Marilyn Monore: Her Life and Times
             Marilyn Monroe personified Hollywood glamour with an unparalleled glow and energy that enamored the world. An alluring beauty with voluptuous curves and a generous pout, she was more than a 50's sex goddess. Her vulnerability and innocence
             in combination with an innate sensuality has endeared her to global consciousness for
             more than half a century. Marilyn's life demonstrated the effects of her personal struggles as well as the triumph of her spirit, a part of her that continues to survive alongside her image as the legendary Hollywood diva. Her career as an actress spanned 16 years. She made 29 films, 24 in the first 8 years of her career. If she had finished "Something's Got to Give", she would have made 30 films.
             Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 at 9:30 am in the Los Angeles General Hospital under the name of Norma Jeane Mortenson. She was later baptized as Norma Jeane Baker. Her mother, Gladys, had little money, suffered from mental problems, and the identity of Marilyn's father is unknown. Grace McKee, her mother's friend, had Gladys declared insane, committed to a psychiatric hospital. She then took custody of
             Norma Jeane where was then given to a foster family, Albert and Ida Bolender, until she was 7 years old.
             In 1933, Norma Jeane lived briefly with her mother, but in 1934 Gladys again began to show signs of depression and was admitted to a rest home in Santa Monica. When Gladys was admitted to the rest home Grace came and got Norma Jeane. Jean Harlow, a superstar of the twenties, captivated Grace and Marilyn would later say..."and
             so Jean Harlow was my idol." When Grace married Ervin Silliman Goddard in 1935, Norma Jeane was sent back to an orphanage from September 1935 to June 1937. She returned to Grace but when Goddard brought one of his 3 daughters to live with them, Grace sent Norma Jeane away again t...