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Don't Bother To Knock [1953]
![Don't Bother To Knock [1953]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZEF7X1GWL._SL160_.jpg)
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marilyns most underrated performance
Review date: 2007-12-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
`Don't bother to knock' is probably one of Marilyn's least publicized roles yet it proves she always had the ability to act against the dumb blonde typecast she got stuck with.
Marilyn plays Nell Forbes, a mentally disturbed baby sitter grieving the loss of her boyfriend who died during the second world war. After being recently released from a mental institute she gets a babysitting job at the hotel her uncle works at. While there she meets Richard Widmark's character, a cynical pilot having relationship trouble with the hotels lounge singer, and the distinction between fantasy and reality soon blur for Nell.
Its difficult to find flaws.
The scripts well written, the acting emotive and engaging, the story subject engrossing and complex and music is used effectively.
I always find stories more compelling when the characters are complex. So often in movies the protagonist is pure as snow and the villain purely evil which tends to make the characters feel 2D. Marilyn Monroe's character is vulnerable but not always likable and the hero of the piece, Richard Widmark's character, is described as cold and uncaring by his girlfriend at the beginning of the film.
Also, `Don't bother to knock' makes the story revolve around the characters as opposed to the audience feeling the characters are just there to tell a story.
Perhaps the only complaint would be Nell's charge is slightly annoying.
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Reviews
'Marilyn's Best Acting Performance'
Review date: 2007-03-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
'Don't Bother To Knock' is one of the most emotionally charged films that I've ever seen. Marilyn is simply spellbinding in this film and puts in the best performance of her entire career here playing 'Nell' a emotionally and mentally unstable young girl unable to cope with the loss of her fiancee in the war. I rarely get through this film without shedding a few tears for 'Nell' such is Marilyn's skilful portrayal and Richard Widmark is also superb as 'Jed' a guy with plenty of problems of his own. If all you ever saw Marilyn Monroe as was a sexy but empty headed blonde who got where she was by trading on her looks, then you need to watch this film. Marilyn was most certainly a VERY talented actress and this film, though an emotionally difficlut watch at times, is a VERY good and VERY different kind of thriller. Be prepared to face a few 'personal demons' watching this and have a hanky nearby but ENJOY!
Marilyn at her best!
Review date: 2007-02-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
This film is brilliant! By far one of Marilyns best performances of her career. The film shows Marilyn in a very diffrent light to the Marilyn we have seen in most of her films. Her acting is superb, a touching and convincing portrayal of a young women who is emotionally disturbed and has become lost in grief. One of Marilyns best films and one that Marilyn herself said was one of 'her' favourite perfomances that she gave.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Richard Widmark
Anne Bancroft
Willis Bouchey
Marilyn Monroe
Jim Backus
Creators:
Marilyn Monroe (Primary Contributor)
Willis Bouchey (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036025287
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, PAL,
Release date: 2006-05-22
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 76 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1953
Language: English (Original Language)