An unwanted child in search of a permanent home, Norma Jeane Mortenson found temporary comfort in Hollywood as Marilyn Monroe. The silver screen afforded her “a life more interesting than the one I had,” and she eventually conquered the center of a universe built on make believe and myth creation to become the most famous sex symbol of the 20th century. But despite being so well known, Marilyn Monroe was always a mystery to everyone but the person who created her. Norma Jeane Mortenson knew that the icon everyone loved wasn’t real—and that Norma Jeane had the potential to be even more. As she wrote in one of her many notebooks: “The truth can only be recalled, never invented.” This scrapbook recalls many of those truths. And when they are revealed, they do nothing to diminish the significance of an Americam legend. In fact, they only serve to make her legacy even greater and more impressive.
A Woman Ahead of Her Time • An old-fashioned Hollywood star with modern problems, Marilyn Monroe has story that’s still relevant—and unresolved
America Before Marilyn • For long periods in the not-so-distant past, female sexuality was a taboo topic
Norma Jeanee • Born and raised in Hollywood, a young girl struggled to understand who she really was
Bombshell • No overnight success, Marilyn Monroe fought to earn a living in Hollywood
Trapped • Fame—and all its perks—did not bring happiness for Marilyn Monroe
In Control • By moving to New York, Monroe risked everything to take charge of her destiny
Character • Marilyn’s true personality did not match her public persona
Despair, Drugs and Self-Destruction • The final chapter of Marilyn Monroe’s life was a tragedy
The Legend Lives On • Why Marilyn Monroe still matters
Marilyn Monroe
PHOTO CREDITS
The True Story of MARILYN MONROE