AboutLara Fowler Expertise I am especially knowledgeable about Monroe's early life, her movies, her individual personality, her husbands, troubles with illness, addictions, fears, and insecurities. I am also versed in her years with Lee Strasberg at the Actor's Studio--especially her home life during that time. I am of the school that Marilyn committed suicide, due to her haunting memories and unbearable illnesses, so I will not be able to answer any detailed conspiracy questions--though I do know the basics.
Experience I am very knowledgeable about classic film in general--I have been studying it since I was 10 years old and Marilyn has always fascinated me. I have read nearly every book ever printed about her, and have paid particular attention to her early life (up to her marriage with Jim Dougherty). My knowledge of classic film has garnered awe in my community!! It has even won a national award--at the age of 13.
Education/Credentials Pursuing B.A. in French, minor in Film Studies, from Mills College.
Awards and Honors National Wizard of Oz trivia contest winner: 1998
Expert: Lara Fowler Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: Marilyn stag film
Question QUESTION: I have an 8mm film I got in the early 70's with what appears to be Marilyn on the front. The film has a girl which appears to be Marilyn topless fondling a apple and a pop bottle. It has been 30+ years since i viewed the film but I wondered if this could be a real film of her. It is black & white too. On the cover is a picture of her with her name on the right side spelled vertically. No other info is on the film box.
Any info would be appreciated.
ANSWER: Hi Paul,
Do you have any idea when this film was made? That may give an indication as to whether or not it is her--Marilyn died in 1962, so knowing the date of the film would prove very helpful. Was her hair brown or blonde in the film? Was it short or long? Feel free to follow up and give any further description, so I may be of further assistance. If you can estimate the date, that would be helpful too.
Looking forward to helping solve this mystery!
-Lara
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I don't know the date of the film. It was black & white so I ASSUME it is older but I just don't know. From what I remember her hair was brown in the film but it looks lighter on the box cover. That's pretty much all I can remember about the film.
Thanks
Answer Hi Paul,
Back then most stag videos were black-and-white, so your remembering that the hair was brown is very important. Marilyn was a natural brunette, so if it is her, this film likely was made in the late 1940s. As to whether or not it is her, I would really have to see it to look at her features in order to determine for sure, but Marilyn was just starting out in the late 1940s, she made the nude calendar shoots then, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is a real film you have, given the aspects of Marilyn's life that were concurrent with this time period. But a lot of people did make stag films, so again, I would have to see it! Sorry I can't be of more help, but I hope that what I could give was of some assistance!
-Lara
