See a different side of Marilyn Monroe in Don't Bother to Knock

Marilyn Monroe in a seductive pose that gives
a completely different feel to the film Don't Bother to
Knock
Photo: 20th Century Fox

When most people think of Marilyn Monroe, they picture blonde hair, an hourglass figure, and a voice that would make one think that there isn't much going on upstairs.  In 1952's Don't Bother to Knock, Monroe proved to audiences that she could be more than just a showgirl or a ukulele player.

Monroe plays Nell, the niece of a hotel's elevator operator, a shy, beautiful (however understated) girl.  She is to be the babysitter for the daughter of a couple staying at the hotel.  From the moment you see Nell, it is obvious that there is something a little off.  She is timid, unsure, and anxious about her duties for the evening.

In another wing at the hotel sits Richard Widmark (as Jed), who has come to the hotel to see his ex-girlfriend (played by Anne Bancroft, in her feature film debut).  As Jed sips the bottle, he sees Nell through a window and here begins their somewhat odd love affair.

The film is really one of the most interesting dramas to come out of the fifties, and certainly one of the more interesting Monroe films.  In one scene, as Nell prepares to meet Jed, she puts on makeup (belonging to the child's mother) and as she does so, the camera focuses on her wrists.  We can plainly see scars, marks left from when Nell tried to end her life.

Without giving much more away, Don't Bother to Knock is definitely one of the best films not only starring Monroe, but also one of the most surprising and fulfilling pictures I've seen.

Don't Bother to Knock will be airing this Friday, August 21st, at 6 a.m. on AMC.