Marilyn's Walk

For one of the epochal scenes in “Niagara,” the Costume Designer detailed a distinctive red serge jacket which replicated the flair of the ceremonial scarlet tunic distinguishing the uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. With a simple white blouse, a shiny black pencil skirt and the pronounced elevation of high heeled shoes, this engaging attire provided an accent for the unique Monroe look that dominated what was to become known as simply “The Walk.”

Marilyn’s sensuously undulating trek required an astonishing 116 feet of film and lasted 16 seconds. It has been dubbed the longest walk in film history. “The Walk” generated global press interest not due to its length particularly, but more so because it succinctly demonstrated how Marilyn’s way of moving from point A to point B was clearly not the way of mere mortals. Harmon Jones, a well know film editor noted: “Marilyn can squeeze more meaning out of a few steps than most actresses can accomplish with a dramatic 6 page monologue.” Author Pierre Berton observed that in “Niagara,” unlike most actresses who walked into stardom, Marilyn got her start by walking away from the camera.”

Relative to “The Walk” Marilyn would comment: “I’ve never deliberately done anything about the way I walk. People say I walk all wiggly and wobbly, but I don’t know what they mean. I just walk. I never wiggled deliberately in my life, but all my life I’ve had trouble with people who say I do.” She would later say: “I learnt to walk as a baby and I haven’t had lesson since,” as well as: “I use walking to get around.”

WITH A BREAK IN FILMING “EDDIE HODGE” GOT HIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO CAPTURE THE MAGNIFICENT IMAGE OF MARILYN & THE TEA CUP. IN THE PHOTO SHE WEARS THE APPAREL DESIGNED FOR HER LEGENDARY WALK.