- 1991movierewind
Episode #72: Marilyn and Me
Listen to Episode 72 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - In Marilyn and Me, Robert Slatzer (played by Jesse Dabson) is an aspiring Hollywood writer when he meets the aspiring actress Norma Jean Baker (played by Susan Griffiths). Slatzer narrates his on-again, off-again relationship with Norma Jean, including a 5-day marriage, and the difficulties in being with the woman known to most as Marilyn Monroe.
Screenplay by Robert Boris; Directed by John Patterson, and premiered on ABC on September 22, 1991.
FILM DISCUSSION
The movie starts off with Slatzer learning of Marilyn's death and then going to "claim" the body from the morgue as her ex-husband.
There's a very bland narration that comes throughout to fill in some of the gaps of this supposed on-again, off-again love story.
Jon assumed that there must be some sort of truth to the story in that he was in her life based on all of the various scenes Slatzer puts himself into.
Nikki did a bit more research, however, and it seems like Slatzer is making everything up and "Forrest Gump"-ing his way into key moments.
The movie shows him there for her famous photo shoot.
He was there for the blonde hair transition.
He was asked to come up to the set of "Niagara" where she was with Joe DiMaggio.
Of course there's no proof of the marriage, as we see the Mexican government employee (who apparently is also in a gift shop?) burn up the only copy after the studios force the annulment.
The movie doesn't show either of the leads in a good light. Slatzer is a petulant child at times.
Marilyn is shown to be super vapid who is only concerned with being adored by the public.
Of course there's the drinking, pills, and abusive behavior as well.
The movie tries to cover a lot of moments in her life and basically any time they break up, it's the movie studios' fault.
One good thing to note is that the production values are high. This is a well-made period piece that does not have that "TV movie" vibe that we've seen in other things like "Bare Essentials" or "Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter."
Awards Talk: Linle White earned an Emmy nomination for Best Hairstyling for a Miniseries or Special
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
This week we our true crime segment, of course, talks about the untimely death of Marilyn Monroe.
If you want to hear more about this from other great podcasts, please check out "You Must Remember This" Dead Blondes series
and/or check out "Marilyn: Behind the Icon"
If you weren't watching this TV movie, maybe you were watching one of the other two, more highly viewed TV Movies
On to Music, here are your Billboard 100 Bottom 5
100. Silver Thunderbird - Mark Cohn
99. Learning to Fly - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
98. Right Here, Right Now - Jesus Jones
97. Can You Stop The Rain - Peabo Bryson
96. All About You - Pretty In Pink
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 2 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 1 1/2 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - At surface value, the movie is produced well and is one of the better looking TV movies we've seen so far. The story and characterization were lackluster, though. Taking into consideration the reality of Slatzer & Monroe's relationship (or lack thereof), there's less of a reason to watch this a second time. We'd rather see actual documentaries about her life, or some of Marilyn's actual movies as we haven't seen many so far.
If you want to watch Marilyn and Me, as of this recording in July 2022, it’s available on Tubi, PlutoTV, FreeVee, Roku Channel, Digital Rental. Check your local listings.
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