Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe: “File My Claim” from River of No Return

Of all of the wonderful musical numbers Marilyn performed in her films, this one, from River of No Return is my favorite. I’m not sure I even want to say why. Or break it down. Or analyze the reasons it – and she – is so perfect.

Just enjoy her. She would want you to.


This video disappears from Youtube constantly so watch it while it’s still up, or better yet, just watch the film. You’ll notice that whoever uploaded it put a moving backdrop of scenes from the film BEHIND the clip of Marilyn performing. A way to “hide out” until the powers-that-be strike? Whatever: Enjoy. She’s pure liquid joy.

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2 Responses to Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe: “File My Claim” from River of No Return

  1. Abigail says:

    I haven’t seen this film and must, based on this clip! My favourite Marilyn routine is “Diamonds are a Girl’s best Friend” from “Gentleman Prefer Blondes”. It’s so stylish and beautifully done. I think she’s a hoot in the whole film actually and it really shows what a great comic actress she was. I love the bit where she gets stuck in the porthole! I also think she’s really funny in “How to Marry a Millionaire” when she’s too vain to wear her glasses and keeps walking into walls. That must have taken some doing! I think she shares qualities with Elvis in that both were gorgeous and sexual and yet at the same time endearing and funny. Both also wanted to be stretched in their film careers and do more varied work but weren’t given the opportunities which is a shame. Still, let’s celebrate what we do have.

    • sheila says:

      Abigail – I love her in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes too – and I love her dynamic with Jane Russell. They made such a great pair.

      River of No Return is great and she’s amazing in it – great to see her and Mitchum play scenes together. You wouldn’t know it from this clip but she spends the majority of the film in a plaid shirt and blue jeans, maneuvering on a raft going down a river (you can clearly see it’s her in some of the shots). A rigorous outdoorsy type film which she rarely did. She’s great! I think you’ll really enjoy it.

      and yes, to the comparison with Elvis. Along with the fact that the two of them have grown so much in magnitude after their deaths (like James Dean did) – they were both so intimidatingly gorgeous in almost an unreal way – and yet audiences felt love and protective of them – as opposed to admiration, or intimidation. The warmth of their natural personalities always shone through – and let’s face it, it wasn’t easy to do for either of them with some of the crappy vehicles they were put into! They always shine out though, you can always see THEM.

      I still don’t know how they did it – but like you say, I am thankful that they did and very grateful that we have so much of them that we can still enjoy.

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