I asked Marilyn Monroe to sit down with me for a few moments after catching her on her way to rehearsing for her latest film, The Seven Year Itch, to discuss her recent divorce with her newly (ex) husband, baseball star Joe DiMaggio. Surprisingly, she agreed, and proceeded to say a few words.
Me (Grace McConnell): Being America's favorite sex symbol, how do you feel about your divorce with your ex husband, Joe?
Marilyn Monroe: "Being a sex symbol is a heavy load to carry, especially when one is tired, hurt, and bewildered." *
Me: What was your daily life like with DiMaggio?
Marilyn Monroe: "I have too many fantasies to be a housewife. I guess I am a fantasy." *
Me: Do you believe your public sensual attention stunts had a lot to do with your separation?
Marilyn Monroe: "If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have gotten anywhere. Men are so willing to respect whatever bores them." *
Me: This photograph was instantly infamous after being taken of you. It's a very scandalous shot. I mean, if you wear that short a dress in public, what do you wear to bed?
Marilyn Monroe: "What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5 of course." *
* Denotes an actual quote of Marilyn Monroe. I tried to work my favorites into this post.
