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Amateur Marilyn Monroe film highlights celeb auction
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Amateur footage of Hollywood legends Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable on the set of their classic film "The Misfits" is expected to highlight an upcoming celebrity auction and could fetch up to $100,000.
The sale by Julien's Auctions in Las Vegas on Saturday features more than 400 memorabilia items ranging from actress Pamela Anderson's sports car to a piece of wedding cake from the marriage celebration of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
But the 47-minute film of Monroe and Gable preparing for scenes in 1961's "The Misfits" has drawn a lot of interest ahead of the sale and could bring $50,000 to $100,000, said Darren Julien, president and CEO of Julien's Auctions.
"That's become a focal point because it's behind-the-scenes and has never been seen before," Julien said.
Julien's obtained the film footage from the family of an actor who had a small part in the film.
Hollywood memorabilia has become increasingly popular with movie and television fans, especially aging baby boomers who have expendable income, because the items can trigger fond memories, Julien said.
"It's a way for them to buy back a memory from their childhood, it helps them relive those moments," Julien said.
Monroe's fans will find plenty to invest in. More than 125 lots relating to the actress -- including original photographs, hats and personal checks -- will be auctioned on Saturday.
A slice of royal wedding cake from the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana will be sold in its unopened box. Julien said Princess Diana presented one piece to each of her kindergarten students at the time, and his company obtained it from one of those pupils.
Actress Pamela Anderson's 2000 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster will also go up for auction. Anderson, 40, the former star of the TV show "Baywatch," will be in attendance as her sleek black sports car is sold, Julien said.
The auction will feature items from other Hollywood icons, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley and Marlon Brando. There are some 250 lots of major studio photos and other images as well as paintings of animation art.
Video streaming from the auction will play live over the Internet on AuctionNetwork.com. The site allows viewers to join in bidding as if they themselves were there, which is a new advancement, Julien said.
Reuters/Nielsen
