Niagara. 1953. Directed by Henry Hathaway

Film

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Niagara. 1952. USA. Directed by Henry Hathaway. Courtesy Alamy/20th Century Studios

Niagara. 1953. USA. Directed by Henry Hathaway. Screenplay by Charles Brackett, Walter Reisch, Richard Breen. With Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotten, Jean Peters, Max Showalter, Denis O'Dea. DCP. 88 min.

The first film to give Marilyn Monroe top billing firmly established her as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Amid the thundering backdrop of Niagara Falls, Monroe stars alongside Joseph Cotten in a murder mystery with all the ingredients of film noir—save for its magnificent use of Technicolor. Monroe’s dangerously sensual performance—one look, one step, one move in a bright pink dress spoke volumes—would leave an indelible mark on film audiences, and would help change the fortunes of an industry beset by the threat of television and declining theater attendance.

This film accompanies Marilyn Monroe: Celluloid Dream.

Past events

Wed, Mar 25, 4:30 p.m.

MoMA, Floor T1, Theater 1

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 1
Sat, Mar 14, 7:00 p.m.

MoMA, Floor T2, Theater 2

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2

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