Marilyn Monroe Movies in Chronological Order ( Filmography)

Marilyn Monroe is a name that remains synonymous with Hollywood glamour and iconic film performances.

From her early days as a struggling actress to becoming a pop culture legend, Monroe’s filmography spans a diverse range of movies.

In this article, we’ll take you on a chronological journey through Marilyn Monroe’s movies, showcasing her talent, beauty, and enduring legacy.

Key Takeaways – Marilyn Monroe Movies in Chronological Order

• Explore Marilyn Monroe’s filmography in chronological order from 1947 to 1962.
• Discover the progression of Monroe’s career, from minor roles to starring in classic films.
• Appreciate Monroe’s impact on film history and her enduring status as a pop culture icon.
• Get insights into some of Monroe’s best movies and memorable performances.
• Understand the significance of Monroe’s films in shaping her legacy in the entertainment industry.

Marilyn Monroe Movies in Chronological Order – Summary

Marilyn Monroe was an iconic American actress, singer, and model who appeared in several films throughout her career.

Here is a list of her movies in chronological order:

1. “Dangerous Years” (1947) – This was Marilyn Monroe’s film debut, where she played a minor role.
2. “Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” (1948) – She had a brief appearance in this film.
3. “Ladies of the Chorus” (1948) – Monroe played the role of Peggy Martin.
4. “Love Happy” (1949) – She had a small part in this Marx Brothers film.
5. “A Ticket to Tomahawk” (1950) – Monroe had a minor role in this comedy.
6. “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950) – This film marked her breakthrough role as Angela Phinlay.
7. “All About Eve” (1950) – She played a small but notable role as Miss Caswell.
8. “The Fireball” (1950)
9. “Right Cross” (1950)
10. “Home Town Story” (1951)
11. “As Young as You Feel” (1951)
12. “Love Nest” (1951)
13. “Let’s Make It Legal” (1951)
14. “Clash by Night” (1952)
15. “We’re Not Married!” (1952)
16. “Don’t Bother to Knock” (1952) – Monroe played a mentally disturbed babysitter.
17. “Monkey Business” (1952) – A comedy where she played a secretary.
18. “O. Henry’s Full House” (1952)
19. “Niagara” (1953) – Monroe played a femme fatale in this film noir.
20. “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953) – One of her most famous roles as Lorelei Lee.
21. “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953) – Another iconic role alongside Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall.
22. “River of No Return” (1954) – A western film where she starred with Robert Mitchum.
23. “There’s No Business Like Show Business” (1954)
24. “The Seven Year Itch” (1955) – Famous for the scene where her dress billows up over a subway grate.
25. “Bus Stop” (1956) – Monroe received critical acclaim for her performance.
26. “The Prince and the Showgirl” (1957) – Co-starring Laurence Olivier, who also directed the film.
27. “Some Like It Hot” (1959) – A highly popular comedy where she starred alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.
28. “Let’s Make Love” (1960)
29. “The Misfits” (1961) – Monroe’s final completed film, co-starring Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift.

Marilyn Monroe’s film career was marked by both commercial success and critical acclaim, and her performances in these movies have made her an enduring symbol of Hollywood glamour and a cultural icon.

Let’s look at them more deeply.

Dangerous Years (1947)

Marilyn Monroe’s first released movie was “Dangerous Years” in 1947. In the film, she played a small role as a waitress named Evie.

Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948)

In 1948, Marilyn Monroe made an uncredited appearance in the film “Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” Although her role was brief, lasting less than 2 seconds, it marked another stepping stone in Monroe’s rising career.

Set in the world of farming, “Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!” tells the story of a young man named Rad (played by Lon McCallister) who inherits a farm. As he navigates the challenges of rural life, Rad encounters love and rivalry along the way.

While Marilyn Monroe’s role may have been small, her captivating screen presence was undeniable even in those early days of her career. It’s remarkable to see how her talent and charisma would soon propel her to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.

Ladies of the Chorus (1948)

“Ladies of the Chorus” marked Marilyn Monroe’s breakthrough moment in the world of film. Released in 1948, this movie showcased Monroe in her first major role. She portrayed Peggy Martin, a talented and ambitious burlesque chorus girl, working alongside her mother.

Directed by Phil Karlson, the film follows the story of Peggy as she navigates love, career aspirations, and the challenges that come with being a performer in the chorus line. Monroe’s on-screen presence and undeniable talent captivated audiences, setting the stage for her future success in Hollywood.

“Ladies of the Chorus” introduced the world to Marilyn Monroe in a leading role, highlighting her captivating beauty, charisma, and magnetic screen presence. Although not an instant commercial success, this film played an instrumental role in launching Monroe’s career and solidifying her path to stardom.

Love Happy (1949)

Marilyn Monroe had a small role in the film “Love Happy” released in 1949. Although the movie wasn’t considered successful, Monroe’s appearance in a memorable yet short scene is notable.

The scene featuring Marilyn Monroe in “Love Happy” showcases her undeniable charm and screen presence, leaving a lasting impression on viewers despite the limited screen time.

A Ticket to Tomahawk (1950)

In the Western film “A Ticket to Tomahawk” released in 1950, Marilyn Monroe had a small role as part of a traveling group. She showcased her singing and dancing skills in a song-dance number.

This scene in “A Ticket to Tomahawk” allowed Marilyn Monroe to demonstrate her versatility as an actress. Despite her limited screen time, her charisma and talent shone through, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Marilyn Monroe’s Character in “A Ticket to Tomahawk”

In the film, Marilyn Monroe portrayed Clara, a member of the traveling group. Although her role may have been small, her presence added a touch of glamour and intrigue to the Western setting.

Throughout her career, Marilyn Monroe’s ability to captivate audiences, even in minor roles, solidified her status as a beloved icon of the silver screen.

The Fireball (1950)

Marilyn Monroe made a brief appearance in the film “The Fireball” released in 1950. Her role as a character named Evie is minor and doesn’t leave much of an impression.

Despite her limited screen time, Marilyn Monroe’s captivating presence still shines through in “The Fireball.” While her role may not be as significant as her later iconic performances, her talent and allure are evident even in this early stage of her career.

In the film, “The Fireball,” Monroe’s character, Evie, contributes to the overall narrative as a supporting figure. Although her screen time is short, her magnetic presence leaves audiences captivated and eager to see more of her talents in later films.

Marilyn Monroe’s appearance in “The Fireball” served as a stepping stone in her journey to becoming a Hollywood legend. While her role may not have been substantial, it paved the way for the iconic performances and unforgettable characters she would later portray.

Join us as we continue exploring Marilyn Monroe’s filmography, diving into her subsequent roles and the impact she left on the silver screen.

Right Cross (1950)

Marilyn Monroe made a brief appearance in the film “Right Cross” released in 1950. Although her role was uncredited, it marked another step in her blossoming career. Despite the limited screen time, Monroe’s magnetic presence shines through, leaving an indelible impression on viewers.

“Right Cross” tells the powerful story of a young Mexican-American boxer striving for success in a racialized and ruthless boxing world. While Marilyn Monroe’s role may have been brief, her talent and beauty are undeniable, even in the limited screen time she had.”

Monroe’s role in “Right Cross” underscores the versatility she displayed early on in her career. Although her character wasn’t central to the plot, her captivating screen presence hinted at the star she would become. Monroe’s talents were not confined to leading roles, and her ability to captivate audiences in even the smallest parts showcases her undeniable charisma.

Despite her limited role in “Right Cross,” Monroe’s presence is unmistakable and leaves a lasting impact on the film. This brief glimpse of Monroe’s talent served as a precursor to the iconic performances that would follow, solidifying her status as a legendary actress.

Home Town Story (1951)

In the film “Home Town Story” released in 1951, Marilyn Monroe showcases her versatile acting skills in a few scenes, playing the role of a secretary. Her portrayal is memorable and filled with sharp wit and simmering annoyance, adding depth to her character.

Despite the limited screen time, Marilyn Monroe’s presence in “Home Town Story” leaves a lasting impression, demonstrating her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and charisma.

As Young As You Feel (1951)

In “As Young As You Feel” released in 1951, Marilyn Monroe takes on a supporting role as a secretary. In this Marilyn Monroe comedic role, she showcases her expert comedic timing and brings her charm to the character. Through her performance, Monroe captivates the audience with her magnetic presence and comedic prowess.

Memorable Quotes:

“Life is a very beautiful thing.”

Fun Fact:

“As Young As You Feel” presents an entertaining blend of comedy and social commentary, highlighting the absurdities that arise from age-related expectations. Monroe’s role adds an extra layer of humor and lightheartedness to the film, making it an enjoyable cinematic experience for audiences.

Let’s Make It Legal (1951)

“Let’s Make It Legal,” released in 1951, features Marilyn Monroe in the supporting role of Joyce Mannering, a gold-digger. Monroe’s natural charisma shines through in her portrayal of the character.

Notable Scenes and Quotes

“I’m not interested in a custody case. I want cash!” – Joyce Mannering

In “Let’s Make It Legal,” Marilyn Monroe’s role as Joyce Mannering showcases her versatility and ability to bring depth to her characters, capturing the attention of audiences.

Film Details

“Let’s Make It Legal” is a delightful comedy that showcases Marilyn Monroe’s early talent and sets the stage for the iconic roles she would later portray in her career.

Conclusion

Marilyn Monroe’s film career, spanning from 1947 to 1962, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and has solidified her status as a legendary actress. With a diverse range of roles, Monroe showcased her beauty, charm, and undeniable talent, captivating audiences throughout her career and beyond.

From her early minor roles to her iconic performances, Marilyn Monroe’s contributions to film continue to resonate today. Her unforgettable portrayal of characters like Peggy Martin in “Ladies of the Chorus” and Joyce Mannering in “Let’s Make It Legal” showcased her ability to breathe life into even the most complex roles.

Monroe’s impact extends beyond the silver screen. She has become a pop culture icon, forever immortalized as the epitome of glamour and grace. Her distinct style, from the iconic white dress blowing in the air in “The Seven Year Itch” to her seductive rendition of “Happy Birthday” for President John F. Kennedy, has cemented her place in history.

Although Marilyn Monroe’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy continues to thrive. Her films remain timeless classics, and her influence on film and popular culture is undeniable. Marilyn Monroe will forever be remembered as one of the greatest actresses of all time, leaving an unparalleled impact on the world of cinema and becoming an enduring symbol of beauty and talent.

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