The 1952 movie ‘Monkey Business’ brought together major Hollywood stars for a screwball comedy adventure. Directed by Howard Hawks, the film featured Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, Charles Coburn, and a rising talent named Marilyn Monroe. Alongside the making of the film itself, photographs featuring Monroe were created to help promote the movie to audiences.
In ‘Monkey Business’, Marilyn Monroe played the character Lois Laurel, a secretary. While not the lead role, her appearance was notable. The film capitalized on her growing popularity and distinctive screen presence. Photography sessions were arranged, as was standard practice, to capture images that could be used for advertising and publicity.
These photoshoots aimed to create compelling images, known as publicity stills. These pictures were essential tools for Hollywood studios. They were distributed to newspapers and magazines to generate interest before the film’s release. Stills were also often displayed in glass cases outside movie theaters to attract passersby.
