 year old fan she beckoned him to follow as she sauntered down 5th Avenue, stopped at Elizabeth Arden and continued her journey in an unpampered way that would be completely unimaginable now.
She drifts in and out of interaction with her young film-maker fan that is most intriguing. She blows him a kiss that could “light up the Empire State Building.” She wears very little make-up and her hair, set against the greys and muted tones of Manhattan is a minor character itself.
Along with her red lips and pale skin, Monroe glows as if visiting from another planet.
She is outside herself and in the present one moment and then deep inside herself the next. She looks radiantly happy and then pensive, even sad. The footage was believed to be lost but was discovered almost 10 years ago when Peter’s brother began cleaning out their fathers’ possessions. The film was in near mint condition, the colors as vivid as the day they were shot.
A 2003 newspaper article caught the attention of Joshua Greene, after seeing his own father Milton H. Greene in some of the pictures. Joshua was introduced to Peter and so their association was born and he began scanning and printing frames, resulting in a show at Danziger Gallery.
The quality of the book is of the highest printing standard. Marilyn just comes to life in the photos. It’s nice to end the year of the 50th anniversary of her death on a high note, and this is indeed a very special way to remember our beloved Marilyn as she continues to beguile us with her unique style and beauty of soul.
To be cherished forever.
By Fraser Penney
