Product Details

• Actors: Richard Selzer, James Haspiel, Liz Smith (II), Joan Copeland, Marilyn Monroe
• Directors: Will Raee
• Format: Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Unapix / a-Pix Ent.
• VHS Release Date: February 23, 1999
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1575236664
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #51,789 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Born Norma Jean Baker and transformed into Marilyn Monroe, the unhappy life of the ultimate sex symbol is already familiar to most folks. Intimate Portrait tries to shed some more insight into her life, using film clips and interviews, most notably with James Dougherty, Monroe's first husband. Her entrance into the film world was a fluke--she was photographed working in a factory for a story on the war effort, launching her modeling career. From there she created a persona that she wore for the world at large, although at home and among friends she remained Norma Jean.

Intimate Portrait: Marilyn Monroe attempts to cover the life of one of the most talked-about actresses of all time in less than an hour. While it does an admirable job of giving a general overview, the documentary doesn't succeed in the same way the Intimate Portraits of Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis do. Perhaps the main detriment to this documentary is the lack of footage of Monroe speaking for herself. Also, much of the footage is used more than once, as if there weren't enough clips of Monroe for the whole tape. Finally, widely known controversies surrounding Monroe--such as her alleged involvement with the Kennedys--are never mentioned. Yet, the interviews with her first husband help offset the problems, as the tidbits he offers are fresh and interesting, giving a clear picture of the early Norma Jean. --Jenny Brown

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Painfully honest portrayal of a life cut short, March 5, 2001

By A Customer

This video beautifully displays the unfortunate life of the late Marilyn Monroe. It explores her life from her first peek of stardom until her untimely end. Beautiful footage of one of the most talented and unforgetable actresses to ever exist. This video is a must-see for all Marilyn admirerers, and even proves to be entertaining for non-fans. This intimate portrait will change anyone's feelings toward the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe.

0 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The gorgeous Eleanor Parker, December 12, 2003

A Kid's Review

Eleanor Parker is just as beautiful as Monroe, but her breasts are smaller.

Watch Parker act up a storm in "Interrupted Melody", playing the polio-stricken opera diva Marjorie Lawrence.