Marilyn's personal Bank of America monthly statement for the period September 27 through October 25, 1951.  The beginning balance on this statement was just $9.58; the closing balance was $245.99.

When stardom came, Marilyn unenviably became one of the lowest paid top-liners in Hollywood.  After so many years struggling to land a long-term studio contract, the seven year deal she signed with Fox in 1951 bound her to a pay scale that lagged woefully behind her burgeoning status.  In 1952, the year that she became an established star, she was making just $750 a week, minus tax and 10 percent to her agents, not nearly enough to cover her outgoings which included up to $200 per week on the various drama and singing lessons, employing business manager Inez Melson, paying for her mother's care and keeping up a room in the prestigious Bel Air Hotel - fortunately she had a little extra money coming in from Don't Bother to Knock (1952), which she made for RKO Studios.  For smash hit Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Marilyn earned $18,000, just one-tenth of what co-star Jane Russell made. 

"I'm not interested in money.  I just want to be wonderful."

   -Marilyn Monroe

Important activities in Marilyn's life around this time include:

-Filming of Clash by Night and Don't Bother to Knock (Fall)

-Release of Love Nest - October 10

-Marilyn appears on the cover of Look magazine for the first time - October 23

Also part of this collection, a cancelled bank check from the personal Bank of America account of Marilyn Monroe, made payable to Schwab's Drugs in the amount of $5.00.  Dated October 5, 1951, written entirely in Marilyn's own handwriting.  This check corresponds with the above bank statement, having cleared Marilyn's account on October 9, 1951.  

Related Collection Pieces / Links: 

-Marilyn Monroe Productions Bank Statement, April, 1961

Schwab's Drug Store

8024 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood (Demolished in 1989)

Marilyn started going to Schwab's Drug Store when she was a student at the Actors Lab.  Many young actors and actresses used this coffee shop as a base to meet people and (they hoped) be noticed.  It was, after all, the place where many people believed Lana Turner had been discovered.

The Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky had offices at Schwab's Drug Store so that he could see the comings and goings of all the young actors and actresses.  Marilyn became friends with him and was often seen driving him home from here after work. 

Although there are varying accounts of how Marilyn found out about the small part in the film Love Happy, it is said that she may have heard about it while lunching at Schwab's.