A Legend

This Sunday {August 5, 2012} marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Marilyn Monroe. I was a few months shy of my fourth birthday when she died, I think about that now and I'm amazed how much her image has influenced me over the years. Truthfully, Marilyn's image is larger than her life itself and it continues to influence to this day.

This is my favourite picture of Marilyn.            source unknown

These two images are my favourite pictures of Marilyn. I am unaware of the source, if anyone can provide photo credit I will update the post.
I like these pictures because she seems so relaxed, especially the first image where she is sitting up. It gives off a vibe that says you could just sit down and start chatting with her as you would with a close girlfriend.

source unknown

Marilyn's estate continues to this day to generate millions of dollars per year. She was ranked third on the Forbes annual list of deceased celebrities for 2011 {behind the earnings of the Michael Jackson estate, and Elvis Presley estate}, with the estate generating 27 million dollars for the year.

The estate was sold to Authentic Brands Group in 2010 who are working on lending her likeness and name to more defined {and hopefully elegant} projects. Jamie Salter, CEO for Authentic Brands notes that "it's women who have kept Marilyn alive", and so the interest in the Hollywood icon is best generated to products that women embrace. The upcoming projects include high end perfumes and cosmetic brands.

So what is it for us as women that draws us in?

She was a sex symbol of her time and there were other women who had just as much sexual overtone to their persona as Marilyn. Elizabeth Taylor, Brigette Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Ursula Andress and Racquel Welch. But Marilyn stood out.

Marilyn oozed sexiness with her curvy figure. For me it is how she displayed a soft feminine sultriness as well, combined with her mega watt smile. It all equates to feminine charm.

There is a 26 foot high sculpture of Marilyn in the 'dress breeze' pose that has been moved from Chicago to Palm Springs. This weekend an Elton impersonator will sit at the foot of the sculpture and sing 'Candle in the Wind' as part of a tribute to the late star. There will always be impersonators and wanna-be's, ugh!
With that note, I hope that Authentic Brands moves quickly on the re-branding of Marilyn's image to help portray the sultry actress as the soft and feminine woman she was.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin's famous song Candle in the Wind became a classic because it depicts the truth.

"Your candle burned out long before, your legend ever did".

Remembering a beautiful legend.

Oscar Worthy

It's the morning after that coveted golden man 'Oscar' was placed in the hands of the top talent in the film industry.

Despite the overwhelming love affair with the 'red carpet', the Academy Awards are a recognition of the hard work and talent of everyone involved in films. If you haven't seen the nominated films yet I urge you to treat yourself to the experience of watching these golden films in the best viewing room - a theater . 

1959

It was back in May of 1929 that the very first Academy Awards were presented at the Blossom Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The picture above of the Pantages in 1959 shows that a simple line-up of valet drivers was all that was required at the red carpet. How things have changed.

I have not viewed all of the films yet so maybe it's a bit unfair to remark, and albeit that they are very different movies, I could watch both 'The Help' and 'Warhorse' many times over. The Artist, Hugo, and The Iron Lady are on my list of must watch movies on the big screen.

I was excited that Octavia Spencer won Actress in a Supporting Role in her portrayal of the character Minny Jackson for the film 'The Help'. Ms. Spencer is sure to shine on screen again in many dramatic roles.

Canadian legendary actor Christopher Plummer won for Actor in a Supporting Role for 'Beginners'. His speech was one that will become memorable for years to come. Mr. Plummer looked lovingly at the Oscar statue and said; "your only two years older than me darling, where have you been all my life". At 82 years of age, the Toronto born actor is the oldest actor to win an Oscar.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners.

Faye Dunaway - the morning after the Oscar's 1977. Ms. Dunaway won for Best Actress in the movie 'Network'. Peter Finch won post humously as Best Actor for the same film.      image: terry o'neill