Marilyn Remembered the Fifty-First Anniversary Memorial Celebration Service for Marilyn Monroe

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmuIzTINq-I’]

If Marilyn were standing with us now in present time, then she would have whispered the words, “Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend.” Invited guest, friends, family members, and fans got all glammed up to celebrate the Hollywood icon’s Fifty-First Anniversary Memorial Celebration. Greg Schreiner, President of the Marilyn Remembered fan club, produces the event each year his associate, Scott Fortner manages the clubs operations. The fan club originated on August 5, 1982. Greg Schreiner, Teresa and Catherine Seeger and, Anthony Cordova founded the club with one thing in mind, to honor and celebrate all aspects of Marilyn’s life and to preserve her memory. All who heard of the service came out to celebrate the event, traditionally held at the illustrious Westwood Village Memorial Park. Guest, some icons in their own right, laughed and talked up old memories as the audience viewed the Hollywood actor’s life on screen using the original 1962 eulogy delivered by Lee Strasberg. A list of carefully selected speakers spoke eloquently of Marilyn noting unknown facts and anecdotes about the legendary beauty. Schreiner introduced a classic and elite set starting with, Marian Collier Neuman, James Spada, (author of Marilyn Monroe biography), Danielle Dadigan, Joan Nicholas, George Chakiris, George Barris, and Douglas Kirkland. www.MarilynRemembered.org. George Barris and Douglas Kirkland were the two prominent photographers of that time, who made sure that for her public profile, Marilyn always filmed in the best lighting, the finest clothing and that they captured her inner glow that showed through her fair yet radiant skin. [youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dg7m9smGTk’].George Barris said that Marilyn had the most beautiful derriere that he had ever seen on a woman in his life. Her face could express the most angelic qualities of not quite a full woman but certainly feminine in every way.  That head of brilliantly protected blonde hair also covered up the brains of who some considered genius. Barris was the last photographer to have a session with Ms. Monroe before her passing. Douglas Kirkland, famed photographer of Look Magazine became prominent in the 60’s spoke of how Marilyn had single handedly made his career. At times, she staged her own poses and layouts for a photo shoot. Quite opinionated and even outspoken Marilyn made history by asking for more defined roles and acting parts, for women, as for Hollywood studios, this was unheard of.

Greg Schreiner owns a comprehensive collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, encompassing furniture items from Marilyn’s final home, autographs, cancelled bank checks, including a check to Eunice Murray dated August 4, 1962, film scripts, documents and original costume sketches. Mr. Schreiner also is in possession of one of the largest private collections of Marilyn Monroe screen worn and publicity gowns. In 2006, Greg toured his private collection of Marilyn’s nine gowns, original costume sketches and custom dolls making stops in the US and Japan. The Texas State Fair was proud to exhibit nine Marilyn Monroe gowns from the collection in 2007. The event made history, as it was the most diverse exhibit of Marilyn Monroe items ever shown in one place. After hearing the various speakers one would have to assume that Marilyn was much more than sexual, sensual, or a hot looking chic, she was special. She was delicate and pure, open and private, hauntingly beautiful and grossly misunderstood. If I had to make a careful comparison of Hollywood kindred spirits, both exhibiting the same delicacy it would be to Marilyn that of first African-American nominated actor, Dorothy Dandridge. It was said that Dandridge was so alluring that people would pester her on the streets. Both women were outspoken in an industry wherein there was no acknowledgment given to intelligent women. Monroe had a very healthy shapely body, voluptuous with both beauty and booty, certainly not your average. Dandridge clearly crossed over with her seemingly European qualities, fair skin, and same volupuosity. If the two had lived long enough to have met, it would have made for another shade of pay. Danielle Dadigan spoke on behalf of the Hollywood Museum, which houses, “Marilyn: “The Exhibit,” The Nation’s Largest Exhibition of Authentic Memorabilia.” “Her things feel safe there as they are protected with the utmost concern,” Dadigan said. www.thehollywoodmuseum.com. For the remainder of the celebration, Sue Ann Piner performed a tribute song written by Greg Schreiner entitled, “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep,”

The crowd was invited to party afterwards at the Schreiner home where there was a visible collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, encompassing furniture items from Marilyn’s final home, autographs, cancelled bank checks, including a check to Eunice Murray dated August 4, 1962, film scripts, documents and original costume sketches all personally owned by Mr. Schreiner. Greg also possesses one of the largest private collections of Marilyn Monroe screen worn and publicity gowns. www.MarilynRemembered.org.

“Marilyn touches all of us in some way through her spirit. It is amazing the emotions she elicits. Everyone seems to want to hold and protect her. I cannot think of any other film star who has that power and influence over people.”

~Greg Schreiner

As Marilyn would say, “I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it”.

Marilyn Monroe

 Email Greg at cgriffis55@ca.rr.com

(323) 931-3337