POP CULTURE ONLINE TRENDS
Rare photo of Marilyn Monroe on top of an elephant at Ringling Bros. Circus
written by Edgar Montemayor Garcia
As fans fondly remember Marilyn every year, let's flash back to a chilly March night in 1955 when Marilyn had an iconic moment having a papparazi frenzy capturing her image. A reporter present that day gives a glipse of that day "For a teenager with raging hormones, it was an awesome experience standing next to the world's most famous woman." Drawing insights from veteran reporter Marvin Scott, who also had a firsthand encounter with the iconic star, we delve into Marilyn's enduring legacy.
With a demeanor that exuded baby doll innocence and a walk that radiated confidence, Marilyn Monroe has left an indelible mark on American pop culture. Garnering tens of thousands of followers on Twitter and over 3 million fans on Facebook, she continues to grace magazine covers, stamps, and even has a line of cosmetics and clothing dedicated to her trademark fashion style.
Marvin had read that Marilyn would be the star attraction at the opening night of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Madison Square Garden. It was a benefit for the Leukemia Society, and Marilyn would ride atop a pink elephant into the arena.
Marvin Scott having contacted the circus's publicity office and secured press accreditation under the guise of covering the event for my high school newspaper, "The Taft Review," found himself armed with a circus pass that granted access to both the arena and backstage.
With his trusty Rolleiflex camera in hand, he clicked away with a sea of fellow paparazzi frenzy as Marilyn, radiant and gracious, made her way towards the pink elephant. The photographers' chorus calling out her name seemed never-ending, and at one point, she turned towards Marvin, throwing back her head and asking in a faint voice, "Is this alright?" It was a surreal moment – Marilyn Monroe speaking directly.
Mounted on the elephant, Marilyn triumphantly rode into the arena, greeted by thunderous applause and cheers from adoring fans. Capturing a great shot of her striding the elephant, I sensed that she reveled in every moment.
In front of the camera, Marilyn possessed a magical quality. Her smile was genuine, but her poses often appeared carefully crafted. As paparazzi clicked the shutter, each shot seemed to generate an electric charge, freezing her image forever in time.
POP CULTURE ONLINE TRENDS
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POP CULTURE ONLINE TRENDS
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