Product Details

• Actors: Richard Widmark, Marilyn Monroe, Anne Bancroft, Donna Corcoran, Jeanne Cagney
• Directors: Roy Ward Baker
• Writers: Charlotte Armstrong, Daniel Taradash
• Producers: Julian Blaustein
• Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• VHS Release Date: January 1, 1998
• Run Time: 76 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302439485
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,406 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video

Marilyn Monroe's first bona fide starring role came in the taut, stripped-down film noir Don't Bother to Knock. She plays a recently institutionalized, none-too-stable babysitter, awkwardly tending a little girl in a Manhattan hotel. Richard Widmark, jilted by the songbird (Anne Bancroft) in the hotel lounge ("The female race is always cheesing up my life," he pouts), puts the make on the lonely blonde in room 809, to his regret. The picture benefits by not being a "Marilyn" movie, but just a good little thriller with, as it happens, a terrific performance by the future superstar. Monroe's childlike distraction eerily suits her rattled character, a misfit who can't distinguish her tragic past from the confusing present. Kudos to Daniel Taradash (From Here to Eternity), whose script contains a collection of tart slang that neatly captures the noir feel--all without leaving the boundaries of the hotel. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who Says Marilyn Can't Act?, July 13, 2000

By	Vincent Tesi "Vinny" (Brick, New Jersey) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Don't Bother To Knock is a dark psycho-drama that serves as a vehicle for Marilyn Monroe's mesmerizing performance. As Nell, a mentally unstable woman whose lover was killed in WWII, Monroe delivers a creepy performance. Hired for the night to babysit a little girl (Donna Corcoran) Nell drifts in and out of reality. Director Roy Baker draws out desperate emotionalism from Monroe, who is eerily convincing with her lines, and facial expressions. Richard Widmark plays Jed, a cold hearted pilot who cannot understand why his lounge singer girlfriend ( Anne Bancroft) has jilted him. Elisha Cook Jr. once again delivers a fine supporting role as the hotel elevator operator caught up in his nieces's (Nell's) strange behavior. The film is almost entirely shot within the confines of a hotel room and Baker's camera work and tight cutting adds to the suspense. Don't Bother To Knock definitely opened the door to Monroe's career.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful But Dangerous....., December 28, 2003

By	L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (fountain valley, ca United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Don't Bother to Knock (DVD)

This review refers to The DVD edition(Diamond Collection/20th Cent Fox)of "Don't Bother To Knock"

This film is a must have for Marilyn completists. From 1952,as a very young and emerging screen idol, she turns in an expert performance, as a woman on the edge, in this psychological drama. It also stars Richard Widmark and Anne Bancroft in her first feature film role.

The beautiful Nel(Monroe) has arrived in New York from Oregon to forget her past. She has had deep psychological problems and has recently been released from an "institution". Uncle Eddie(Elisha Cook Jr.),elevator operator at an established hotel, gets her a job babysitting for some of the guests, after all 'they' did said she was better now! But Marilyn turns out to be the babysitter from hell when her past takes over and she loses control. But even hell can be heavenly when Marilyn Monroe is involved,as she draws you into her spell and captivates you for the entire film.

The film directed by Roy Baker, has some wonderfully shot sequences that are chilling in Black and White.The character development is remarkable. As Nel goes from a quiet babysitter to a dangerous woman, Richard Widmark, is also brillant as his character develops from a cynical snob to a caring human being. It is also obvious, that in this early role, Anne Bancroft had that special something it took for her to become the great star she is today. Jim Backus and Gloria Blondell also add their talents to the supporting cast.Some old romantic tunes, including "How About You" also add greatly to the story.

This film is over 50 years old, but you won't know that by viewing this restored edition. It looks great and may be viewed in DD2.0 surround or the original mono. The special features include a restoration comparison, several trailers for other films from the Diamond Collection and a wonderful still gallery.There are subtitles in English and Spanish.It is presented in the original academy ratio (full screen1.33:1).

So don't forget to always check references and enjoy.....Laurie

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MARILYN'S GREATEST ACTING & A GREAT FILM, April 8, 2004

By	Coleen "frankie-machine" (Down in the alley) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Don't Bother to Knock (DVD)

This film was mesmerizing to watch. Richard Widmark was great, as always, but Marilyn's acting was the greatest in the film. She plays a deranged babysitter and when Richard Widmark's character, Jed, goes to her hotel room to catch a little hay-hay with her, he has no idea what/who he is getting himself involved with. The plot unfolds from there and it's a nail biter all the way. The background music is really cool, giving it a film noir touch.