Bus Stop

Marilyn Monroe is always regarded as the sex symbol. But like many stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, her real image was very unlike her screen image.

In many of her films, she tended to play the ditsy blonde as shown in How to Marry a Millionaire and All About Eve. But a number of her later films like Some Like It Hot and The Misfits showed Monroe as a vulnerable woman, which was what she was. It was when she did the latter role that got people talking.

Monroe's work in Joshua Logan's Bus Stop falls into the latter category as well. After all, when we first see Cherie, she's being manhandled by a number of ogling men. It's not the first time it has happened to her and after meeting Bo (Don Murray), it won't be the last time either.

Cherie is similar to Sugar Kane. Sugar has a bad history with a number of men. Cherie only had a few sloppy affairs, but it's who she had them with that makes them stand out. Bo is like one of her many botched flings. Sounds like heaven, but it's actually hell. (Also, the moment when Cherie speaks of what she looks for in a man wasn't Cherie speaking. It was Marilyn.)

Bus Stop in toll is pretty good. You really feel for Cherie once we see her and you don't stop. The ending kind of spoils the mood of the rest of the film, but Monroe stays vibrant throughout. You have to admire an actress like Marilyn Monroe.

My Rating: ****1/2

Picnic

Eve though the 1950's were my favorite time period for movies, there were a few misfires from that time.

By now you should know that William Holden is one of my favorite actors. It's not because he look great without a shirt (which he does) but the fact he possesses an anti-hero persona. As Hal Carter, Holden is bit of an anti-hero (and shirtless for most of the movie). It's a good performance, but it's far from being ranked among his best work as an actor.

Kim Novak is becoming an actress I'm slowly starting to like. She has this aloof personality that most actresses don't possess. As Madge Owens, she accepts being called the prettiest girl in town even though she can't stand the attention. Like what I said for Holden, Novak gives a good performance though it's far from being ranked among her best work.

For my money, the best work comes from Rosalind Russell who, had she not been so stubborn with the campaigning, would've most likely won an Oscar. The movie itself I wasn't too crazy about. It has its moments, but it falters ultimately.

My Rating: ***1/2