Is Marilyn Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Marilyn is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 83 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Marilyn Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1963, Marilyn emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of This 1963 documentary, released less than a year after Marilyn Monroe's death, showcases the star in memorable scenes from her 20th Century Fox films, including wardrobe tests and clips from her last, uncompleted project, "Something's Got To Give". Unlike standard genre fare, Marilyn attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Marilyn features a noteworthy lineup led by Rock Hudson . Supported by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Marilyn (1963) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Marilyn Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Marilyn is a Documentary film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Marilyn Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Marilyn concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to documentary resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the documentary themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Marilyn reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Marilyn?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Documentary films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Marilyn
- Rock Hudson – Narrator
- Marilyn Monroe – Self (archive footage)
- Lauren Bacall – Schatze Page (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Anne Baxter – Kit Dodge Jr. / Eve (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Cyd Charisse – Self ("Something's Got to Give") (archive footage) (uncredited)
Top Highlights
Rock HudsonNarrator
Marilyn MonroeSelf (archive footage)
Lauren BacallSchatze Page (archive footage) (uncredited)
Anne BaxterKit Dodge Jr. / Eve (archive footage) (uncredited)
Cyd CharisseSelf ("Something's Got to Give") (archive footage) (uncredited)
Charles CoburnSir Francis 'Piggy' Beekman (archive footage) (uncredited)
Wally CoxSelf ("Something's Got to Give") (archive footage) (uncredited)
Dan DaileySelf / Terry Donahue (archive footage) (uncredited)
Tom EwellSelf ("The Seven Year Itch") (archive footage) (uncredited)
Betty FieldSelf ("Bus Stop") (archive footage) (uncredited)
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Marilyn is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Marilyn stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1963 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marilyn movie hit or flop?
Marilyn has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Marilyn worth watching?
Marilyn is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Marilyn online?
Marilyn may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
