Acclaimed among the most famous sex symbols in America, Marilyn Monroe was much more than a vivacious image. After a rough start in Hollywood, she went on to become widely known in her first leading role in the film Niagara, a dramatic performance for the young star. Shortly after, nude prints of her appeared in the very first issue of Playboy. After acknowledging that the photos were of her, the resulting publicity vaulted her fame. Monroe's status rose further, to that of an A-List celebrity, when she played the gold-digger, Lorelei Lee, in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes later that year. Monroe gained rave reviews from the song  dance scene where she performed "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend", which inspired such stars as Madonna, Nicole Kidman and even Anna Nicole Smith. Marilyn and Jane Russell cemented their hand prints in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater during the Los Angeles premiere of the film. 

Presented is an EX/MT 8" x 10" black  white photo (with light discoloration) of Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei from the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes film shoot. (This image was also used for the original movie poster.) She signed and inscribed the photo "To Carlton, Love  Kisses - Marilyn Monroe." (We believe "Carlton" was employed on that movie set.) The autograph is beautifully written in fine-point, dark-blue fountain pen - a signature that contrasts sharply against the lighter background - certainly worthy of "9" in quality.