UPDATE: A newly released book unveils the hidden history behind one of the most iconic images in Hollywood: Marilyn Monroe’s subway grate scene from “The Seven Year Itch.” The book, titled “Dear Marilyn: The Unseen Letters and Photographs,” reveals that this legendary moment has roots dating back to 1941 during World War II.
Monroe’s famous photo, captured on September 15, 1954, was the brainchild of photographer Sam Shaw, a close friend of the actress. His granddaughter, Melissa Stevens, disclosed to Fox News Digital that the inspiration for the shot stemmed from Shaw’s earlier work with young women at Coney Island, where he photographed them standing over grates as the wind blew their skirts up. This imagery was popular enough to land on the cover of a magazine called Friday in 1941.
Fast forward to 1954, when Shaw was hired as the still photographer for “The Seven Year Itch.” He recalled the Coney Island photographs while reading the script, which featured a scene where Monroe’s character steps over a subway grate. “The minute that Sam read that in the script, he remembered the 1941 photograph,” Stevens explained. The filming turned into a spectacle, attracting thousands of onlookers to Lexington Avenue and 51st Street in New York City.
As Monroe stood over the grate, a technician operated a wind machine to simulate a passing subway, capturing the moment that would solidify her status as a cultural icon. “The police were completely off guard, more fascinated by watching Marilyn, forgetting the mob,” Shaw noted.
Despite its playful nature, the scene was controversial for its time. “Even though that seems ridiculous today,” Stevens stated, “the censorship and the rules of the Hollywood studio system made it a delicate subject.” The final cut of the film was toned down compared to the live spectacle, yet it still faced backlash from groups like the Catholic Legion of Decency.
The photo shoot had personal repercussions for Monroe as well. Shaw revealed that during the filming, her husband, Joe DiMaggio, walked away in anger, leading to their eventual divorce just weeks later. “I never saw her cry except on television the morning she left Joe,” Shaw reflected.
The book also highlights Monroe’s rise as a powerful figure in Hollywood. Following the film, she demanded more than her starlet salary, seeking better scripts and director approval. “She declared her freedom,” Shaw wrote, demonstrating her assertiveness in a male-dominated industry.
As fans continue to be captivated by Monroe’s story, Melissa Stevens emphasizes that her grandfather viewed her as “tough and strong.” The personal letters included in the book reveal a bittersweet friendship, especially as Shaw offered Monroe solace during her tumultuous life.
Monroe’s legacy, symbolizing the American dream of rising from adversity, resonates deeply with audiences today. As the book launches, fans are reminded not just of her beauty but of her resilience, making this revelation a must-share for those fascinated by film history and cultural icons.