On a beautiful evening in the village of Elora, Ontario, Marilyn Monroe returned to the silver screen.  I had approached the owner of the Gorge Cinema with the idea of showing a Marilyn Monroe film.  John & Deidre liked the concept and added "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" to their summer outdoor film festival. 

The film was shown in the theatre's beautiful courtyard with the screen located on the side of the historical building.  Benches were provided or people could bring their own chairs.   Everyone was encouraged to join in the fun and come dressed as Marilyn.  I was going to introduce the film and give away some prizes for the best costumes.

I was very nervous leading up to the event because we had no idea what kind of turnout it would get.  Would people in my community be interested in coming to see a Marilyn film?  My friend Kim came all the way from Toronto and we both wore Marilyn dresses from the film.  The turnout for the film was outstanding, however, not many people were dressed up.  Which is fine - this meant Kim was the #1 Marilyn and got the first prize! There were 2 other people who joined in the fun with 50s themed outfits so I decided to give them both prizes as well.

It was wonderful to hear everyone laughing and enjoying themselves, even my Mom came.  I think she is finally starting to see why Marilyn was so special.  She really enjoyed the movie.  I have already planted the idea of making this an annual event, perhaps next year we could do "Some Like it Hot".

     

    

I had my Marilyn themed bug parked at the entrance so people could have a look.  

 

This is the courtyard as people were filing in.  People started arriving at 8:30 and the film wasn't scheduled to start untill 9:15pm.  After I introduced the film I handed out some prizes for the best costumes.

    

Overall, it was a wonderful way to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the premiere of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  Marilyn has been gone for 46 years but you would never know it with a turnout like this, especially in such a small community.  I really was blown away and I hope to continue to remind people why Marilyn was a star in the first place. 

It isn't about her image on purses and T-shirts or even her tragic death, she was a star because of the way she mesmerizes you on the screen.  I know for a fact the people who saw her tonight left the theatre with an understanding that she really was a talented actress.  I think it is important for people to see and appreciate her films.  That is how we will keep her legend alive.