The Seven Year Itch

So there I was, in the library, perusing the DVD section, when I came across The Seven Year Itch.

(For a backgrounder on the movie, click HERE)

Now normally, I wouldn't watch a movie starring Marilyn Monroe, but for some reason, I decided to give it a whirl.

And boy, was I pleasantly surprised!

Not only was this my first time seeing a Marilyn Monroe flick, but unbeknownst to me, this was the movie that contained that famous scene where Marilyn's skirt flies-up as she stands over a subway grate.

Now I understand why she was nicknamed, "The Blonde Bombshell"! 

Instead of the movie being antiquated and boring, it was actually an eye-opening look into societal stereotypes and etiquette of the 1950s.

Now for those of you who have yet to see this movie, don't worry! There's no need for a spoiler alert here. But what follows are specific references to the movie to support my commentary about which stereotypes were reinforced by the Hollywood "machine" during this movie:

Aboriginals, Asians, and men (gay and str8) - During the opening scene, we're treated to a reenactment of the beginnings of summer when Manhattan was inhabited by American Indians. While the notion that "men will be men" is full of opportunities for humour, seeing a bunch of white guys decked-out in body paint, playing a caricature of a North American Indian, is not.

In fact, it reminded me of the Blackface minstrel shows of the 19th century.

Crude. 

And in very poor taste.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if these caricatures of the bumbling, dimwitted husband was the genesis of all those "wife to the rescue" plot-lines that we keep seeing regurgitated over and over again in modern day t.v land.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

But apart from actor Tom Ewell (who played the role of Richard Sherman)  making references to the "Chinese laundry" and the two "interior decorators" who live on the top floor, the rest of the movie was a pleasure to watch.  

Especially, the reenactment of THE famous beach scene from the classic movie From Here to Eternity. I thought it was hilarious! 

While it's safe to say that Marilyn Monroe's portrayal of the beautiful new neighbour tickled a few "funny bones" in the audience, I don't think it did her any justice. I'm sure behind that caricature of a "dumb blonde", there was probably an actor that had the potential to bring truth to a number of different roles.

But alas, the Hollywood execs had other plans for "The Blonde Bombshell".

Overall, man's challenges with fidelity will always be chock-o-full of opportunities for pain and pleasure. And when you marry the two you get either The Seven Year Itch or, Fatal Attraction.

Cooked bunny anyone?