Before her untimely passing, Marilyn Monroe, the iconic beacon of 1950s Hollywood glamour and a true trendsetter, was unknowingly at the center of a cinematic enigma. Four years prior to her death, a film widely considered a hidden Hollywood biopic was released that, despite denials, bore an uncanny resemblance to her tumultuous life, sparking debates that persist even today.
This controversial 1958 feature, titled ‘The Goddess’, was helmed by director John Cromwell and penned by acclaimed writer Paddy Chayefsky. It starred Kim Stanley in her compelling film debut as Emily Ann Faulkner, a young woman whose arduous journey from a challenging Southern upbringing culminates in her transformation into a renowned star, Rita Shawn.
While Kim Stanley steadfastly maintained that her character was not inspired by Marilyn Monroe, the striking parallels between Emily Ann Faulkner’s fictional life and Norma Jeane Baker’s actual experiences were undeniably profound. Both figures endured lonely childhoods within the foster care system, a shared vulnerability that shaped their early years.
The film delves into themes mirroring Monroe’s public perception, where her status as Hollywood’s brightest star often felt more like a burden than a dream. The immense pressures of fame, coupled with the relentless commodification of her ethereal beauty, are depicted as catalysts for her downfall, leading many to view her tragic end as an inevitability.
Journalistic analysis, such as that highlighted by Far Out, further underscored these connections, noting how Emily Ann Faulkner’s life echoed that of Norma Jeane Baker – Monroe’s real name. Both characters were born to single mothers, struggled with uncertain paternity, and were ill-equipped for raising children, painting a grim picture of their early circumstances.
The resemblances extended beyond childhood, touching upon their personal lives and career trajectories. Both married as teenagers, subsequently divorcing their first husbands to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, both formed unions with famous retired sports stars, and both grappled with addiction, severe mental breakdowns, and even suicide attempts, showcasing a disturbing symmetry in their struggles.
Adding another layer to the enigma, both Emily Ann Faulkner and Marilyn Monroe were brunettes who famously transformed into iconic blondes, a seemingly minor detail that nonetheless reinforces the pervasive feeling of a deliberate biographical portrayal. These detailed echoes made it incredibly difficult for many to accept the notion that the film was merely a work of fiction.
However, the assertion that ‘The Goddess’ was definitively based on Monroe remains contentious. Turner Classic Movies, for instance, published an article acknowledging that while many critics speculated Monroe as the primary model, some also conjectured that the film might have drawn inspiration from the career of fellow star Ava Gardner, particularly given Stanley and Monroe’s shared time at the Actors Studio.
This ongoing debate highlights the enduring fascination with Marilyn Monroe, whose complex life and untimely death continue to inspire artistic interpretations and public discourse. ‘The Goddess’ stands as a poignant, albeit disputed, entry in classic cinema, reflecting the often-harsh realities faced by Hollywood’s most vulnerable and revered icons, prompting viewers to consider the true cost of unparalleled fame.
