In her touching introduction actress Anjelica Huston writes: "Here are gentle portraits of a ravishing child-woman - feline, innocent, anxious, trusting, sad, sweet, passionate and funny...." Quite true.
Photographer Arnold and Monroe enjoyed a ten-year friendship, in fact, interestingly enough, the two met at a party given by actress Huston's father, John Huston. At the time Monroe was still a relative unknown but was intrigued by photographs Arnold had taken of Marlene Dietrich. These were unposed photos not at all like the studio-lit, formal shots so popular. Monroe wanted Arnold to do the same for her. As this volume reveals, Arnold did it beautifully.
1n 198 pages we find photos of Monroe primarily beginning on Long Island in 1952 and concluding with shots of the filming of "The Misfits" in 1960 and an appointment with hairdresser Kenneth in 1961.
Of course, Monroe was a sex symbol yet these photographs by Arnold reveal not only her sexuality but her vulnerability, her humor and her amazing natural beauty.
This is a new edition of the 1987 volume, and includes 28 previously unseen photos. It's a must-have for Monroe fans and cinema buffs alike.
- Gail Cooke