A lot has been written about Marilyn Monroe. And a lot of people pride themselves on knowing all things Marilyn. But my guess is that most folks have not seen some of her early film work.
For instance, she has a bit part in DANGEROUS YEARS (1948) the lead in Phil Karlson's LADIES OF THE CHORUS, a low-budget film for Columbia from 1949 and she has a tiny role in the Marx Brothers' LOVE HAPPY (1950). Die-hard enthusiasts will gladly recommend her in all of these.
Though she began her ascendancy at 20th Century Fox in 1950, she did not have her first starring role until 1952′s DON'T BOTHER TO KNOCK. For two years, she was put in a series of Fox programmers, playing supporting parts. These second-tier jobs are interesting to watch, because you can see how she has to serve out her apprenticeship under actresses like Bette Davis, Claudette Colbert and Ginger Rogers.
Once she was even loaned out was to RKO for CLASH BY NIGHT, where we find her understudying another major star (Barbara Stanwyck). As always, even in a minor role, she still makes an indelible impression.
All of Marilyn's films, including the early titles, have been released on home video by Fox. That is, except for one she made with Mickey Rooney and Pat O'Brien in 1950 called THE FIREBALL. The copyright for this film was taken over by Warner Brothers, and for years it languished in the vaults. But not long ago, it was released through the Warner Archive, and though we have it now without benefit of special features or the kind of restoration one would like, at least it is commercially available.
The picture was a starring vehicle for Rooney, who plays a daredevil skater that risks his life to impress the right people. And although she's eighth billed here, it is clear who the real fireball is.
