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- What Is the Western Musical About & Who Stars In It?
- Fox Forces Monroe to Headline the Picture
- Chaos & Filming Challenges Plague Production
- A Certified Box Office Knockout
As a film historian and avid fan of classic cinema, I have had the privilege of delving into the lives and careers of some of the most iconic stars that graced the silver screen. And let me tell you, few stories are as captivating as the tumultuous production of “River of No Return”.
Without a doubt, one of the most cherished pop culture figures globally is none other than Marilyn Monroe. In the 50s and 60s, this blonde bombshell reigned supreme on the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood with her captivating charm and appeal. Monroe was renowned for gracing iconic films such as “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “The Seven Year Itch,” and “Some Like It Hot,” enchanting audiences with her stunning looks, sharp humor, and heartwarming vulnerability that solidified her status as a genuine leading actress.
Six decades after her tragic death, Monroe remains a magnetic force captivating both seasoned and contemporary fans. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her as the sixth-greatest female star from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Monroe collaborated with some of Tinseltown’s most talented actors, such as Jane Russell, Lauren Bacall, Tony Curtis, and Clark Gable. Notably, Monroe ventured into the Western genre in 1954 when she starred alongside Robert Mitchum in “River of No Return.” This film, contractually obligated, turned out to be a significant turning point for her successful career.
What Is the Western Musical About & Who Stars In It?
1. Iconic figures Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum delivered outstanding performances in the Western musical River of No Return, which is set in a bustling tent city in the Pacific Northwest during 1875. In this town, widower Matt Calder, having just been released from prison, embarks on a journey to locate his nine-year-old son Mark. He makes a promise to the young boy that they will live a life filled with hunting, fishing, and farming together upon their reunion. At the same time, kind dance hall singer Kay and her roguish fiancé Harry Weston are navigating a raft towards Council City in search of a profitable gold mine claim. Their paths cross with Matt and Mark along the way.
Following Matt’s assistance to the stranded couple whose raft capsized, Harry inappropriately takes Matt’s horse and gun. Meanwhile, Kay, feeling dismayed, remains to tend to Matt’s injuries. The trio then ventures through a perilous river voyage to track down Harry, encountering various hazards along the way such as menacing mountain lions, hostile native tribes, and ruthless gold miners. As they navigate this treacherous journey, tensions between Matt and Kay escalate, leading to a deepening bond as they work together on their challenging quest.
1954 saw both Mitchum and Monroe reign as titans of Hollywood, each boasting impressive resumes. Mitchum, known for his deep, expressive performances, had starred in notable films such as “The Story of G.I. Joe,” “Out of the Past,” “Angel Face,” and “His Kind of Woman.” On the other hand, Monroe was rapidly climbing the ranks as one of the most sought-after and marketable actresses, with hits like “Niagara,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and “How to Marry a Millionaire” under her belt. Together, they formed an unstoppable duo in the gripping Western, demonstrating their ability to conquer any genre and embody characters with ease.
Fox Forces Monroe to Headline the Picture
Marilyn Monroe and director Otto Preminger were bound by contract to work on River of No Return for 20th Century Fox, even though they both felt dissatisfied because they thought the script wasn’t good enough. Later, Monroe expressed her disappointment about the role, saying, “I feel I deserve better than a low-grade Western where the acting is overshadowed by the scenery and CinemaScope process.” Similarly, Mitchum wasn’t enthusiastic about the project and derisively called the film “the one-way trip,” fearing that the Western might flop at the box office.
In spite of her initial hesitations, Marilyn Monroe found herself taking on a unique screen character as Kay Weston in “River of No Return.” This character was earthy, spirited, and unwaveringly loyal to both Matt and the young boy. She even managed to keep pace with the challenging wilderness. Moreover, Monroe lent her voice to several touching songs in this compelling film, showcasing her vocal versatility with performances of “I’m Gonna File My Claim,” “One Silver Dollar,” and “Down in the Meadow.” Interestingly, the actress who had previously been reluctant about joining the production faced one of the most challenging phases of her career during the filming of “River of No Return.”
In response to persistent frustrations and unfair treatment at 20th Century Fox, coupled with a meager salary, Marilyn Monroe decided to take charge and establish her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, in 1955. This move, which made her one of the earliest women to create their own production company since Mary Pickford’s time in silent films, sparked a heated, year-long negotiation with Fox. The standoff eventually ended with Monroe securing an exclusive deal with the studio, as Elizabeth Winder, author of “Marilyn in Manhattan,” noted about this groundbreaking power play.
“She acknowledged that the studio held significant control over her, yet she yearned to break free from this restrictive system without abandoning her acting career altogether. This was her means of realizing her potential as an actress and fulfilling her lifelong dream, but there seemed to be no smaller-scale way to achieve it.”
Chaos & Filming Challenges Plague Production
The filming of “River of No Return” encountered one issue after another, beginning in Calgary, Alberta in June 1953. The cast and crew grappled with unpredictable weather and persistent rainfall that hindered the shooting process. Marilyn Monroe found herself at odds with director Otto Preminger, who was assertive on set, as she was known for being a delicate personality who required a softer touch. Accompanying her was her acting coach Natasha Lytess, and Preminger disapproved of Lytess’s intrusive management of Monroe and her defiance of his creative decisions during scenes.
Apart from Monroe’s conflicts with Preminger, an additional danger arose during filming in the treacherous Canadian waters. A mishap occurred when Monroe slipped on a rock, nearly drowned, and sprained her ankle during a scene. Mitchum and other crew members bravely jumped into the water to save her. Preminger tried to get Lytess kicked off set because she undermined the confidence of young actor Tommy Rettig with her acting critiques. Fox executive Darryl F. Zanuck intervened, reinstating Lytess after Monroe threatened to abandon the project. The director also grappled with Mitchum’s alcoholism and his own disagreements with the actor, who considered Preminger both a talented producer and a jovial person but “not an effective director.”
A Certified Box Office Knockout
Despite the backstage chaos and tumult that surrounded the production of “River of No Return,” this Western musical became a blockbuster hit, raking in an impressive $3.8 million at the box office. This only served to solidify Marilyn Monroe’s status as one of cinema’s most extraordinary leading ladies. The electric chemistry between Monroe and Mitchum was undeniably captivating on screen, and she beautifully portrayed the complex character of Kay, a sympathetic saloon singer, demonstrating her versatility and inimitable charm. Many critics praised her outstanding performance in this film.
1. The TV Guide praised the film as a delightful, often endearing, and exquisitely captured Western, boasting exceptional acting from Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe, as well as outstanding collaboration among the cast. It was an entertaining piece that consistently held one’s attention. Despite Monroe’s challenging experience on this Western set, her encounters with the director and studio motivated her to seize control of her career and pursue roles that truly resonated with her.
The success of Marilyn Monroe Productions might not have occurred without the turmoil surrounding the filming of “River of No Return” and her tumultuous relationship with Fox. The actress stood up against her limitations, choosing to carve her own path in Hollywood. Similarly, Otto Preminger, who experienced difficulties during production, decided he no longer wished to work as a studio employee and severed ties with Fox, paying $150,000 to terminate the remaining portion of his contract. John Mitchum, reflecting on their collaboration in “River of No Return“, expressed nothing but admiration for Monroe, affectionately referring to her as a “very special girl with a profound sense of compassion for people.”
Rent/Buy on River of No Return on Apple TV+.
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2024-08-17 02:02