A vintage 8"x11" photograph from the personal
collection of Marilyn Monroe.
On September 2, 1952, Marilyn took part in
her one and only Miss America beauty pageant, as "Grand Marshall," the first
woman to fulfill this honorary role. The event was held at the Atlantic
City Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Marilyn's presence was
arranged as part of the Twentieth Century-Fox publicity drive for the launch of
her latest film "Monkey Business." During the festivities, she was asked
to pose with several women from the armed services.
Marilyn Meets the Services: Marilyn
poses with four representatives of the women's armed services taking part in the
week-long pageant. From left: WAC Sgt. Yvonne Pitt of Thorpe,
Wisconsin; WAVE Frances McDonald of Longmont, Colorado; Marine Sgt. Mary M.
Jamison of Miami, Florida; and WAF Sgt. Carol A. James of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
Important activities in Marilyn's life
around this time include:
-General release of Monkey
Business - September 5
-Release of O Henry's Full House
- October 16
-Filming begins on Gentlemen
Prefer Blondes - November 17
Additional photos from this event:
Provenance: Christie's New
York: Film and Entertainment Auction, June 22, 2006