Marilyn’s Rare ‘Birthday’ Footage (and More) at Julien’s

First posted here on October 12, 2012 Julien’s Auctions will be holding their Hollywood Icons and Idols sale in Beverly Hills on November 9-10. Marilyn-related items include an eight-minute colour film made at John F. Kennedy’s birthday gala; the purple skirt Monroe wore for a 1953 photo shoot with John Vachon; a rare photo taken in...

Liz Smith on Marilyn’s Last Cheque

First posted here on July 10, 2012 Last week, a forensic psychologist commented on what may be Marilyn’s last signed cheque, for a chest of drawers, dated August 4th. (The cheque goes under the hammer at Heritage Auctions on July 24th.) “‘People about to kill themselves frequently engage in self-soothing behaviors,’ Dr. S. David Bernstein told The...

Marilyn’s Last Check, Pucci and More at Heritage Auctions

A photograph signed by Marilyn to avoid a speeding ticket was sold for $31,250 at the Entertainment & Music Memorabilia event at Heritage Auctions on July 24, 2012. Los Angeles traffic cop Roy Garrett (now deceased) made a habit of acquiring autographs from movie stars with bad driving skills.  Marilyn inscribed the photo, ‘To Roy,...

Whitey Snyder’s Marilyn Mementoes Sold at Julien’s Auctions

First posted here in March 2012 A gold Tiffany money clip, engraved 'Whitey Dear: While I'm still warm/Marilyn,' has sold for $21,250 in the Hollywood Legends event at Julien's Auctions (March 31, 2012.) It comes from the estate of Allan 'Whitey' Snyder, Marilyn's make-up artist from her first screen test in 1946 until her death...

Marilyn’s Eternity Ring Sold for $516,000

First posted here on December 22, 2011 Last weekend’s ‘Icons of Hollywood’ auction, hosted by Profiles in History, featured several interesting Monroe items which, of course, sold for high prices. Highlights included this photo-booth snapshot of a young Norma Jeane ($4,612.50); various negatives, transparencies and prints; clothing worn in River of No Return, There’s No Business Like Show...

Marilyn’s ‘File My Claim’ Dress Sold for $504,000

First posted here on October 23, 2011 The green velour Travilla gown worn by Marilyn for her role as saloon singer Kay Weston in River of No Return (1954), has sold to a private bidder for $504,000 at the latest Julien’s Auctions event in China. Other best-selling items include: An original poster of Marilyn's 'A New Wrinkle' nude calendar...

Ray Tolman and Marilyn’s Brentwood Hacienda

First posted here on July 8, 2010 Ray Tolman, who designed furnishings for Marilyn's last home (at 12305, Fifth Helena Drive in Brentwood, Los Angeles) has passed away, the Denver Post reports. "Ray Tolman, who built music stands, played the flute and taught sociology in his long career, died at his home near Bergen Park...