My Week with Marilyn

This film contains some strong language

# When love goes wrong

# Nothing goes right

# This one thing I know

# When love goes wrong

# A man takes flight

# And women get uppity-oh

# We're having a heat wave

# A tropical heat wave

# The temperature's rising

# It isn't surprising

# You certainly can

# I started this heat wave

# By letting my seat wave

# And in such a way that

# The customers say that

# I certainly can

# Can-can

# We're having a heat wave

# A tropical heat wave

# The way that I move that thermometer proves

# That I certainly can

# Can #

Everyone remembers their first job.

This is the story of mine.

I was the youngest in a family of overachievers.

My father was a world-famous art historian,

and my brother was ahead of me in everything.

I was always the disappointment.

I found my solace in the small cinema I went to every Thursday night.

Alfred Hitchcock. Orson Welles. Laurence Olivier.

These were my heroes.

I wanted to be a part of their world.

When I was 23, I got my chance.

Colin, come in. Have you met James and Anna,

-my two very brilliant pupils?

-Hello.

-I'm off to London now, Pa.

-Your silly job interview.

Well, bonne chance, dear boy.

I can always get you a research position at the V&A

once you've grown up a bit and got this film idea out of your system.

-So I'm off now, Ma.

-Off?

-My job interview, Mother.

-Oh! Can't you stay for dinner?

There's nothing to eat, but I'm sure the conversation will be charming.

I don't want to be late in the morning.

I'm sure they won't mind. You'll be a famous film director in no time.

I had everything to prove to my family, but more to prove to myself.

Like every young man, I had to make my own way.

So I decided to leave home

and join the circus.

-What do you want?

-A job on your next film.

You're an actor, aren't you?

No, I want to work on the production side.

We don't start shooting for another eight weeks.

-Come back nearer the time.

-May I wait until there's a job?

Vanessa!

-Good night.

-Good night, sir.

There are no jobs.

I'll come back tomorrow morning just in case.

It's a free country.

-Good morning.

-You're very determined.

Well, I'd do anything to be in the film business.

Anything?

Sir Laurence Olivier Productions.

No, I'm afraid he's at Notley till the end of the week.

-Vanessa asked me to...

-Oh, did she?

I need a number for Noel Coward. It won't be in the book.

-Hello, Vivien.

-Hello.

-Sir Laurence.

-Hughie!

Simply impossible to get Marilyn Monroe on the telephone.

The darling girl spends the entire day asleep.

-Hello, boy. Remind me.

-Darling, you remember Colin.

-You met him at the Clarks' party.

-Of course. What are you doing here?

You said there might be a job on your film.

Have a cigarette. Keep the pack.

Thank you, sir.

There won't be a film unless Miss Monroe gets her splendid posterior out of bed.

The house committee is threatening to withhold Miller's passport.

They say he's a communist. No Arthur, no Marilyn.

I'll have a word with the American ambassador.

I'm taking him to see Vivien's play on Thursday. Terry's rewrites, are they in?

Not all of them, of course. When did that ever happen?

He's the first actor since du Maurier to have his own brand.

They pay him an absolute fortune. I'm afraid they're rather ghastly.

Isn't he gorgeous, Vanessa?

I suppose he's all right.

Darling, you must do something for Colin. You absolutely promised.

Hughie, let's try to find him something to do.

-Yes. Of course.

-Come on, darling.

You'll look after my precious Larrykins, won't you?

-Come on, darling.

-Christ.

'Do you like it?'

'That's absolutely splendid. You were absolutely born for it.'

-Door.

-Sorry.

'And could you turn all the way around, my darling?

-'Thank you.'

-This is the dress Larry likes.

-'There?

-'The camera's ravishing you.

'Oh, dear. That sounds serious.

-'That's wonderful.

-'Too much?

-'Oh, God. Not for me.'

-Arthur Jacobs,

Miss Monroe's publicist, is flying in tomorrow.

He wants to see the house where she'll be staying.

Find something suitable.

-Yes, sir.

-'More importantly,

-'how does it make you feel?'

-And leave the bloody tea.

Oh. Sorry.

-Out of the question.

-I can't have a lot of awful film people travelling

-through the house in dirty boots.

-But we'd be paying

100 pounds per week for 18 weeks.

-My wife would never agree.

-That's a pity, Mr Cotes-Preedy.

I'll have to tell Miss Monroe to look elsewhere, then.

-Marilyn Monroe?

-Yes.

Suppose I'd have to be introduced.

Good morning, Mr Jacobs. Hope you had a pleasant flight.

Is this the fucking car?

Who built this place? Hansel and Gretel?

It's one of the best houses in the area.

All right. We'll take it.

But ditch the wallpaper. It's giving me a migraine.

That house was perfect for Marilyn.

-Can't use it now.

-Yes, we can.

I knew that Cotes-Preedy wouldn't be able to keep this quiet,

so that's why when you asked me to find a house for Miss Monroe,

I took the precaution of finding two.

So the other one, Parkside, is much better.

And the owner is very discreet.

So we've got two expensive houses now where we only needed one.

I thought that someone else on the production might want it.

Oh, did you?

I guess Milton could use it

and it's near the studio. Near Marilyn.

What are we paying you, boy?

-Nothing, sir.

-Let's see to it, Hughie.

Well done, boy.

Nice job, kid.

Colin Clark, Laurence Olivier Productions.

The film was then called The Sleeping Prince.

Marilyn was to play a naive American showgirl called Elsie Marina

who is seduced by an Eastern-European prince played by Olivier.

It was the lightest of comedies.

-You in the union?

-No.

Then you can't have a job on the film.

Well, how do I get into the union?

By getting a job on the film.

It's called a closed shop.

I suppose I might be able to do something for you.

The union owe me a few favours. We don't have a third yet.

-A third?

-Third assistant director.

-You do know what the job is?

-Assisting the director?

That's the last thing you do!

Lesson one - third's job is to do whatever the fuck I tell him.

And what are you waiting for?

Colin!

Lesson two - don't shit on your own doorstep.

-Got it?

-Got it.

Lesson three - the third always stays nearby.

Not in some bloody palace in London.

Book a room at The Dog & Duck down the road.

It's a bit rough. You'll get used to it.

Now make yourself useful. Marilyn needs a bodyguard.

Sort something out.

I'm sure you understand the sensitive nature of the job, Superintendent.

Something about looking after a cinema actress?

Well, not just any actress. Marilyn Monroe.

I never had much time for the pictures.

Excellent.

For the next four months,

you never leave her side. Day or night.

Her behaviour is reputedly a little erratic.

-She drinks?

-Amongst other things.

-Pills?

-It would be useful if you could, uh,

keep us informed of her domestic situation.

You want me to spy on her.

Well, the odd early warning if you know she's going to be late.

That kind of thing.

Hello.

Colin Clark. I booked a room.

Ah, right. Here you are.

Sign this.

What brings you up this way?

I'm working on a film at Pinewood.

Oh. What film is that?

It's called The Sleeping Prince. With Sir Laurence Olivier and Marilyn Monroe,

so I'll be working with them.

Room's three quid a week. First week in advance.

Number two.

And, uh, hope you don't mind, you'll be sharing with Grace Kelly.

This'll work fine for Marilyn.

Oh, and, uh, Paula will need the room next door.

-I beg your pardon?

-Sorry, who is Paula?

Strasberg. Marilyn's acting coach.

She's nuts about the Method.

Arthur, we've spoken about this before.

Stanislavski and the Method are perfectly fine in the rehearsal room,

but they don't belong on a film set.

Time is too tight.

Larry! Some good news.

House committee have decided Miller isn't a communist after all.

Of course he is.

All those pain in the ass New York intellectuals are Reds.

Which means she'll be flying in next week on schedule.

-Excellent news.

-She'll have to be met.

Well, naturally Vivien and l will be there to greet her,

but let's keep it low key, shall we?

You join us here at London Airport,

where it is absolute mayhem.

-Marilyn!

-This way!

-Get out of the way!

With her is her new husband, America's most celebrated playwright

and author of Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller.

Beautiful. You're looking at tomorrow's front page, boys.

-We'll have to get them into the hall.

-Sir Laurence Olivier

and Scarlett O'Hara herself, Vivien Leigh, are set to greet them.

American acting royalty meeting British acting royalty.

Gentlemen, it is my especial pleasure

to introduce a woman who clearly needs no introduction.

-Marilyn!

-How do you like being married?

Well, I like it. I like it a lot.

-Is this third time lucky?

-You bet it is.

Is it true you want to be a classical actress now?

Well, I want to be the best actress I can be.

There's a rumour you're going to be in The Brothers Karamazov on Broadway.

Ooh. I'm...considering it.

-Which of them will you be playing?

-I'll be playing Grushenka.

-Can you spell that?

-Sure. Can you?

Vivien, you created the role of Elsie on stage.

Have you any advice for Marilyn?

I am sure if Miss Monroe needs any advice,

she'll get it from her director.

I hear he's terribly good.

-Marilyn!

-Marilyn!

Are you happy with your last film?

Marilyn!

Is it true you wear nothing in bed except perfume?

Ooh.

Darling, as I'm in England, let's say I sleep in nothing but Yardley's Lavender.

Smile, Marilyn!

OK, let's get a snap of the newlyweds.

Smile, Arthur. It's not a firing squad.

This is some place you found.

You have my new assistant Colin to thank for that.

Colin, this is Milton Greene. You must be very nice to him.

He owns half of Marilyn Monroe Productions.

-49 percent, Larry.

-Have a cigarette.

-I don't smoke.

-Really?

-And the studio, they want a new title.

-Nonsense.

Thank you very much.

Marvellous, isn't she?

-She's all right.

-Larry fell desperately

in love with her in New York. He's determined to seduce her.

Yeah, but she's only been married three weeks.

I thought you were a man of the world.

Of course, Larry would never leave me,

but if anything were to happen you would tell me, wouldn't you?

-I'm sure he loves you very much.

-Oh, don't be such a boy.

I'm 43, darling.

No-one will love me for very much longer. Not even you.

What a wonderful adventure, Dame Sybil.

Such a lark.

I long to see her.

Miss Monroe?

Sir Laurence sends his compliments. He's ready for the read-through.

But Marilyn is not ready.

She's preparing.

Excuse my horrible face.

Ah! Marilyn, my dear.

Everyone is so excited to meet you.

Do...come along, my darling, my angel.

Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Marilyn Monroe.

-Marilyn.

-How lovely you are.

-Here, I kept a place for you.

-I have to be next to Marilyn.

What a good idea. I wish we could all bring a friend.

One does get so terribly nervous.

It's just like the first day at school, isn't it?

So, welcome, dear Marilyn,

to our little fraternity.

We may seem a little strange

and, uh, quaint to you at first,

but I hope that in time,

you may come to find your method in our madness.

So, my very noble and approved good masters,

may we strive to create a work of art

that, led by your good graces,

will be cherished

as long as motion pictures

may be remembered.

Were you surprised to get my invitation?

I'll say I was surprised.

I was so surprised, I couldn't hardly think you meant me.

Oh, but of course I meant you.

I had your name most carefully marked down in my programme.

In matters of this kind, I assure you I'm most methodical.

Who would you think I meant if not you?

Gee, Mr Sir, I could just listen to your accent all day.

Oh, you darling, Marilyn.

You're amongst friends now.

Just plain "Larry" will suffice, really.

That's so sweet. Um, whenever you're ready.

Well, Maisie Springfield.

No, not Maisie Springfield.

She is quite what I would call "old hat."

Remember why you're in the embassy, Marilyn.

What does the Grand Duke want from Elsie?

You came here and you thought...

From experience, Marilyn.

It's only a read-through, Paula.

Marilyn has to begin finding the character.

Oh, the character's on the page.

The words, maybe. Not the character.

Aren't we going to have fun?

Well, we'll pick it up whenever you like.

-We should talk. Just us.

-Yeah.

Thank you so much.

We can't have two fucking directors!

-Marilyn wants Paula.

-Why? She's got me.

Paula's costing us two and a half thousand bucks a week.

We might as well use her. Listen, Larry.

Accept Marilyn on her own terms and you'll be OK.

Try to change her and she will drive you crazy.

-Trust me.

-Christ, what have I got myself into?

-Come out with me tonight.

-I'm working.

-Well, tomorrow night, then.

-I'm washing my hair.

-But your hair's lovely.

-Look, I've got two rules.

Everyone has a lot of rules around here.

One, never touch the talent,

and two, never go out with thirds.

Why not?

Because they're all randy little buggers who just want some fun

-during shooting.

-I'm not like that.

Really.

I'm free on Saturday.

Colin!

Quiet on set, everyone!

How kind of you to meet us. Dear me, you do look cold.

They're ready for you in make-up, Dame Sybil.

How exciting. Don't you love the first day of a new production?

I don't know, Dame Sybil. I've never had one before.

Oh, to be young again.

She has kept Dame Sybil Thorndike

and the entire company waiting in full costume

for two hours, Mr Orton, and it is simply not fair.

I can't do this.

-What's wrong?

-She's nervous.

I'll deal with it.

Would you like to sit down, Dame Sybil?

Oh, yes. Colin, how kind.

-Why don't we all sit down.

-Oi!

That chair is a prop.

-Props are NATKE.

-But I was...

If ACTT members are going to start doing NATKE jobs, I'm calling my men out!

-He's right.

-Right.

I'm sure we're all good union members here.

There's no need to fall out over something so trivial.

It might be trivial to you, Dame Sybil, but it's my livelihood!

Put the chair down. Now!

I rather think you've made your point.

Solidarity is the most important thing here.

When unions fall out, it's management that benefits.

If I see you doing a NATKE job again,

I will close this set down quicker than you can blink.

-Dave!

-Yes?

Dame Sybil would like a chair.

Right. There you are.

I was on the picket lines in 1926, you know.

Now that really was a strike. We were all Bolsheviks then.

Ready. Camera running.

-Very quiet, everyone.

-Speed.

Five, take one.

Action.

Now, before you meet my mother-in-law,

I must remind you she's a little vague and can be very deaf on occasion.

My dear, such boredom.

The decoration's hideous and the music catastrophe.

Our friend, the ex-king of Moravia, drove me home.

He's now called the Duke of Strelitz.

He cannot, of course, go to the abbey tomorrow,

but he's most anxious you should invite him to the room

you have taken at the Ritz for Nicky.

-Maud?

-Yes, ma'am?

There you are. I didn't see you. Give me a glass of champagne I see over there.

-Olga Bosnia...

-Might I present Miss Elsie Marina?

Yes, my dear, of course. I remember you well.

-Gee, I forgot my line.

-That's a cut.

-I'm sorry.

-It's so easily done, isn't it?

I'm sure I went wrong somewhere there.

-Shall we have another go, Larry?

-Of course. Action.

Yes, my dear, of course.

-I remember you well.

-Oh, I'm quite sure you don't,

Your Royal...

I mean Your, uh, Imperial, uh...

..Serene Majesty? What does she say?

She says she's flattered and compliments you on your wonderful memory.

I'm in The Coconut Girl at the Avenue.

Didn't I have a line somewhere there?

Cut.

-Action.

-Sweetly pretty.

She should use more mascara.

When one is young, one should use a lot of mascara.

When one is old, one should use much more.

What do you do, my dear?

I'm in The Coconut Girl at the Avenue.

-Dear?

-She says she's an actress.

-Cut it there.

-Print.

-Check the gate.

-Gate's good.

That was perfect, Marilyn.

You were Elsie to the life.

I wonder, could we practise our lines together later?

You'd be doing me such a kindness.

At my great age, it's just so hard to make them stick.

-Why don't you come for tea tomorrow.

-Can I?

Sure.

She's impossible. I should've cast Vivien.

If anyone can make her great, it's you, sir.

Well, let's just hope I'm as brilliant as you think I am.

Now be a good boy and keep an eye on her.

Yes, sir.

I can't figure this stupid movie out.

You were wonderful, Marilyn. The most gifted actress I have ever known.

-No.

-You were superb, Marilyn.

You were divine. Have faith in your talent.

He was disappointed in me.

You are a great, great actress.

All my life, I have prayed for a great actress I could help and guide.

-Oh!

-Like this, I prayed to God,

on my knees, and he has given me you.

You are that great actress, Marilyn.

Trust yourself. Trust your talent.

-Come on, Paula, get up.

-No.

-Not until you admit that you were great!

-Oh!

-OK!

-Yes!

-I guess I was.

-Of course you were.

-There you are. Sorry.

-Thank you.

You really were very good, Miss Monroe.

Oh, thank you.

# Uno

# Dos

# Tres

# Uno

# Dos

# Tres. #

Are you sure you can afford all this?

It's fine.

Must be costing you a week's wages.

You are worth it.

You're not the average third, are you?

I'm not living off my parents, if that's what you mean.

I want to make my own way.

Will you be signing on your father's account, sir?

Um, no, I'm going to pay cash.

-Thank you.

-There you are, sir.

I was always going to pay, you know.

Course you were.

Do you think Marilyn's beautiful?

Not compared to you.

You don't have to try so hard to be charming.

You're nice enough as it is.

Well, you could be.

Wait a while, crocodile.

But I really do like you, Lucy.

Maybe. That's my dad.

Time to be thinking about bed, darling. Early start tomorrow.

Sorry, Daddy. We're just going over tomorrow's schedule.

Yes, I should be off, sir.

Uh, Colin Clark. Lovely to meet you, Mr Armstrong.

This is a great place you have here.

Do you know this part of the world?

Um, no. My family are more country people.

Oh. Well, good night.

Good night.

-Next Saturday?

-Yeah.

-Good morning, Dame Sybil.

-Colin, dear.

I thought you looked cold so I bought you this.

-Thank you, Dame Sybil.

-Film sets and rehearsal rooms

are coldest places on Earth.

She should be on time like everyone else.

-She's a star.

-I'm a fucking star.

She's the greatest piece of ass on Earth.

With tits like that, you make allowances.

Marilyn, my darling,

you are an angel and I kiss the hem of your garment,

but why can't you get here on time for the love of fuck?!

Oh. You have that word in England, too.

Marilyn has to prepare properly.

Acting isn't just a case of putting on a costume or a false nose.

You must apologise to Dame Sybil.

Sybil?

I'm so sorry.

My dear, you mustn't concern yourself.

A great actress like you has many other things on her mind.

You think I'm a great actress?

None of the rest of us truly know how to act for the camera,

but you do. It's a rare gift.

This poor girl hasn't had your years of experience.

She's in a strange country acting a strange part.

Now, are you helping or bullying?

Oh, thank you.

Before you meet my mother-in-law,

I must warn you she's a little vague and can be very deaf on occasions.

Uh, two is good, Jack. Yeah.

OK, let's cut it there.

-Speed.

-Five, take one.

-OK.

-Action.

When one is old, one should use much more.

-What do you do, my dear?

-I'm The Coconut...

And once again, please. Keep rolling.

-I'm in The Coconut Girl at the Avenue.

-Excellent.

I do need you to keep your eyes open if you can, my angel.

Paula, would you give the line, please?

Wait, I know it.

I'm in The Coconut Girl on the Avenue.

-At the Avenue.

-I'm at the Avenue.

It's not at the Avenue.

Uh, Sybil, would you give her the line again?

-Thank you.

-What do you do, my dear?

I'm in The Coconut Girl at the Avenue.

That one's pretty damn good. You knocked it outta the park.

-She says she's an actress.

-When Marilyn gets it right,

you just don't want to look at anyone else.

Cut it there.

We've only been shooting for four days. Already, we're two weeks behind.

So why not only show her the good takes.

She might feel better about herself.

Well, the kid's right. She could use the confidence.

No-one's forcing her to watch. Besides, she's an experienced actress.

-She should learn from her mistakes.

-But they only upset her.

Not half so much as they upset me!

Leave all that. Go and find Marilyn's script.

-Paula thinks she's left it in her dressing room.

-Yes.

-Your script...

-Oh, I found it.

You can go now, Colin.

David wants to know if you're ready for the extras in the ballroom scene.

Tell him he can start sending them up. Women first.

I'm looking forward to Saturday.

-Our date.

-Oh, I completely forgot.

I can't do Saturday. Marilyn wants to go shopping.

Since when do you work for her?

Next Friday instead.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, I'll pick you up. Eight o'clock.

-Gee, it's quiet.

-Sure is.

It's a Saturday, so it's early closing, but at least she can shop in peace.

That's awfully pretty. Every building here looks like a castle.

Oh, I think so.

Look.

-It's Marilyn!

-It's Marilyn Monroe!

-OK.

-It's her!

Slow down. You'll get your autograph.

-Whoa!

-You're so kind!

Boy, you're awfully excited.

-OK, guys, let's keep calm.

-Marilyn!

-Hold back a little.

-It's for my son.

Wait your turn!

This is too much.

-Oh!

-Colin, get in the car!

Stand back a few feet, please.

Jeez, Marilyn, they really love you.

Well, we're still the first ones, aren't we?

Gee, this is all right, isn't it?

Cut. Uh, the line is, "Gee, this is all right too, isn't it?"

It's a tiny word, my darling, but it does matter. So we'll...

We'll do it again. Once more, please, straightaway. Thank you.

-All right, as soon as we can.

-Turn over.

Well, we're still the first ones, aren't we?

-Gee, this is all right, isn't it?

-Cut.

-Can't we just drop it?

-Well, the thing is, darling,

you've already admired the downstairs hall in the earlier scene,

and now you're admiring this room as well.

If you see what I mean?

-Oh, sure.

-Thank you.

-Turn over.

-Paula?

Christ.

I don't get it.

He's such a strange man, I think she's already figured out

that he only invited her here to sleep with him.

I... What... So, what is the...?

The reason Marilyn can't remember the line

is because she doesn't believe the situation her character is in.

Then she should pretend to believe it.

"Pretend"? We're talking about the difference

between the truth and artificial crap.

We're in absolute agreement. Acting is all about truth,

and if you can fake that, you'll have a jolly good career.

Maybe we should try for another take.

Marilyn needs time to give a great performance.

You should give her as long as it takes.

Chaplin took eight months to make a movie.

Eight months of this?

-I'd rather kill myself.

-Oh!

I can't do this.

-I can't.

-Yes, you can. Yes, you can.

You can do it. You can't fail.

You'll have more pain, you will suffer more,

but you will create. All you need is time.

Think about the things you like instead of him.

Frank Sinatra. Hmm?

Coca-Cola.

Use your substitutions and make it work for you.

-OK.

-OK.

281, take 17.

Oh, we're still the first ones, aren't we?

Gee, this is all right too, isn't it?

Then she goes... She...

Cut! What is the matter now?

You wait! Marilyn, please.

Please, tell me how I can help you.

I don't know who Elsie is, and I can't act her if I don't know who she is.

You have her precisely. You understand her inside out.

I'm in awe of your gift. We all are.

-She's not real.

-Then why not simply rely on your natural talents?

So are you saying you don't want me to act?

Marilyn, will you just try to be sexy. Isn't that what you do?

I want Lee.

I want Lee.

-You've already got Paula...

-I want Lee!

-I'm the director.

-I'm Lee's representative...

It's 5:00 in the morning in New York.

I want Lee!

Oh, now forever,

farewell the tranquil mind,

farewell content...

Farewell the plumed troops

and the big wars that make ambition virtue. Oh, farewell!

Paula's not an actress!

She's not a director, she's not a teacher!

Her only talent is buttering up Marilyn!

Larry, she needs her people. We're the only family she's ever had.

Do you know what would make Marilyn Monroe a real actor? A season in rep.

They wouldn't stand for this nonsense at the Hippodrome in Eastbourne.

Larry, you have to be patient with her.

Trying to teach Marilyn how to act is like teaching Urdu to a badger!

I better go see her. She'll need something to help her calm down.

Christ! Pills to sleep. Pills to wake up.

Pills to calm her down. Pills to give her energy.

No wonder she's permanently ten feet underwater!

-Maybe she's scared.

-We're all scared!

I've spent half of my professional life in abject bloody terror!

It's what actors do!

But you have the training to deal with it, sir.

I wouldn't buy the "little girl lost" act if I were you.

Though heaven knows, it's tempting.

I think Marilyn knows exactly what she's doing.

Look, you better get over to Parkside and make sure the poor girl's all right.

Marilyn's OK. She's taken some pills and gone to bed.

They like to keep her doped up. It makes her easier to control.

They're terrified their cash cow will slip away.

Cheers.

Why does everybody always think I'm crazy?

I'm not crazy.

Marilyn, come back to bed.

It's not about you. It's not what you think.

It's just a few ideas.

Writer stuff.

Come on, let's get some sleep and bring back my book.

Don't touch me.

Good morning, Miss Monroe.

-It's nearly lunchtime.

-She's not feeling the part.

It's a light comedy. How much feeling can it possibly require?

Just give her a few minutes, Larry.

Boy, will you find out what the hell is going on, please?

KNOCK AT DOOR

It's Colin. Come in.

Are you all right, Miss Monroe?

-How old are you?

-24.

Nearly. I'm... I'm 23. I'm nearly 24.

Do you know you remind us of the young king in the movie?

And so...

uh...sweet.

And innocent.

I'm not sure I'm that innocent.

So, what's your job on this picture?

I'm the third assistant director. So, it's a gofer, really.

"Go for this, go for that."

But you're Larry's assistant, too.

Yes.

What were you doing in my house last night?

Did he send you?

He was worried about you.

Are you spying on me?

No, of course not. Why would anyone spy on you?

Colin.

Whose side are you on?

Yours, Miss Monroe.

Call me Marilyn.

Marilyn's got a new boyfriend.

-Larry will get jealous.

-Nothing happened.

You were there for ten minutes.

Plenty of time for a kiss and a cuddle.

I dreamed last night that I could hear singing.

And then I realised it wasn't a dream.

There was a male voice choir serenading Marilyn under our window.

At two in the morning.

It's a circus. Freak show.

I'm going back to New York for a few days.

I need a break. I need to see my kids.

-That won't help Marilyn.

-I can't help her.

She wants me to protect her, but...I can't.

She thought I could smash all her insecurities.

That I can make her a new person.

She read some notes I made.

They were nothing. Just, just a few ideas.

-But about her?

-She took them the wrong way.

You do...love her, your new bride and all that?

I can't work.

I can't think.

She's devouring me.

Good morning, Vivien.

Uh, ladies and gentlemen, my darling wife.

Hello. I hope Larry isn't making you all work too hard.

I know what a dreadful slave-driver he can be.

David. He would be lost without you.

-Just doing my job.

-And Jack, of course. Jack.

Oh. I'm getting old, Jack.

More beautiful every year, Vivien.

Well, I need you to work your miracles on me.

Are you looking after Larry like I told you?

I'm doing my best, Vivien.

Marilyn, darling.

Larry tells me that you are quite, quite superb,

-and I am wild with jealousy.

-Oh.

But everyone says you were a wonderful Elsie on stage.

Oh, but I'm too old to play her in the film.

Larry was quite brutal about that.

You see, the truth is all that matters to him,

and that's why we all admire him so very much.

I must let you work. I just wanted to wish you good luck.

-Hi, Vivien.

-And you.

I love the moustache. I do.

It suits you. Bye...

So I wasn't addressed. Who cares?

Bull in the labyrinth. Oop!

Who the heck is Theseus anyway?

I didn't think she would be so beautiful.

-Disgraceful!

-Oh, she shines on that screen.

Oh, darling. Puss, don't upset yourself.

You are ten times the actress she will ever be.

Oh, if you could see yourself. The way you watch her!

Oh, Vivien, you're imagining things. Please.

I hope she makes your life hell.

Vivien...

Do you have a cigarette, please, Colin?

No, not one of my awful things.

Remember, boy, when it comes to women,

you're never too old for humiliation.

Marilyn won't shoot today. She's gone back to Parkside.

She's upset about Arthur leaving England.

He's only going to visit his children.

You don't leave Marilyn alone. She can't handle it.

She thinks that everyone's going to abandon her.

PHONE RINGS

Let's hope she's changed her bloody mind.

-Yes.

-Sir Laurence?

-Roger, what's up?

-Is, uh, Colin there, sir?

-Yes, he is.

-Can I speak to him?

Colin, it's for you.

-Roger?

-Colin.

Miss Monroe.

Why don't you drop by here on your way home.

-Uh...

-What?

What is Marilyn doing on the phone with my third fucking assistant?

Yes, I'm sure I could do that.

Good.

Don't tell anyone, though.

Well, is she coming back?

No, she wants to see me.

He shouldn't be talking to her. He's just a kid.

-Supposing he said something.

-I'm sure Colin knows what he's doing.

Don't you, Colin?

I know you're awfully busy, Colin,

but if you could manage to find me a cup of tea before you leave,

that would be marvellous.

Miss Monroe said for you to wait.

Help yourself to a drink.

Oh, I'm sorry. I was checking that you've got everything.

Let me.

Are you frightened of me, Colin?

No.

Good. cos I like you.

I want you to help me.

Well, I'm only the third. I'm just... I'm a messenger, really.

But you know everything that's going on.

You can see both sides of the situation.

Please tell me everything.

-Uh...

-Relax!

I thought you weren't scared of me.

-Are you hungry?

-Uh...

I'll have them send in a tray. I'm starved.

Oh, go... Oh, gosh, I'm sorry.

Am I interrupting something?

Maybe you have a Mrs Colin waiting for you at home.

There's no Mrs Colin.

So we can talk as long as we like.

Why is Sir Olivier so mean?

He talks awful to me.

Like he's slumming.

I'll tell you what's wrong.

It's agony for him because he is a great actor

that wants to be a film star. And it's agony for you

because you're a film star who wants to be a great actress.

And this film won't help either of you.

You sure you can handle that?

You don't look old enough to drink.

-I'm 23, Miss Monroe.

-Oh, it's Marilyn.

Hmm. I'm 30.

I guess that makes me an old lady to you.

Seven years is nothing.

You know I've been married three times already.

How did that happen?

Maybe you're just looking for the right man.

They always look right at the start.

PHONE RINGS

I'll get that.

-Hello?

-Colin, is everything OK?

Everything's fine. Uh, Miss Monroe, she just...

She had some large packages she needed handling.

OK, what does she want?

Colin?

-Let me speak to her, Colin.

-Oh...

Let me talk to her. Sh!

Let me speak to her.

What is going on, Colin?

I'm afraid she's tied up right now.

Let me talk to her, damn it.

Let me talk to her.

-Colin!

-I'm sorry, Milton.

-I'm sorry. I have to go.

-Colin!

Let's go for a walk in the garden.

Let's go see if we can find any more reporters in the bushes.

Oh, I didn't know it was so pretty out here.

You should get out more. You should see the sights.

I am the sights.

You know, we're just like Elsie and the young king.

What would Sir Laurence say if he could see us now?

I don't think he'd mind.

But he thinks that I'm the enemy.

No, he doesn't understand your kind of actor.

He's hated the Method ever since Vivien worked with Elia Kazan.

It's all too strange and new.

So you're the future, and that frightens him.

You know what? Every time I walk into the studio,

I feel a sense of doom come over me.

He gives me the dirtiest looks, even when he's smiling.

And the crew hates me.

No, that's not true.

The only person I can trust is Paula.

Except for you now, maybe.

Phone call from New York, Miss Monroe. It's Mr Miller.

-Goodbye, Colin.

-Goodbye.

Thank you for telling me the truth.

You'll be leaving now, I expect.

I don't care if he fucks her sideways.

Perhaps it'll calm her down.

Oh, hello, boy.

Hear you spent last night with Marilyn.

I didn't spend the night with her. We had a chat.

-I heard them chuckling.

-Perhaps if Colin is very diplomatic,

Marilyn's more likely to behave herself.

-She just wants a chum, that's all.

-A chum?

Jesus Christ, what is this, Goodbye, Mr Chips?

Grow up, kid.

You know, I thought working with Marilyn would make me feel young again.

But I look dead in the rushes.

Dead behind these eyes.

I wanted to renew myself through her.

But all I see reflected in that magnificent face

is my own inadequacy.

You know, I admire Marilyn. I really do, despite her behaviour.

She's taken everything Hollywood can throw at her

and she's triumphed. That takes some bloody guts.

An actress has to be pretty tough

to get even a tenth as far as she has.

Be careful, boy.

She doesn't need to be rescued.

Not really.

It's you.

Marvellous! Absolutely marvellous, darling.

That's wonderful. Well done. Let's check that.

MARILYN LAUGHS

..Hold that thought.

Three minutes, ladies and gentlemen. Three minutes!

Colin! Arthur Miller called me. He's not happy with you.

-He doesn't even know who I am.

-Marilyn must have said something.

Well, maybe she's trying to make him jealous.

Listen, kid. I've known Marilyn for seven years.

I fell in love with her just as you've done.

We had ten days together, and that was it.

She picked me up, she put me down, that's what she does.

She breaks hearts. She will break yours.

My advice to you is quit before you get burned.

-I don't need your advice.

-Have it your way.

You don't see Marilyn again. You don't even talk to her.

She's completely off limits to you. Do you understand me?

Yes.

-I waited for you on Friday.

-Lucy, I'm so sorry.

I completely forgot. I just... I've been so busy.

So I hear.

Well, you know how crews gossip. There's nothing in it.

Of course there isn't.

Marilyn Monroe fancying you? Come on.

-Oh, hi, Colin.

-Hi.

Hi, Lucy.

-I thought you were different.

-I really like you, and we have fun.

And now it's time to set your sights a little higher.

Well, good luck.

-Get in.

-Any problem, Roger?

Uh, no. Just dropped by to take Colin out to lunch.

You're not taking him to Marilyn.

That would drop us all in a whole ocean of shit.

No, sir. Been looking forward to this, haven't we, Colin?

Yeah.

OK. You have a nice time, boys.

-Surprise!

-Jesus!

Roger and I decided to take you on an adventure.

What the hell?

-Colin!

-Oh!

Get back here, you little bastard!

Colin! You're fired! You hear me?

Do you think he saw me?

Colin!

Snuggle up. This is fun.

This is the getaway car.

I oughta feel like this every day.

We have today, anyway.

We have one day to do whatever you like.

Then we can go back to real life tomorrow.

Only one day?

-Well, maybe the weekend.

-Or a week!

What should we do now?

We could go to Windsor Castle, if you like.

Detective Chief Superintendent Smith.

I'm escorting this lady and gentleman for the day.

They'd like to look around the castle.

I need a contact name for the book.

You don't know Her Majesty, by any chance?

Yes, we met at a movie premiere. She said my dress was pretty.

I don't think that quite does it, sir.

My godfather works here.

He's the royal librarian. Sir Owen Morshead.

-Hello, sir.

-Colin, my boy! Come in!

Forgive the dust.

Oh, you are very pretty, my dear.

Oh!

Gee, I'd sure like to read all these books.

Luckily, one doesn't really have to.

A lot of them just have pictures in.

-This is by an artist called Holbein.

-She's beautiful.

She was the daughter of one of the king's courtiers.

Nearly 400 years ago.

Gee, I hope I look that good when I'm 400.

These are by Leonardo da Vinci.

Didn't he paint that lady with the funny smile?

-The Mona Lisa.

-Do you have that one here, too?

Alas, that one got away.

Oh.

-The Queen's sorry to have missed you.

-Really?

Oh, yes! Why, she was only saying to me the other day,

"What must it be like to be the most famous woman on Earth?"

Colin, look.

Gee, I sure never had a doll's house like this when I was a kid.

-Can I?

-Yes, of course.

This is me.

That's you, and these are our kids.

Oh, our daughter's so pretty.

All little girls should be told how pretty they are.

Should grow up knowing how much their mother loves them.

There she is!

Shall I be her?

-Are you somebody, mate?

-No. I'm no-one.

So this is your old school, huh?

Did you sing in the school choir?

-No.

-That's a lie, I can tell.

How old were you?

I was sent away to boarding school when I was eight.

Why? Didn't your parents like you very much?

That's just how they do it in my family.

Well, I'd never send my kids away.

Eton is 500 years old.

It was founded by King Henry VI.

No wonder it's so dusty.

Looks more like a palace.

That room there, upper school, that's where you're sent

if you don't work hard enough. You're whipped.

-No.

-Mm-hm.

-That's awful.

-It's Marilyn Monroe!

Oh!

-Come see Marilyn.

-Well, hello, boys.

-Pleased to meet you!

-Blow us a kiss, Marilyn!

Sure. All right, boys. Work hard! I don't want anyone whipping you.

You can whip me any time, Marilyn!

Oh!

Oh!

-Maybe we should go.

-It's time to go. Lovely to see you.

Hurry up, slowpoke!

There's no... We haven't got our... We can't...

Oh, God.

Oh, God.

This is great.

Oh, my God!

What if a boat goes past? We'll be arrested.

Don't worry. Roger will fix it.

-Ooh!

-What?

-I have something in my eye.

-Let me see.

I can't see anything.

That's the first time I've kissed anyone younger than me.

There's a lot of older guys in Hollywood.

Ooh.

Don't be shy, Colin. It's nothing you haven't seen before.

Oh, Colin. And you, an old Etonian.

My God, it's cold. It's freezing!

Here. Come here. Let me warm you up.

Is that better?

I want this to be the perfect date.

I haven't had a real date since I was 13 years old.

That was nice.

Ahem! Time to go home, I think, Miss Monroe.

Be careful not to get in too deep, son.

# The falling leaves drift by the window

# The autumn leaves of red and gold

# I see your lips

# The summer kisses

# The sunburned hands

# I used to hold

# Since you went away

# The days grow long

# And soon I'll hear

# Old winter's song

# But I miss you most of all, my darling... #

Hi, Milton.

The next time I come on set, you better make sure Colin is there.

Take him home.

You spent the day with her. What frame of mind was she in?

-She was fine, sir.

-Oh, how lovely.

Well, go and find out why she's not standing here

right now in front of that. There's a good chap.

And perhaps on this splendid day we can persuade her to do

some of the work that she is currently paying herself to do.

-Don't start, Dickie.

-You won't get any sympathy from me.

-She's trying her best.

-Oh, dear.

Little Colin's in love.

-Colin?

-What's the matter?

It's Marilyn. She's asking for you.

She hasn't made a sound for over an hour.

-So how many pills did she take?

-Jesus! Who knows?

-I wasn't counting.

-Marilyn? So how about the window?

Marilyn, darling? Open the door, bubbeleh.

That's her window.

Marilyn?

Marilyn.

Colin?

Oh, hi, Colin.

Are you OK?

Everyone's worried about you.

Oh, phooey.

Colin!

-Get in.

-Colin!

Colin, come on, open up!

-Colin?

-Colin!

Open this door. She needs me. Colin!

You don't understand her.

-Come on.

-She's fine, uh...

-Come on, open up!

-I'm going to keep an eye on her,

and I will sleep on the sofa.

Colin, listen to me. You can't talk to her.

I can't find the key. Look, you can all go home now.

-You don't understand her. Come on.

-Go home.

Oh, my...

Colin. What are you doing here?

Uh, I came in through the window.

Milton thought that you were sick.

Oh.

The window.

How romantic.

That's just like Romeo and Juliet.

What... Why would they say that I'm sick?

Please.

Please don't take any more.

Who's this? Who's that?

That's my mama. She bought me a white piano.

Right before they took her to the asylum.

I grew up in other people's homes, mostly.

Is that Abraham Lincoln?

That's my dad.

Well, I don't know who my real father is, so it may as well be him, right?

Do you have a home, Colin? A real one?

-With a mama and a daddy?

-Yes, I do.

Do they love you?

I'm sure that they do.

Mm. You're lucky.

Yes.

Do you love me, Colin?

Yes.

You're like some Greek goddess to me.

I'm not a goddess.

I just want to be loved like a regular girl.

-Mr Miller loves you.

-No, I found his notebook.

He said the most horrible things about me.

Writers, they scribble all kinds of things. It doesn't mean anything.

No, he wanted me to find it.

He said he wished he'd never married me.

Why do the people I love always leave me?

I will never leave you.

All people ever see is Marilyn Monroe.

As soon as they realise I'm not her, they run.

You're different.

You're not like that.

You should date that wardrobe girl.

She's so pretty.

I don't want to.

I love you.

This is nice.

It's like spoons.

I used to do this with Johnny.

-Who's Johnny?

-Johnny Hyde.

He was my agent back in the old days.

He was thin just like you.

Marilyn, do one thing for me.

Mm...

Come to the studio on-time tomorrow

and show everybody what you can do.

Show Larry that you are a great actress.

OK.

MARILYN HUMS AND SPLASHES

# No matter what others may say or do

# Light of heart and fancy free

# That's the way to start

# There will be nothing to lose

# Till you lose your

# Heart. #

Oh!

-This is intolerable!

-With deepest respects, sir.

My message was so important, I had no choice but to intrude.

-Revolution?

-No, sir.

Miss Marina's aunt has been in a motor accident.

What?

Oh, go away, you silly man.

Miss Marina, your aunt. Do you realise how serious her condition is?

Well, it's her own fault.

She has no right out this time of night. She's 93!

Cut it there.

Well, whatever it was you did to her, boy, keep doing it.

I've never seen her so happy.

PHONE RINGS

-Yes.

-We need Colin

at the house right away.

Got a pain in my side, for Christ's sake!

What, are they trying to make me think I'm crazy or something?

Is that what it is? You know I don't just rev it up like a Model T.

I don't just crank it up.

No-one's asking you to just crank it up. We're worried about you...

Isn't that what you're saying? I was sick, for God's sake!

-Can't I be sick?

-Colin's here.

Colin.

Colin.

Colin thinks I'm a good actress. Don't you, Colin?

-Yes, I do. You were wonderful today.

-See?

-Marilyn's tired now.

-I want him to stay with me.

And what would Arthur say if he knew Colin was here?

You heard what she said, she wants me here. Come on.

You have no idea of your position in the world, Marilyn.

You are the greatest actress that has ever been.

Mm?

I love you like a daughter.

-Oh.

-My darling girl. I know it's hard now.

But you will survive this and go on to better things. You're young.

Your life is ahead of you, just beginning.

Sit with Colin, mm?

Oh, Paula, I'm sorry.

-Come here.

-Oh, no.

Come here. I'm here now.

Colin?

-I'll look after you.

-Don't leave.

-I'm not.

-Please don't leave.

-I'm not. Sh.

-Please don't leave.

Please don't leave.

Oh.

Oh, it hurts, it hurts!

It's a baby! It's a baby!

I can't lose the baby! Colin!

Oh!

Roger! Call a doctor!

Who's in charge here?

I've given Mrs Miller an injection and the bleeding stopped.

But she needs to stay in bed tomorrow, and after that she'll be fine.

I suggest someone stays with her.

She'll be safe with me. Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Good night, then.

Was she really pregnant, sir?

I think that's a private matter between Mr and Mrs Miller, don't you?

Arthur's on his way back.

When this movie is over,

I'm going to settle down and be a good wife to him.

I'm going to learn to make matzo-ball soup as good as his dad.

We have to forget this whole thing ever happened.

I don't want to forget.

Let me protect you from all this.

Oh. What are you going to do?

-Marry me?

-Why not?

You could quit this. Forget Marilyn Monroe.

Forget Hollywood. Let it all go.

Just let it go.

I couldn't just give it up.

Why not?

Why not, when it drives you crazy?

You think I'm crazy?

I just meant that you could be happy.

I am happy.

Of course you're happy.

You're the biggest star in the world.

You're right. We have to forget all this.

So from now on, I'm just the third assistant director,

and we will never look at each other again.

Maybe just a wink.

Once in a while.

My dear. My dear.

-Yes?

-They're ready for you on set.

-Marilyn?

-Just arrived.

Only an hour late. Not bad by her standards.

Perhaps we'll finish this bloody film after all.

527. Take one.

-Cut it there.

-And check that, please.

584, take two.

Take five.

649, take two.

Let's cut it there.

Very quiet, studio.

# I found a dream

# Laying in your arms

# The whole night through

# I'm yours