Portfolio VI
Bed
October 1953 – This rare and previously unpublished series of photos was taken at the guest villa of Joseph Schenk’s estate. The simple environment of only pillows, sheets, a robe and copper cup (very 1950s) showed Marilyn’s adaptability; a chameleon showing a different personality. It is extraordinary to see how many different looks she could produce and how comfortable she was with Milton behind the camera. Milton’s talent for simplicity is captured in these images.
Laurel Canyon
May 1954 – Milton and Marilyn visited a horse ranch in Laurel Canyon. This series of fun and impromptu pictures shows a casual Marilyn relaxing, riding horses and having fun. Having to ride and snap photos at the same time was not easy – Milton, being the city boy from Brooklyn was no cowboy! The camaraderie between Milton and Marilyn is evident in their photos together.
Lincoln
April 1956 – Marilyn and Milton flew back to Los Angeles to pick up her Cadillac, given to her by Jack Benny for appearing on his show the previous year. This tongue-in-cheek series of photos was taken holding a portrait of “Honest Abe”. Marilyn had always looked up to the President and read any book she could find about him.
Rock
May 1954 – Milton loved using textured backgrounds, such as draped fabrics or natural landscapes. Taken at Laurel Canyon, Marilyn is nestled into a crevasse and posed for this charming series of photos for Look magazine.
Schenk House
October 1953 – Joseph Schenk was partners with Darryl F. Zanuck, together creating 20th Century Fox. After being convicted and serving time for tax evasion, Schenk returned to 20th Century Fox and mentored a young, up-and-coming Marilyn Monroe. Schenk remained Marilyn’s benefactor, but was unable to convince Zanuck to give her more roles of substance. This reality only fueled Marilyn’s desire to be free of Fox. During one Fall weekend, Schenk allowed Milton and Marilyn to stay at the guest villa of his Beverly Hills estate.
Swimming Pool
June 1955 – On a hot summer’s day, Gene Kelly, Amy, Milton and Marilyn drove to the home of Richard and Dorothy Rodgers, who lived just a few miles away from the Greene’s Connecticut home, to cool off with friends. These photos show a side of Marilyn rarely seen by the public: the young freckle-faced star sans makeup.
Tree
September, 1953 – The next day, Milton picked up Marilyn to have lunch and later, to review the pictures afterwards. On the way to lunch, Milton, who loved trees, spotted the perfect setting. This series of pictures was taken with Marilyn wearing her own clothing. Their friendship blossoming, Marilyn confided in Milton about her dissatisfaction with her studio “slave” contract.