Marilyn Monroe’s Personal Photograph

The 1952 Miss America Pageant Grand Marshal

A vintage 8″x11″ photograph from the personal collection of Marilyn Monroe.

On September 2, 1952, Marilyn took part in her one and only Miss America beauty pageant, as “Grand Marshal,” the first woman to fulfill this honorary role. The event was held at the Atlantic City Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Marilyn’s presence was arranged as part of the Twentieth Century-Fox publicity drive for the launch of her latest film “Monkey Business.” During the festivities, she was asked to pose with several women from the armed services.

Marilyn Meets the Services: Marilyn poses with four representatives of the women’s armed services taking part in the week-long pageant. From left: WAC Sgt. Yvonne Pitt of Thorpe, Wisconsin; WAVE Frances McDonald of Longmont, Colorado; Marine Sgt. Mary M. Jamison of Miami, Florida; and WAF Sgt. Carol A. James of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Click on a photo above for an enlargement.

Important activities in Marilyn’s life around this time include:
-General release of Monkey Business – September 5
-Release of O Henry’s Full House – October 16
-Filming begins on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – November 17

Provenance: Christie’s New York: Film and Entertainment Auction, June 22, 2006